FAQs
Eligibility Questions Application Questions Program Questions
Please look through the questions below to find answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you have an additional question, please feel free to email us at outbound@americancouncils.org.
I'm not a U.S. citizen, can I apply?
No, only U.S. citizens are eligible for funding.
I'm a permanent resident in the U.S., can I apply?
No, only U.S. citizens are eligible for funding.
Can I apply to conduct research in multiple countries?
Yes, applicants can apply to conduct research in a total of two countries maximum.
Can I apply to study more than one language?
Yes, applicants can apply to study a total of two languages maximum.
I do not have a passport, can I apply?
Yes, you can still apply, however we strongly recommend applying for a passport to prevent any delays if awarded a fellowship.
My passport expires within the next 18 months. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply, however we strongly recommend renewing your passport to prevent any delays if awarded a fellowship.
I am using more than one language to conduct research. Should I submit more than one letter of recommendation, assessing my language skills? Should I include a synopsis in each language?
No, please submit only two letters of recommendation total. If you can have a recommender discuss your skills in each language, that would be ideal. If not, have them assess your skills in the main language of your research and discuss your use of the other language(s) in your proposal. Please only submit one synopsis in the language that you will be using most to conduct research.
Where should I mail the application?
Please mail the application to:
American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS
Title VIII Program Officer, Russian and Eurasian Outbound Programs
1828 L Street NW, Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20036
I am overseas. Can I send the application electronically?
American Councils will not accept electronic applications. All applications must be submitted by mail. Please note if you are submitting your application from overseas, you must notify American Councils of your impending application. We highly recommend using an expedited service and also recommend contacting American Councils with the estimated arrival date of your application. Please send an email to: outbound@americancouncils.org.
Does the application need to arrive by October 1st or can it be post-marked on October 1st?
The application needs to be post-marked October 1st.
Can I apply to more than one Title VIII program at American Councils?
No, applicants cannot apply to more than one Title VIII program at American Councils. If you have questions about which program is more suitable for you, please contact the Outbound office at: outbound@americancouncils.org.
I want to conduct research in an area under a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning. Can I still apply?
Please contact the Outbound Department at: outbound@americancouncils.org with information on your research plans.
When will I hear the results of the fellowship? How will I be notified?
All applicants will be notified of the results by mail approximately twelve weeks after the application deadline. If you are selected as an alternate, notification of final funding results could take longer than twelve weeks.
Will American Councils help with visa support?
Yes, participants will receive one single-entry visa. Host university officials and American Councils staff will assist in registering visas overseas. However, it is each individual scholar's responsibility to begin registration and renewals in a timely fashion.
Will American Councils help locate an apartment?
No, participants will need to locate apartments on their own. American Councils is able to arrange dormitory housing in Russia and in some locations (and depending upon availability) can arrange for home stays with local families.
Will I receive letters of support for archival research as part of my award?
Yes, American Councils or the host university will issue letters as needed.
Can I have consultations with a scholar overseas as part of my award?
If you have a contact overseas, American Councils can try to arrange consultations at the host university as part of your award.
Can I bring my family along on the research trip?
There are no restrictions on bringing your family or dependents on your research fellowship, however the fellowship does not provides funds for dependants. Please also note that you must provide proof or purchase overseas insurance coverage for your dependants.
What are the final reporting requirements? When are the due dates?
For fellows on the Title VIII Research Scholar Program and fellows on the Title VIII Combined Research and Language Training Program, you will need to submit a 10 - 20 page working paper on your research accomplishments, to be shared on the American Councils website and with the Department of State. You will also be asked to complete an online program evaluation.
For fellows on the Title VIII Southeast European Language Training Program, you will need to submit a 3 - 5 page working paper on your language gain, to be shared on the American Councils website and with the Department of State. You will also be asked to complete an online program evaluation.
Final reports and the program evaluation must be completed within one month of completing your Title VIII fellowship.
