NAFSA RISE Fellowship

The NAFSA RISE Fellowship is a 2-year professional development program. NAFSA covers all expenses related to this program. See below for for a breakdown of what's included.

Year 1

Fellows enroll in NAFSA's Academy for International Education, a selective year-long development program where trainees are provided foundational training around nine international education professional proficiencies and the primary knowledge areas of international education. The foundational training is enhanced by a personalized learning plan that the Academy trainee develops, which guides and measures the trainee's learning throughout the Academy year, in addition to individualized mentoring.

RISE Fellows will benefit from:

• Coaching from a seasoned international educator
• Increase in their competency as an international educator through an individualized learning plan, training, and networking;
• Knowledge and skills to prepare them to serve as an international education resource at their home institution, and
• A network of international education colleagues, both at the regional and national level, to support them in their professional journey.

As part of their Fellowship, participants receive all Academy benefits including the opportunity to attend three transformational NAFSA events: Spring Training Meeting, NAFSA  Annual Conference & Expo, and a NAFSA Regional Conference (based on participant's geographic location).

Year 2

Fellows implement their individual learning plan to positively impact their institution, campus, and/or community via as follows

• Sharing the experience, knowledge, and skills they have gained through the fellowship via one of NAFSA's publications and/or trainings
• Gathering IE professionals from diverse backgrounds on their campus, virtually or in person
• Giving back to the field by being active in one of NAFSA's volunteer leadership opportunities
• Engaging with the NAFSA RISE Fellows alumni program

For more information about the program please visit the RISE FAQ page.

For more questions and answers on what is included please visit the RISE FAQ page.

To be eligible for the Fellowship, you must meet the following requirements as of the application deadline:

1. NAFSA RISE Fellowship welcomes applications from international education professionals who identify with one or more of the following underrepresented backgrounds*:

• Alaskan Native
• American Indian/Native American
• Asian/Asian American/South Asian
• Black/African American
• Hispanic/ Latinx/o/a /Chicanx/o/a
• LGBTQ
• Middle Eastern
• Native Hawaiian
• Pacific Islander

*List of underrepresented backgrounds is based upon race/ethnic identification questions used in standard campus climate surveys across U.S. higher education institutions.

2. NAFSA RISE Fellows must also be eligible for NAFSA's Academy for International Education. The Academy is right for you if you are at least one of the following:

• A new professional in the field of international education
• Transitioning or would like to transition between core areas of expertise within international education
• Looking to broaden your perspective of the field of international education
• Interested in connecting with others in the field of international education and creating strong professional ties
• Interested in working with an experienced NAFSA coach to help you further your own learning goals

3. Be currently employed full time in the field at a U.S. institution or organization and have been in their current position for at least a year by the program start date. Applicants must be primarily based within the United States to be considered eligible.

4. Participants are expected to commit to a 2-year program as follows:

• In Year 1:
  In addition to a limited series of virtual meetings, participants must attend the following three events: Academy Spring Training; NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo, a Fall Regional Conference (dates and location varies by participant's geographic location)
• In Year 2:
  Participants must attend virtual cohort gatherings, implement an individual learning action and accountability plan, and engage in opportunities described in Year 2 of section above.

For more questions and answers on eligibility please visit the RISE FAQ page.

Meet the NAFSA RISE Fellows and follow their journeys as they become leaders in our field.