Abroad Award
US Citizenship Not Required

PiLA Fellowships are open to motivated, service-minded young professionals and graduating seniors who are ready to make an impact in Latin America and the Caribbean. Please review the following eligibility criteria carefully:

• • Graduating seniors and early-career professionals are eligible to apply.

  • Applicants must hold a degree from an accredited university in the United States or Canada (or be on track to graduate before the fellowship start date).

  • Professional or advanced proficiency in Spanish is required for nearly all PiLA fellowships — fellows must be able to live and work independently in Spanish-speaking environments.

What Makes a Strong PiLA Fellow?
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but here are the qualities and experiences in strong applicants:

Core Qualities

• Adaptability and flexibility — You are comfortable adjusting to new environments and navigating uncertainty.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills — You can listen deeply, communicate across cultures, and build trust with colleagues and community members.
• Resilience and problem-solving — You face challenges with creativity and determination, maintaining a sense of professionalism and calm under pressure.
• Teamwork and collaboration — You value working with others, contribute positively to group dynamics, and know when to lead and when to support.
• Empathy and humility — You approach your work with openness, cultural sensitivity, and respect, recognizing that you are a guest in the communities you serve.
• Commitment to service and social impact — You are driven by a genuine desire to support community-led change and learn from those you serve.
• A sense of humor and perspective — You know how to laugh at yourself and navigate challenges with grace, which is essential for long-term success in the field.

Skills & Experiences
While not all placements require specialized expertise, many partners seek fellows with specific skillsets. These may include:

• Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills — for drafting reports, proposals, and conducting needs assessments.
• Professional or advanced Spanish language proficiency — essential for working and communicating effectively.
• Teaching or tutoring experience — especially for education-focused placements.
• Data analysis, monitoring & evaluation, and research skills — for roles involving program evaluation, impact measurement, and strategic planning.
• Curriculum design and educational programming — for organizations working in schools or community education settings.
• Communications and social media management — for helping partners amplify their mission and engage stakeholders.
• Grant writing, development, and fundraising experience — for organizations seeking support in resource mobilization.
• Public health or community health education — especially for organizations working on health access and equity.
• Environmental conservation, research, and fieldwork — for placements focused on sustainability and biodiversity.

General Expectations
A record of academic achievement and service, demonstrating initiative, leadership, and commitment to social justice.

• Professional Spanish — nearly all placements require fellows to live and work independently in Spanish-speaking environments.
• Maturity and readiness to take on meaningful professional responsibilities in diverse organizational and cultural settings.

As recipients of a PiA fellowship, Fellows receive:

• An immersive, paid work opportunity at a host organization in Asia. Please note that PiA Fellows are employees of their host organization and not of PiA.
• A living stipend paid by the host organization. The stipend is intended to foster an immersive experience in the host community and is designed to cover the cost of housing, groceries, telecommunications and local transportation.
• Health and safety resources including travel medical and emergency evacuation insurance; 24/7 emergency medical and security assistance, including mental health support; pre-departure training and resources, including a travel safety and risk management manual.
• A pre-departure orientation program including content on cross-cultural communication; living your identity in Asia; health, safety, and risk management; insights into host countries and regions; and connections to the PiA alumni community. Teaching Fellows will also receive access to a 120-hour Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) online certification course.
• Reimbursement for visa expenses in the US. For all Fellows, PiA will reimburse costs associated with obtaining a visa for their host country, including application fees, document notarization, and travel to the local consulate or embassy.
• Funding for language study in the host country. All Fellows are eligible to apply for a language grant to study the language of their host community. Awards may depend on country/region, language, and benefits offered by host organizations.
• Assistance with student loan deferment in the form of letters issued to student loan agencies.
• Country and Area Advisors. Each country in which PiA operates has one or more designated Country or Area Advisors with significant experience and local knowledge of the host country. Country Advisors enhance Fellows’ cultural immersion by sharing knowledge on local culture, behavior, and norms.
• Alumni Network. Upon completion of the fellowship, Fellows will be invited to join PIA’s Alumni and Friends Network. This includes access to a digital platform for PiA alumni and alumni events worldwide. Fellows also receive access to the Alumni Mentor Directory and are encouraged to connect with alumni for career mentorship.

To be considered for a PiLA Fellowship, applicants must submit a complete online application, which includes:

• Résumé — outlining academic, professional, and volunteer experiences.

• Unofficial transcript(s) — from all colleges and universities attended.

• One professional or academic letter of recommendation — must be submitted to the application portal directly by the recommender.

• $100 Application Fee — Nonrefundable. Fee waivers are available for students who receive financial aid — see application for details.

  Applicants who are Pell Grant recipients or currently receiving U.S. federal financial aid may request a reduced application fee.

  To request a reduced fee:

  1. Email: applications@pila-princeton.org

  2. Subject line: “PiLA Application Fee Waiver”

• Note:

  • Incomplete applications will not be reviewed — be sure to submit all required materials on time.

  • Late materials will not be accepted after the posted deadline.