Future African leaders are assisted by Princeton in establishing lifelong ties to the continent’s people and nations. For paid one-year service placements, we pair talented and driven college grads or young professionals with high-impact organizations working throughout Africa. Through our Fellowship program, our Fellows are given the opportunity to significantly improve the welfare of Africa and forge deep connections with local communities as well as with one another. Since its inception in 1999, Princeton in Africa has paired nearly 700 Fellows with 100 highly effective host organizations in 37 different African nations. Fellows support African institutions in the fields of business, economic development, and education. These collaborations have improved the lives of future African leaders and institutions.
Princeton in Africa is not limited to Princeton graduates only. All graduates from U. S. Applications for the general fellowship program may be submitted by accredited institutions. Candidates for Nexus must have a university degree from Africa and must reside on the continent of Africa.
Princeton in Africa Nexus will pair 5 Africa Fellows educated and residing on the African continent with 5 Fellows educated at U.S. universities starting in 2023. S. Organizations on the African continent are hosted by accredited institutions in the same fellowship for a co-fellow exchange of skills, knowledge, leadership, and technical expertise. The Nexus is a new component of PiAf’s renowned fellowship program designed for emerging leaders with a U S. -accredited institution!.
Princeton in Africa will offer pre-departure orientation, a mid-year leadership retreat in a secluded location in Africa, medical insurance, security insurance, resilience support services, and professional support throughout the Fellowship year. A modest living allowance will be given by the host organizations to cover their costs of subsistence in the host nation.
Fellowships are 12 months long. The fellowships will begin between June and August 2023. When applying to PiAf, you must be prepared to make a 12-month commitment.
The 2023-2024 Princeton in Africa Fellowship application deadline is Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 at 11:59 PM Eastern.
People will be chosen for virtual interviews in January based on the application and submitted documents.
The 2023-2024 Fellowship Application is closed. Click here for more information.
A Princeton in Africa fellowship experience is a unique chance for growth and development on both a personal and professional level. It is frequently described as a way to get a foot in the door of the continent of Africa’s development field. It is also a chance to become a part of a vibrant community of PiAf alumni.
The fellowship experience varies greatly depending on placement and organization. Some Fellows collaborate closely with their supervisors or colleagues, while others prefer to work alone. Some Fellows work in offices with a large number of local employees, while others do so in offices with a large number of expatriates. Some Fellows reside in urban areas like Johannesburg and Nairobi, while others work in remote, underdeveloped areas.
No matter the host organization or the location, all fellowships last for a year, and all Fellows receive assistance from the staff, alumni, and other Fellows of Princeton in Africa. Community is a PiAf guarantee.
How the placement process works:
Expenses For the Fellowship:
Each Fellow, each fellowship organization, and Princeton in Africa invest in the Princeton in Africa experience. The following funding arrangements are in place.
Fellows cover:
- Transportation to and from Princeton for interviews and orientation
- $350 program placement fee upon acceptance of a post
- Round-trip airfare to and from post in their host country.
- Pre-departure medical costs (vaccinations, medications to prevent malaria, personal medications, and a visit to fill out a medical release form)
- Depending on the position, the fellow may pay for the cost of a visa or work permit.
PiAf is dedicated to ensuring that all applicants can take part in the program regardless of their financial situation. Once selected, Fellows with a need can submit an application for financial aid. Applicants with a demonstrated need should contact piafapp@princetoninafrica directly after submitting their application. org.
Princeton in Africa/Fellowship Organizations cover*:
- Housing and living stipend
- Certain visas/work permits
- Medical, medical evacuation, security evacuation insurance
- Pre-departure orientation housing and meals
- Mid-year Retreat partial travel allowance and meals/housing
*Fellowship packages vary depending on the post; specifics will be included in the offer letter before a Fellow accepts it.
Princeton in Africa was established as an independent affiliate of Princeton University in 1999 by a group of alumni, faculty, and staff who were motivated by the university’s unofficial motto, “Princeton in the Nation’s Service and in the Service of All Nations.” In order to meet the growing demand from host organizations and give more young professionals access to the special opportunities provided by PiAf, the program opened up to include graduates of any US accredited university in 2010. More than 600 Fellows have been placed with more than 100 organizations in 36 countries over the past 20 years, and we have also expanded our strategic partnerships in Africa and given our alumni community more opportunities to interact with the continent and one another.
Since our very first Fellows arrived in Rwanda in 1999, The International Rescue Committee has been extremely fortunate to have a long-standing relationship with Princeton in Africa. We have been blessed by the relationship, the caliber of the Fellows, and the impact on what IRC does on the ground every single day, whether it was Emily or Renee in 1999 or the 110 Fellows across 14 IRC countries over the years.
The most significant opportunity I’ve ever had for professional and personal growth has been my fellowship. I desired a post-college experience that would challenge me, take me outside of my comfort zone, and direct me toward the next steps in my professional development. And this has been the case.
Sincerely, I can say that this year has altered both my outlook on the future and my life. The Princeton in Africa program is more than just a one-year fellowship; it serves as an introduction to a particular culture and a fresh perspective on the world. I feel like a lot of previously unimaginable doors have opened up now.
My Princeton in Africa fellowship exceeded my expectations in every way. My head is spinning from the variety of experiences, which has only increased my desire to assist underserved populations around the world.
Princeton in Africa was an invaluable experience for me. I gained a plethora of knowledge from my work and living in Uganda. I also came to the realization that I want to keep tackling African issues for as long as I can.
The International Rescue Committee has had exceptional results with Princeton in Africa. Each Fellow brings to the program and the field office environment exceptional writing and analytical skills as well as their own special interests and passions. We were so happy that we added more field offices to the program.
Through its Secure the Future program, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation has worked in Africa for more than 11 years. Having passionate, vivacious people on the ground who can think outside the box and then transfer the skills for sustainability is a common theme in all aspects of program implementation. Our programs and patients have benefited greatly from the Princeton In Africa Fellows’ contributions in this area.
Get Paid to Build & Drive Impact: Princeton in Africa
FAQ
How competitive is Princeton in Africa?
With a placement rate of approximately 10%, admission into the program is very competitive %E2%80%94 Fellows who are accepted are extremely accomplished individuals who are eager for experience working in Africa, particularly in the humanitarian and development field
What motivates you to apply for a Princeton in Africa Fellowship?
A Princeton in Africa fellowship experience is a unique chance for growth and development on both a personal and professional level. It is frequently described as a way to get a foot in the door of the continent of Africa’s development field. It is also a chance to become a part of a vibrant community of PiAf alumni.
Why Princeton in Africa?
Future African leaders are assisted by Princeton in establishing lifelong ties to the continent’s people and nations. For paid one-year service placements, we pair talented and driven college grads or young professionals with high-impact organizations working throughout Africa.
What is the Princeton in Africa Fellowship?
Princeton in Africa (PiAf) offers one-year fellowships in areas like humanitarian aid, public health, education, conservation, post-conflict reconstruction, and social entrepreneurship in nations all over the African continent.