International Affairs Fellowship in Canada

The Program

Launched in 2016, the International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Canada, sponsored by Power Corporation of Canada, seeks to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between rising generations of leaders and thinkers in the United States and Canada. The program enables one to two mid-career professionals each year to spend six to twelve months at a Canadian institution to deepen their knowledge of Canada. Fellows come from academia, business, government, media, NGOs, and think tanks.

The IAF in Canada provided a unique and unparalleled opportunity to learn about Canadian policymaking through effective engagement with government, civil society, and academia. It could not have come at a more appropriate time to observe this key bilateral relationship.

Michelle Egan, Professor and Jean Monnet Chair ad Personam, School of International Service, American University (2018–19 IAF in Canada)

Eligibility

Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Applicants must be mid-career professionals.
Applicants must have a U.S. passport, valid through six months after the fellowship end date.
Applicants must possess a strong record of professional achievement.
Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to a career in foreign policy and have an interest in U.S.-Canada relations.
Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree.

Although the program is intended primarily for those without substantial experience in Canada, applicants with experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that the fellowship would add a significant new dimension to their career.

IAF in Canada fellow at his placement organization — Cuong Huynh at the Institute for Research on Public Policy (2022-23 IAF in Canada)

Fellowship Award

The fellowship runs between six and twelve months. The program awards a stipend of $110,000 for a period of twelve months (or a prorated amount if the duration is shorter) as well as a modest travel allowance. Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR and are ineligible for employment benefits, including health insurance.

CFR will work with its network of contacts to assist selected fellows in finding a host organization that best matches the fellow’s proposed work in Canada. CFR cannot guarantee placement at any specific agency or organization. The fellowship is intended as an in-person experience; fellows should expect to work on-site with their host organization or agency at least two to three days per week.

A wonderful opportunity to explore U.S.-Canada relations. This fellowship was the chance of a lifetime.

Lindsay Rodman, Director of Communications and Legal Strategy, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (2017–18 IAF in Canada)

Selection Process

Selection as an IAF in Canada is based on the following criteria:

scholarly qualifications
professional experience
firm grounding in foreign policy
merits and feasibility of a project proposal that relates to U.S.-Canada relations
character and personal qualities conducive to promoting cross-cultural communication and cooperation

The selection process is highly competitive. The selection committee chooses one to two candidates each year as fellows.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the program’s eligibility requirements can apply online between July 1 and October 31, 2023, for the 2024–25 application cycle.