Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program

Frequently Asked Questions:
Application Process

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline for the 2012-2013 program year is October 15, 2011.

What are your citizenship requirements?

Only U.S. citizens are eligible. Permanent residents or citizens of other nations may not apply.

What are the age requirements for the program?

Applicants must be between the ages of 23 and 34 at the application deadline.

What kind of candidates are you looking for?

Ideal candidates have a master's degree (or a JD),2 years of professional experience in one of the application fields listed below, outstanding academic records, a genuine interest in Germany and Europe, and active involvement in community affairs and/or public affairs. If the applicant does not hold a graduate degree, at least five years of relevant work experience is expected.

What fields are candidates chosen from?

Candidates are chosen from business, journalism, law, public policy, international relations, and closely related fields.

How competitive is the program?

In the past, we have received up to 600 applications for the 20 fellowships.

What do I need to send to Cultural Vistas to apply?

A complete application includes the application form, a personal statement (maximum of 850 words—approx. 1.5 pages single spaced), a resume, official university transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Please do not staple any documents, or include extraneous materials such as report covers, supplemental recommendations, or publications. Please submit the application, resume, and personal statement online. Official transcripts and recommendation letters must be received by October 15 at the following address:
Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program
c/o Cultural Vistas
440 Park Avenue South, 2nd Fl
New York, NY 10016

Signed and sealed recommendation letters and official transcripts may be sent directly by the recommenders and university registrars or in one package from the applicant.

What should the personal statement include?

A personal statement (maximum of 850 words – approx. 1.5 pages single-spaced) should describe short and long-term career plans, interest in transatlantic relations, and personal objectives for the proposed stay in Germany. It is essential to propose at least one institution for each work phase: one in the public sector and one in the private sector, explaining how these work phases/specific institutions would complement the applicant’s professional development. Journalists do not necessarily need to propose a public sector work phase, but can propose two different media outlets, for example. Applicants should also include proposals of seminar topics related to current affairs in Germany and the European Union. (More than seven weeks during the fellowship year are spent traveling for the seminar program. Fellows’ input is important in determining which topics should be focused on during this time.)

Who should write the letters of recommendation?

Recommenders can be recent supervisors or professors who have worked closely with the applicant. At least one professional recommendation is strongly encouraged.

Recommenders should use these letter writing guidelines: [PDF]

To whom should the letters of recommendation be addressed?

Letters of recommendation should be addressed To Whom It May Concern, or to the "Members of the Selection Committee".

May I send more than two letters or recommendation?

Please send only two letters of recommendation. Additional letters of recommendation will not be read.

Must I fill out the application forms even though all my information is on my resume?

Yes, the application form must be completed in full.

What is the timeline for the application process?

October 15: Application deadline. Online applications must be submitted and original documents must be received by Cultural Vistas by 11.59pm EDT. Please do not contact Cultural Vistas regarding the status of your application.

By October 31: Application status (complete/incomplete) will be sent via email.

By December 16: Reviewed application status/invitation to interview will be sent via email.

January 17-19: Interviews take place in New York City.

Who is involved in the review of applications and determination of interview status?

The pre-selection committee is composed of a confidential committee of experts.

When are interviews?

Interviews for the 2012-2013 Bosch Fellowship will take place in New York City from January 17 - 19, 2012. 44 candidates will be invited to interviews.

Who are the Selection Committee members?

The Selection Committee is composed of Americans and Germans who are prominent in the fields covered by the Bosch Fellowship and actively involved in international relations. Please note that the decision of whom to grant the fellowship is made solely at the discretion of the Selection Committee members.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Program Information

What is the duration of the Fellowship Program?

The program runs from September 1 through May 31 of the following year. Up to 7 months of language trainging in the United States (part-time February – May) and Germany (full-time June – August) may be required of fellows before the September 1 program start date.

What is the program timeline?

Seminar I – September (3 weeks)
>Focus on federal-level politics in Germany, private sector developments, as well as social and cultural affairs
>Germany’s relations with its eastern neighbors
>Visits to major cities in Germany and neighboring countries

First Work Phase – October through December
>Work experience in federal or state government (ministries, parliament, courts, etc.), designed primarily to enable fellows to gather information on policy-making and jurisdiction
>A work phase in media, business enterprises or other ¬entities may be arranged if there is no position available in a public institution that matches the fellow’s interests

Seminar II – January (2 weeks)
> Focus on state-level politics and the diversity of regional identities in Germany through visits to major German cities

Second Work Phase – January through May
>Project-based assignment in local government, private corporations, banks, law firms, associations, media, or cultural institutions

Seminar III – March (2 weeks)
>Focus on the European Union and Germany’s role as a member state
>Visits to the headquarters of the Commission of the European Union and NATO in Brussels
>Visit to another European capital

Final Evaluation of Program Year — May (3 days, Berlin)

What are some examples of past host institutions for the work phases (stages)?

Below are examples of institutions that have hosted Bosch Fellows in the past. Fellows are not limited to this selection:

Sample Federal Ministries >Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office)
>Bundesanstalt für vereinigungsbedingte Sonderaufgaben (Federal Office for Reunification Issues)
>Bundesaufsichtsamt für das Kreditwesen (Federal Oversight Office for Banking)
>Bundeskartellamt (Federal Cartel Office)
>Bundesministerium der Justiz (Federal Ministry of Justice)
>Bundesministerium für Umwelt, Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit (Federal Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety)
>Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft (Federal Ministry of Economics)
>Presse- und Informationsamt der Bundesregierung (Federal Press and Information Office)
>Berlin Senate Department for Urban Development
>Supreme Court
>German Institute for International and Security Affairs
>Federal Bank

Sample Private Firms / NGOs
>Bertelsmann AG
>Boston Consulting Group
>Daimler-Chrysler
>Deutsche Bank AG
>International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives
>Jones Lang Wootton GmbH
>KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft
>Robert Bosch GmbH
>Quadriga Capital Management GmbH
>Schering AG
>Siemens AG
>UNHCR
>Volkswagen AG
>Deutsche Telekom AG
>World Bank
>UN High Committee on Refugees
>International Organization for Migration
>Ecologic
>Aspen Institute

Sample Media Outlets
>Der Spiegel
>Deutsche Welle
>Die Zeit
>Der Tagespiegel
>International Herald Tribune
>Washington Post
>ZDF
>n-tv
>National Public Radio
>DeutschlandRadio

Who arranges the two work phases?

In general, the Robert Bosch Foundation arranges the work phases in cooperation with the fellows, who are responsible for identifying any ministries or companies where they would like to work; however, fellows are encouraged to make their own contacts and advise the Robert Bosch Foundation in this matter. (Please do not contact potential host institutions to set up work phases during the application process.)

May I work a second job in Germany while on the fellowship?

A second occupation is generally not permitted. Any exceptions require the approval of the Robert Bosch Foundation.

May I bring my spouse? Can he/she work in Germany while I am there?

Yes, a spouse (also same-sex) may accompany the fellow. Couples must present a copy of their marriage certificate to be eligible for any spousal benefits, such as a supplement to the fellow’s monthly stipend. The spouse may accept an offer of employment in Germany, but the fellow must notify the Robert Bosch Foundation about such changes immediately.

May I bring my children?

Yes, children may accompany the fellow. A supplement to the monthly stipend is available for fellows with accompanying children.

Does the program cover health insurance?

The Robert Bosch Foundation provides the fellow and his or her accompanying family members with a comprehensive health insurance.