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The fellowship program consists of the following elements:
TUITION.
The program pays tuition, room and board, travel, and mandatory fees during the junior and senior years, as well as during the first year of graduate study, including reimbursement for books. Participating schools provide financial support in the second year of graduate study based on need.
JUNIOR YEAR SUMMER INSTITUTES.
Fellows must attend one of five graduate schools of public policy and international affairs between the junior and senior years (seven to eight weeks in length). The typical curriculum consists of course work in economics, quantitative methods, and policy analysis, with exercises to develop oral and written communication skills. Provision for housing, meals, a stipend and travel to and from the Institute is included.
WORK COMPONENT. After graduation from college and before entering graduate school, students will work for the Department of Commerce in a
domestic office and will gain the practical experience necessary for acceptance to graduate school. While in graduate school, students will work part-time for Commerce, and during the summer between the first and
second year of graduate school they will be assigned to an overseas post. Upon completion of their graduate studies, they will receive a one year overseas assignment.
GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS.
Eligible students who successfully complete the undergraduate and work components of the program and are accepted by one of the participating graduate schools of international business or commerce will receive Foundation support for the first year of graduate study.
CORE CURRICULUM.
College course work must be completed in the following or equivalent: English composition, foreign language, U.S. political systems, micro-economics, U.S. history, comparative world politics, international trade and world finance or economic development, modern non-western history and U.S. political science.
MENTORING. Experienced Commercial Service Officers and Domestic Trade Specialists provide personal guidance during the work component and the
graduate degree program. Mentors recommend additional support and provide experiences Fellows may need to maximize success in career progression and assignments.
TESTING.
Fellows are expected to demonstrate competency on the Commercial Servicewritten examination and the oral assessment for entrance into the Commercial Service. Testing will emphasize theoretical knowledge as well as the ability for practical application gained through formal education and experience in the work environment.
CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT. Each successful candidate is obligated to serve a minimum of four and a half years in the Commercial Service.
Candidates who do not successfully complete the program and the Commercial Service entry requirements may be required to reimburse the U.S. Department of Commerce.
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