APPLICATION DEADLINE
The deadline to apply for the 2022-2023 program year was December 1, 2021.
For details regarding the application process, please visit the Cultural Vistas website: culturalvistas.org/alfa
SELECTION INTERVIEWS
Interviews for candidates typically take place in New York City and London between late January and mid-February*. Candidates are invited to the city closest to where they are residing at the time of the interviews.
*Please note, the 2022 Selection Interviews will be held in early March in London and in late March in NYC with a virtual and in-person hybrid setup. Finalists will receive information about the interview process upon notification.
Program Year Timeline
Following is the timeline for a typical program year. Please note for the 2022-2023 program year, the timeline will be delayed by approximately two months.
U.S./U.K./GERMANY-BASED LANGUAGE TRAINING
March-June
- Customized one-on-one Russian language lessons with a qualified tutor in the fellow’s geographical area. This training does not require fellows to relocate and is meant to be completed in conjunction with finishing an academic degree or working.
WASHINGTON, D.C., ORIENTATION SEMINAR
Late April or early May (3 days)
- Program information and logistics
- Intercultural training and preparation
- Topical discussions and meetings on contemporary Russia
RUSSIA-BASED LANGUAGE TRAINING
Mid-June – September
- Small-group classes at a Russian language school in Moscow
MOSCOW SEMINAR PROGRAM AND LECTURES
July – September
- Politics and economics in Russia, including recent developments
- Russian foreign policy
- Law and public policy
- Social and cultural affairs of Russia and Eurasia
- U.S.-Russian, U.K.-Russian, and German-Russian relations
- Cultural events and excursions in Moscow and surrounding regions
REGIONAL TRIPS
July, September, December, April
- Opportunity to visit three other cities in Russia (July, September, April) and another country in the region (December)
- Meetings with local officials, businesses, and other organizations
- Excursions to sites of historical and cultural significance
Please note this schedule is subject to change.
PROFESSIONAL ASSIGNMENT
October – April
- Practical experience at a leading organization in business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, arts/cultural management, among other fields
FINAL EVALUATION/EXIT INTERVIEW
April
- Final review, including an exit interview, individual research and findings, and evaluation of the Alfa Fellowship Program experience