2015 Global Leaders Fellowship Program
US-Brazil Connect seeks exceptional college students, young professionals and individuals young-at-heart to join the 2015 Global Leader Fellowship Program. Fellows must be 18 years or older.
Individuals selected for the Fellowship will join Conexão Mundo—an innovative international education initiative designed to help Brazilian students strengthen their confidence and skill communicating in English. After an initial training period, fellows coach Brazilian students in English language skills for a total of 18 weeks.
By developing a mentoring relationship with their assigned students through online platforms and in-person classroom time, fellows have the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, facilitate small groups, work cross-culturally, and develop relationships with Brazilian youth. In addition, fellows train, prepare, and give and receive support with members of their US-Brazil Connect team. Teams are comprised of fellows who may be from the same region, or they may be from across the US, plus 1 to 2 US-Brazil Connect team leaders. This fellowship is a transformative global learning and leadership experience.
In direct contrast to charity projects, this fellowship is part of a mutually-beneficial collaboration founded in joint investment between both Brazilian and US partners.
"The program has allowed me to improve my capacity to thrive in working along lines of difference. Our cultural differences were perhaps our greatest assets as we, my students and I, forged meaningful connections.” – Natal Fellow, 2014
Fellowship Role
- Training: Actively participate in a rigorous training program that combines online and in-person modules. Training consists of one weekend workshop and 5 Saturday online sessions, combined with weekly online assignments with your team of US-Brazil Connect fellows. The emphasis is on leadership development, teamwork, and coaching skill development for facilitating English as a Foreign Language (EFL) activities. The preparation period also examines Brazilian culture and prepares fellows for travel to Brazil.
- Online Coaching: Serve as an online coach to support Brazilian students’ developing confidence in communicating in English. Fellows are required to spend a minimum of 4 hours per week online with students via Facebook and Google Hangout. Online coaching of Brazilian students is required for 8 weeks prior to travel to Brazil and for 6 weeks following return. US-Brazil Connect provides support and guidance for engagement with students. On a weekly basis, fellows will evaluate their students’ participation and report to their team leaders.
- Travel: Fellows travel to Brazil for a 4-week period. Travel dates and site assignments will be determined after enrollment into the fellowship.
- In-Person Coaching: In Brazil, fellows interact with their Brazilian students for 4 to 6 hours per day, leading 2 different groups of students, assisting with daily assemblies, attending field trips with students, and working as a collaborative team member with other fellows and the team leaders. Fellows should also plan to spend 1-2 hours daily for team meetings and lesson planning. The experience in Brazil is intense and challenging. All participants should expect a full and demanding schedule during this time.
- Giving Back: To continue to make the US-Brazil Connect Fellowships accessible to quality candidates, Global Leader Fellows strive to raise $500 in support of the US-Brazil Connect Future Fellows Fund.
- Pay It Forward: US-Brazil Connect is committed to supporting community building and positive relationships. Fellows will be required to complete a “Pay-it-Forward” project by giving back to the community to the community through speaking, writing or other services.
Qualifications
- Genuine interest in cross-cultural exchange: learning about Brazil and connecting with Brazilian high school students while sharing your own culture and life experiences
- Commitment to personal growth and developing skills in global leadership
- Commitment to serving as an online and in-person coach to Brazilian students
- Ability to consistently dedicate a minimum of 8 hours per week to the fellowship in Phase I and Phase III (4 hours of direct coaching to students, 4 hours on fellowship leadership development activities). Willingness to commit at least 6-7 hours per day to the program in Phase II (includes time at the school and planning time/team meetings). There will be a greater time commitment in weeks including the Saturday morning, online training session and weekend workshop in Phase I.
- Ability to use online tools and social media platforms including Facebook, Google Hangout video chats, Google Drive, and other applications
- Comfortable leading small groups independently and facilitating group activities
- Ability to complete all aspects of training, including attending five Saturday meetings online and one in-person weekend-long workshop on May 30-31, 2015
- Respectful of cultural diversity and eager for a cultural immersion experience
- Ability to work cooperatively in a team and maintain a positive attitude
- Possession of excellent reading, writing, and speaking skills in English
- Flexibility to live and work in Brazil for 4 weeks at an assigned site. Site assignments range from thriving urban centers to remote rural areas
- Ability to represent US-Brazil Connect to Brazilian institutional partners, Brazilian students, and the broader community during the fellowship
Qualities of Successful Fellows
We are looking for fellows who will contribute to the success of their team. Characteristics of successful fellows include:
- Being a Creative Partner: This is not an experience to be ‘consumed.’ Candidates applying to the program should be ready to actively work, learn, reflect, give and grow throughout this experience. The true value of this experience can only be experienced when a fellow gives their time, energy and heart.
- Resourceful: Fellows are flexible, adaptable, patient and ready to make the most of whatever challenges come their way.
- Team-oriented: Fellows are able to focus on the goals of the team, collaborate effectively with other team members, and devote the effort necessary to achieve team success.
- Reflective: Fellows are willing to share information, perceptions, and feedback openly while continually striving for growth.
- Optimistic: Fellows believe that a better world is possible and seek to understand what role they can play in contributing to positive change.
- Principled: Fellows possess maturity and the ability to commit to a goal larger than themselves.
Fellowship Support
US-Brazil Connect’s Brazilian partners provide hotel lodging, transportation to and from the school, three meals a day, local health insurance and, upon program completion, a monetary completion award. US-Brazil Connect provides skilled team leaders, intensive training, and a curriculum framework. Fellows are responsible to cover the cost of their passport, roundtrip airfare, visa, required immunizations and any personal expenses.
Eligibility and Application Process
To apply, interested applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age and be either a college graduate or attending college courses. The application period opens on December 19, 2014 until January 30, 2015.
Selection Process
After applications have been reviewed, US-Brazil Connect’s Global Leader Fellowship interview panel will contact semi-finalists to set up an interview either in person or over Skype (location dependent) starting January 25, 2015 to February 12, 2015.
