Application Cycle Update: Summer 2023
You MUST pay your nonrefundable application fee online before submitting an application.
When working on your application form in Princeton's GPS platform, please do not click the "Submit" button until you are completely done. Once you click "Submit" you will not be able to edit your application any further. If you accidentally click "Submit" before you are done, email applications@pila-princeton.org to request that your application be reopened (this will take 24-48 hours).
We will be matching the interests and capacities of the finalists (including some of those deferred from a previous application process) with the needs and requirements of interested partner organizations in the early months of 2024.
APPLYING FOR PRINCETON IN LATIN AMERICA
A Princeton in Latin America fellowship experience is often described as a transformational experience, both for personal and professional development and growth. It is often also the start of a career in development or social responsibility in Latin America. It is an opportunity to join a growing community of alumni, passionate agents for good in an array of sectors.
The fellowship experience varies greatly depending on placement and organization. Some Fellows work closely with a supervisor or colleague(s); others work more independently. Some Fellows work in offices that are filled with local staff; others work with a high number of North American expatriates. Some Fellows live in urban areas like Mexico City or Lima; and others are based in semi-urban and rural areas with limited resources.
No matter the host organization or location, all fellowships last approximately 12 months. Placements are finalized in the early spring and start dates range from June to August. While PiLA will remain in touch with fellows and partner organizations during the term, we would like to stress that fellows must be resilient and take direct responsibility managing their day-to-day working relationships with partners while in the field.
Successful applicants have excellent writing & analytical skills, and show empathy, professionalism and drive. During their fellowship they continue to develop their resilience, vision and agency. Professional Spanish (alternatively Portuguese or French) is essential. Some of our partner organizations ask for highly specific skillsets and types of placements so there is no general formula or rule. However, a sustained record of academic achievement and service, empathy, resilience, commitment and humility are strong indicators of success. Other very important qualities are the so-called "soft" communication and interpersonal skills that include being a good team member, the flexibility to adapt successfully to shifting circumstances during the fellowship, a sense of humor and the capacity to quickly form and be included in a community.
PiLA Fellows come from many fields of study such as STEM, social sciences and humanities, pre-med, law, public policy, education, international relations, communications, and more. PiLA Fellows are from diverse backgrounds including many of Latin American heritage as well as first-generation college students.
Application for Princeton in Latin America fellowships is open to graduates of accredited U.S. and Canadian universities. International students who have graduated within the last 4 years from a college or university accredited in the U.S. or Canada may apply but should note that visa eligibility for destination countries may be a determining factor in placement.
Eligibility
- Open to young professionals and graduating seniors
- Graduate of U.S. or Canadian accredited University
- Professional / advanced Spanish language skills
Application Requirements
- Résumé
- Unofficial transcript(s)
- Professional or academic letter of recommendation
- $100 Application Fee (Nonrefundable. Fee reductions available for students receiving financial aid.)
- Complete Online Application
Incomplete Applications will not be accepted.
Standard Application Timeline
Fellowships begin between June and August and end approximately 12 months after the start date.
Mid-September
Application goes live
November 20th
Application deadline
December - January
Applicants moving to interview stage are notified to sign up for interview day & time
January - February
Virtual interviews (in-person interviews if conditions allow)
March - May
Ongoing partner interviews, placement offers, and acceptance of offers until all spots are filled
Mid-June
MANDATORY Orientation either in Princeton or virtual as conditions allow
June - August
Fellowships begin
The numbers of potential PiLA placements for 2024/5 have not yet been defined, as we rebuilt our team and our valued partner organizations are operating under multiple uncertainties. Program cohort size may be smaller next year than in fellowship cycles prior to the pandemic. Please understand that now, as in previous years, in applying for a PiLA fellowship (and if selected as a finalist), you are applying for the opportunity to be considered for multiple placements, and not applying for any one position or organization. As always, the final decision to offer a placement (as well as the decision of which candidate to select) is taken by our partners.