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Fellowship Program Requirements and Details
NamasteDirect Fellowship applicants include students and recent graduates from a variety of fields of study. All applicants must demonstrate a strong interest and commitment to international development and microcredit. Participation in the Fellowship Program requires conversational fluency in Spanish or a Mayan language.
Please note that NamasteDirect Fellowships are unpaid volunteer positions. Fellows are expected to pay for their own expenses. Internal scholarships may be awarded through NamasteDirect for applicants in need of financial assistance.
NamasteDirect Fellows have the unique opportunity to learn first-hand about microcredit by visiting borrowers as well as staff members of Namaste partner organizations in Mexico or Guatemala. Supplementing this learning process, Fellows receive verbal briefings and written materials addressing microcredit, NamasteDirect, and the local social context in the region that they are assigned to visit. Namaste staff and Board members provide expertise, guidance, and mentorship to Fellows throughout their participation.
Fellows' responsibilities include:
- Conducting an audit of a partner organization
- Interviewing microcredit borrowers and tracking a loan group
- Reporting back to the donors who funded the group through a series of letters, video clips, and / or other forms of engaging communication regarding the group of borrowers
- Writing a trip report and presenting a program completion report
- Presenting their experience in their community or at ND events and staying involved in the ND community
The Fellowship Program is designed to be a rewarding experience to Fellows, microcredit borrowers, and donors.
Applying to the Fellowship Program
Fellowship applications are accepted on a rolling basis and fellowships are granted to a
limited number of qualified applicants as positions become available.
To apply, the first step is to email the Program Director the following documents:
- One-page letter of intent explaining your interest in the program
and what you feel you could contribute to the organization through your participation.
- Resume
- Completed Application Form
The second stage of the application process involves interviews, including a brief Spanish diagnostic conversation. Applicants may also submit up to two letters of recommendation (optional) or a list of references with contact information. Applicants may also be asked to submit a copy of academic transcripts.
If you have further questions, please contact NamasteDirect:
NamasteDirect
Attn: Fellowships 1408 Hudson AvenueSan Francisco, CA 9412
(415) 440-2226
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