Project Proposals

Senior Fellow applicants will propose independently organized projects that will contribute to their professional and leadership goals and fulfill the HAESF mission. Examples of proposals could include: academic research, practical exchange of expertise between the Fellow and his/her American colleague, observing and training with an industry professional in the U.S., etc. Senior Fellows are responsible for submitting a project proposal, independently establishing contacts with a potential host organization in the U.S., and obtaining an official invitation letter signed by the host organization's representative. The letter should specify the start and end dates of the project and resources to be provided by the host organization. HAESF will provide the funding for Fellows to realize their projects.

Project Duration

The HAESF Fellowship allows for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 12 months of training, including a settling-down period of up to 10 days. The U.S. visa regulations allow J-1 visa holders to arrive up to 10 days before the beginning of the Fellowship and spend up to 30 days for purposes of travel after the completion of the Fellowship (at Fellows' own expense). Fellows who are applying for a one-year Fellowship should be aware that a plane ticket allows for the maximum stay of 12 months. Those who decide to come to the U.S. up to 10 days before the start of the 12-month program and stay in the country after the training for the additional 30 days, will have to purchase another return ticket at their own expense. If that is not an option, but you still want to travel in the U.S., a slightly shorter Fellowship should be considered, so that the training, the settling-down week and travel time does not exceed 12 months. You also have an option of purchasing two one-way tickets (see below).

Airfare

The HAESF Budapest office will purchase the Fellow's plane tickets after s/he secures his/her J-1 visas. The Fellow's plane ticket allowance will be based on the best available round-trip price. There are two plane ticket options available to choose from: one round trip ticket for the maximum of 12 months fully paid for by HAESF in advance; or two one-way tickets - first ticket paid for by HAESF in advance and the return portion purchased by the Fellow at a later date with the remainder of the allowance. The Fellow will be responsible for any additional costs of the return flight.

General Award Info

The maximum amount a Fellow is eligible to receive is $50,000 USD for 12 months. HAESF considers it to be a generous award, significantly above average when compared to similar Fellowship programs. Please be advised, however, that the award is meant to cover project-related costs and basic living expenses for a comfortable standard of living, but does not provide for an extravagant lifestyle or paying for all dependent related expenses.

Awards cover the following:

• one round-trip plane ticket from Hungary to the U.S.
• room and board
• local travel
• travel health insurance
• visa processing fees
• personal allowance
• professional expenses (project-related travel, research costs, conference, etc.)
• 10-day “settling-down” expenses

Awards do NOT cover:

• significant amount of dependents' expenses
• travel health insurance for dependents
• vacation/ leisurely travel in the U.S.
• gift or pleasure shopping
• hardware or equipment purchases (computers, laptops, printers etc.)
• additional expenses that pertain to lifestyle preferences

Fellows are asked to conduct detailed cost research and thoroughly follow budget guidelines included on the Application Form before completing a budget proposal form. Budget proposals cannot be modified by the applicant after submission. Please note, that the grant amount awarded by HAESF may be different from the budget proposal submitted by the Fellow. The decision depends on the overall quality of the proposal including financially and professionally reasonable requests and realistic expectations.

Individual Awards

Monetary amounts vary from Fellow to Fellow depending on the length, location and nature of the individual project. The award amounts are determined in advance based on each Fellow's individual circumstances and are not negotiable. The maximum amount cannot exceed $50,000 USD for 12 months.

Funding for Dependents

HAESF understands the importance of providing an opportunity for the Fellows to bring their families along. At the same time HAESF seeks to remain true to its primary mission of providing financial grants to accomplished Hungarians to gain valuable professional experience in the U.S. For that reason, the Fund believes that a larger part of the funding granted to the Fellow should go to support HAESF's mission.

Fellows who are planning to bring their spouse and/or dependents with them should be prepared to have sufficient personal funds to cover most family-related expenses. Fellows will be solely responsible for all of their dependents' travel expenses and health insurance. HAESF will provide a modest increase to Fellow's calculated monthly award to help Fellows support their family members – however, the total award cannot exceed $50 000. Family allowance is calculated as follows for the maximum of three dependents:

1 dependent – 25% increase in Individual Monthly Award
2 dependents – 65% increase in Individual Monthly Award
3 dependents – 80% increase in Individual Monthly Award

A dependent is defined as any legally married spouse and minor unmarried children under the age of 21 years old.

Housing

Selected Fellows will be responsible for locating and securing adequate housing for themselves. Housing should be within a reasonable commuting distance to and from work, accessible to public transportation and in a safe neighborhood. Living in a safe and affordable residential area usually involves a commute of anywhere between 10 minutes to an hour. Longer commutes in large metropolitan areas of the U.S. are to be expected.

Visa Services

HAESF will assist Fellows and their dependents in securing J-1 visas administratively and monetarily. Ultimately, however, HAESF cannot guarantee the receipt of a U.S. visa. Fellows will be responsible for completing all visa forms in a timely and accurate manner, meeting with U.S. consular officials for an interview, and maintaining and submitting appropriate documentation.

Fellowship Restrictions

Selected Fellows will be asked to abide by all US laws, US government's rules and regulations for the program as well as HAESF's internal policies, such as:

• HAESF Fellows cannot work, take a second traineeship or volunteer while in the U.S. unless such an arrangement is approved by CIEE in advance.
• HAESF Fellows are not allowed to receive any other compensation in addition to their total HAESF Fellowship Award.
• 3-Year Home Residency Requirement : Upon completion of the HAESF program Fellows (on a 6-12 month Fellowship) are required to return to Hungary for a minimum of three years, and are not permitted to stay or attempt to stay in the U.S. or any other foreign country, including to work or pursue work. Fellows on a short-term Fellowship (shorter than 6 months) are subject to a 2-year requirement. The residency requirement may be waived in limited instances, such as for some Fellows who are accepted at an educational institution abroad or Fellows visiting foreign countries on a tourist visa or a short-term business visa related to Fellows' work activities based out of Hungary. Prior to finalizing any such arrangements that may affect the residency requirements, Fellows are required to inform the HAESF Budapest office and receive approval from HAESF with respect to those arrangements. Fellows who do not meet the residency requirements without the permission of HAESF or CIEE may be required to refund their Fellowship amount.

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