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 up to the maximum allowed.

Project Duration

The HAESF Fellowship allows for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 12 months. HAESF allows participants to arrive up to 10 days prior to the start of the program. After completion of the Fellowship, U.S. visa regulations allow participants to remain in the U.S. up to 30 days for purposes of travel (at Fellows' own expense).

General Award Info

Monetary awards vary from Fellow to Fellow depending on the length, location and nature of the individual project. The maximum award a Fellow is eligible to receive is $60,000 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. Awards does not provide for an extravagant lifestyle, paying for all dependent related expenses, or personal obligations in Hungary.

Awards may cover the following:

• one round-trip economy based airfare 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.)
• “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

When submitting budget proposals, Fellows are asked to thoroughly follow budget guidelines included on the Application Form and provide reasonable estimates. 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. Final awards are determined based on established guidelines and are not negotiable.

Airfare

Fellowship allow for one round-trip economy based airfare. 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.

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.

Funding for Dependents

While similar Fellowship programs do not provide funding for dependents, HAESF understands the importance of providing the opportunity for Senior Fellows to bring their families. 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. Therefore, HAESF provides limited financial support for dependents.

The decision to bring dependents is a personal one that should be carefully evaluated by each Fellow based on their financial circumstances and other factors. 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 $60,000. 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. Dependents must accompany Senior Fellow for a minimum of 3 months to receive financial support.

Housing

Fellows will be responsible for locating and securing adequate housing. 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 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 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 participants 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. (Short-term visits to foreign countries whose primary purpose is for tourism or short-term business trips are allowed.)

The residency requirement constitutes a moral obligation that relates to the foundational aim of the HAESF program of promoting free enterprise and business development in Hungary through investment in human capital. Applicants should agree to uphold the 3-year residency requirement as precondition for acceptance. Participants who do not comply with the three-year residency requirement may be required to refund their scholarship award.

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