US-BRAZIL CONNECT 2014 FELLOWSHIP Fellows Information and Application Packet Application Deadline: January 15, 2014
Table of Contents Program Information Program Overview...Page 3 Why Brazil?...Page 4 Brazilian Partners...Pages 4-5 What do US-Brazil Connect Fellows do?...page 5 What are the benefits and costs for US-Brazil Connect Fellows?...Pages 5-6 Eligibility Criteria...Page 6 Am I a good fit for this program?...pages 6-7 Program Dates.. Page 7 Additional Resources...Page 7 Next Steps...Page 7 Application Part 1: Student Background....Page 8 Part 2: Short Essays.....Page 9 Part 3: Long Essay...Page 10 US-Brazil Connect Fellowship Information and Application 2
Calling all individuals interested in global leadership and innovation, who have an international perspective and a willingness to build connections with Brazil. Program Overview Apply now for a month-long paid fellowship in Brazil. We are looking for strong fellowship candidates who have the drive and desire to thrive in the US-Brazil Connect Fellowship. This program links US Fellows and Brazilian high school students in a transformative cross-cultural learning experience. Selected Fellows prepare for and serve in a coaching and facilitation role designed to create a fun English immersion environment for Brazilian high school students. US Fellows build skills in global leadership, explore Brazil, and create life-changing relationships. US-Brazil Connect Fellows serve as ambassadors of the US and come from a wide range of educational backgrounds. On the ground in Brazil, Fellows receive lodging, meals, local transportation, and insurance coverage. Fellows are paid a stipend in exchange for their program leadership. Discover Your Future It s not study abroad, a tour, or typical travel to Brazil. It s a challenging and rewarding fellowship, providing a deep experience in the real world of global leadership. You do not need to speak Portuguese and you do not need to have teaching experience. You must be prepared to work hard, solve problems in unfamiliar surroundings, overcome cross-cultural and language barriers, and contribute to building a supportive community. You will gain: Knowledge and in-depth experience of Brazil: You learn about Brazil, the world s 7 th largest economy, through study prior to departure, intense interaction, a weekend workshop, and a 4-week immersion in Brazil. Learn and practice global leadership skills in action: You participate in a paid fellowship, serving as a coach, mentor, and facilitator to a group of 12-15 Brazilian high school students who want practice and exposure to native speakers to improve their English. You receive support and training for your role as a tutor and coach. Online tutoring and coaching using Facebook and Google Hangout or Skype is for 8 weeks prior to travel and 8 weeks after your return. Travel to Brazil is during the summer of 2014. Precise dates will be determined by early January 2014. Immersion, global leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving: True global leadership begins with direct experience of living, working and learning outside the United States. You will work and live in Brazil for a 4-week period of intense interaction and learning with Brazilian students. Previous individuals who have served as US-Brazil Connect Fellows report the experience does more than build skills and knowledge about Brazil it inspires leadership, character development, self-discovery and service. US-Brazil Connect Fellowship Information and Application 3
Connections, networks and community: You will build new networks, create relationships and see first-hand how global trends in innovation and technology are reshaping the world. The application process is designed to identify participants with high potential as authentic leaders, effective agents of change, problem-solvers, and dedicated team builders. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Outstanding Fellows in past years have come from a wide range of disciplines including computer science, engineering, education, communication, and pre-law. Why Brazil? Brazil is emerging as a key economic player globally. Ten years ago, economists identified four countries that were poised to emerge as major economic forces in the global economy: Brazil, Russia, India, and China. At the time, these BRIC countries were contributing 16% of the world s gross domestic product growth. Since the global crisis of 2008, this figure has soared to 45%. i Today, Brazil is the world s 7 th largest economy. Per-capita income is nearly twice that of China. Brazil s rise is expected to continue. The World Cup in 2014 and the 2016 Olympics are estimated to attract investments of roughly $550 billion between 2011 and 2014 ii. In 2007, oil deposits below a layer of salt in the Atlantic Ocean were confirmed to hold enough oil to turn Brazil into one of the world s top five crude oil producers. Most importantly, from 2003 to 2008, over 27 million people in this country of 200 million have moved from poverty into Brazil s high class. Due to the increasing purchasing power of a growing high class, Brazil is projected to become the fifth largest consumer market by 2030 when it will be worth over US$2.5 trillion, ahead of the UK and France. Brazil is already the world s third largest market for mobile phones, the fifth largest for vehicles and computers, and the eighth largest for higher education. Given the emerging role of Brazil as an economic power, a cultural leader, and a source of innovation and creativity, it is imperative that higher education institutions prepare students for meaningful engagement with Brazil. The US-Brazil Fellowship provides this specific, substantive experience for students in order to develop global leadership skills. Brazilian Partners US-Brazil Connect is supported by a very strong institutional partner in Brazil, the Confederation of Industry (CNI). The Confederation is the preeminent Brazilian business association, with over a thousand employer associations across all 26 states of Brazil, as well as more than 100,000 member organizations. Supported by a 2.5% payroll tax, the Confederation operates the SENAI and SESI education and training system which comprise the largest technical training network in Latin America, enrolling over 7 million students annually in 797 schools and technical institutes throughout Brazil. US-Brazil Connect Fellowship Information and Application 4
The CNI is investing in this partnership as a means to support education for technology students, thereby strengthening the Brazilian workforce to meet the demands of a rapidly growing economy. The implementation partners, SENAI and SESI, provide all the necessary coordination and logistical support on the Brazilian side. In addition, their support covers accommodation, food, local travel and a stipend for all US-Brazil Connect Fellows. What do US-Brazil Connect Fellows do? Participate in a rigorous Fellows-preparation program that combines online and in-person training. This program consists of a program orientation, 4 Saturday online training sessions and a Weekend Workshop, which will take place at your college or within driving distance. Training emphasis is on leadership development, teamwork, and skill development for facilitating English as a Second Language (ESL) activities and games. The preparation period also examines Brazilian culture, growth and prepares Fellows for travel to Brazil. Serve as an online tutor and coach to support Brazilian students English language learning. You are required to spend four hours per week online with your students, either via Facebook, Google Hangout or Skype. This is for the 8 weeks prior to travel to Brazil. US- Brazil Connect provides support and guidance for this online engagement with students. Travel to Brazil for a 4-week paid fellowship. Dates are during summer 2014 and will be confirmed in January 2014. In Brazil, US-Brazil Connect Fellows interact with their high school-aged Brazilian students 4 to 6 hours per day, leading project-based groups, facilitating interaction of small groups, and working as a collaborative team member with other Fellows and the team leadership. The experience in Brazil is intense and challenging. All participants should expect a full and demanding schedule during their time in Brazil Return from Brazil and continue online communication and support of Brazilian students. Again, this commitment is for four hours weekly for an 8-week period. Upon your return, you will also give back to your college or community through speaking, writing or other service. What are the benefits and costs for US-Brazil Connect Fellows? Fellowship Benefits: This Fellowship program offers many resources to selected Fellows. Benefits include: o Stipends: Fellows earn a stipend of $500-$600 (depends on exchange rate) for their work with the students. o In-Country Resources: The program hosts, the Brazilian Confederation of Industry/SESI/SENAI, support Fellows by providing Free local accommodations at a hotel, all meals, local transportation, and health insurance for the 4 weeks in Brazil. The estimated value of these resources is $7,000-$8,000. Costs: Fellows are responsible for the cost of their international flight to Brazil and obtaining a visa. Additionally, fellows may also incur personal costs, such as choosing to eat out in restaurants, souvenirs/gifts, weekend excursions, etc. With the World Cup in 2014, flight US-Brazil Connect Fellowship Information and Application 5
prices will be higher than usual, likely around $2,000-$2,200. A Brazilian visa typically costs about $250, which includes the visa fee and the service charge to use a third-party service, which is required in most states. Those able to obtain a visa directly from a Brazilian Embassy in the US will pay just $160. Approximate cost breakdown: 1. Airplane tickets and travel visa: approx. $ 2, 500 + Travel insurance: approx. $ 50 = $ 2, 550 (approximately) 2. 6 college credits: 3 for Spring 2014 ($399.60 for in-district students) and 3 for Summer 2014 ($399.60 for in-district students) = $799.20 (for in-district students) Spring 2014: IDS 294z_01 (3 credits earned on FVCC campus): Seminar Brazil Connect (on FVCC campus. Most likely 5 Saturday mornings during spring semester and one weekend prior to departure. Time TBA) Summer 2014: IDS 298z_01 (3 credits earned while in Brazil): Internship: Brazil Connect 3. Paying for the program: Scholarships: Qualifying applicant may apply for one of four $ 1 800 scholarships offered by FVCC during the interview process. The scholarship will go towards the travel expenses. Financial Aid: Please visit the Financial Aid Office to determine availability of grants and loans to pay for the 6 college credits. Gilman scholarship (only PELL grant eligible students are qualified to apply): http://www.iie.org/programs/gilman-scholarship-program http://www.iie.org/en/programs/gilman-scholarship-program/eligibility US-Brazil Connect Fellowship Information and Application 6
Eligibility Criteria You are genuinely interested in learning about Brazil and connecting with Brazilians. You want to develop skills in global leadership. You are comfortable leading small groups and have experience in leadership. You make a commitment to helping a group of 12-15 Brazilian high school students improve their English for their studies in technology fields. You complete all of the US-Brazil Connect Fellows Preparation requirements. This includes attendance at and participation in the Program Orientation; four training sessions and the two-day Weekend Workshop. You make a commitment to serving as an online tutor, working a minimum of four hours per week with selected Brazilian high school students for an 8 week period prior to and an 8 week period following the immersion in Brazil. You respect cultural diversity, enjoy learning, and want to learn some Portuguese. You are able to work cooperatively in a team and have a positive attitude. You have excellent reading, writing, and speaking skills in English. You are at least 18 years of age. You are excited about a placement in one of the many towns or cities partnering with US- Brazil Connect. Like the US, Brazil is a large country and each area offers different cultural, social and geographic opportunities. Am I a good fit for this program? We are looking for students who will work on a team to help make the continued expansion of US-Brazil Connect an extraordinary success. Top grades are not as important as the following Resourceful: You are flexible, adaptable, and ready to make the most of whatever challenges come your way. When met with unexpected obstacles, you will invariably find a way to forge ahead. You have a demonstrated ability to see opportunities for change and innovation, and are inventive in pursuing these opportunities even in cases where resources or guidance is scarce. Passionate: You are able to envision a goal or outcome and work toward it with intensity and excitement. Team-oriented: You are able to focus on the goal of the team, collaborate effectively with other team members, and devote the effort necessary to achieve team success. You are willing to help other team members when needed and appropriate. Open: You are willing to share information, perceptions, and feedback openly. Curious: You are receptive to and hungry for new ideas, perspectives, and experiences, and continuously develop new and more refined questions for exploration. Your curiosity is reflected in the way you communicate and in your ongoing quest to learn more about yourself and the world. US-Brazil Connect Fellowship Information and Application 7
Idealistic: You believe that a better world is possible and seek to understand what role you can play in contributing to positive change. You are prepared to challenge cynicism to pursue ambitious goals, and are eager to do your part wherever possible. Principled: You possess clarity of purpose and a steady moral center. You demonstrate an authentic commitment to serve a purpose or goal larger than yourself and a contagious enthusiasm that inspires others to do the same. Program Dates US-Brazil Connect and the Brazilian Confederation of Industry are currently selecting Brazilian sites for the program and the distribution of selected states and their available program dates will dictate exact program dates. All sites will be selected by the end of December 2013 and all program dates will be set by early January 2014. Key Established Program Dates: Application Deadline: January 15, 2014 Fellowship Candidate Interviews on FVCC campus: January 21-23, 2014 Announcement of Selected Fellows: January 31, 2014 Payment of approximate travel cost: $ 2, 550 due February 7, 2014 (if you receive a FVCC scholarship, you will have to deposit only $ 750) Deadline to purchase airline tickets to Brazil: February 15, 2014 (college representative will purchase group tickets) The in-person phase will take place between June and August of 2014. US-Brazil Connect is working with each college partner to ensure that program dates and college schedules are compatible. Additional Information To learn more about US-Brazil Connect and our partners, check out these websites: www.us-brazil.org http://www.cni.org.br/portal/data/pages/ff80808121b629230121b62a6f4a0432.htm https://www.facebook.com/usbrazilconnect.org US-Brazil Connect Fellowship Information and Application 8
Next Steps If you are selected, your next steps are: Apply for a passport immediately if you don t already have one Complete the US-Brazil Connect Fellowship Enrollment paperwork Save funds for purchase of an airline ticket. The college contact for US-Brazil Connect will coordinate flight purchases, which will happen by February 15, 2014 in order to get the best price possible. Thank you for your interest in the US-Brazil Connect Fellowship. Good luck with your application process. US-Brazil Connect 2014 Fellowship Application APPLICATION DEADLINE: JANUARY 15, 2014 Submit completed applications to: Gerda Reeb, International Student Program Coordinator either via email greeb@fvcc.edu or drop of in LRC 139 (place in envelope and slide under door if coordinator is not there) Questions? Call 756-3889 or email: Gerda Reeb, International Student Program Coordinator greeb@fvcc.edu PLEASE PRINT AND FILL OUT APPLICATION: US-Brazil Connect Fellowship Information and Application 9
PART 1: APPLICANT BACKGROUND: Name: How did you hear about this Fellowship? Permanent Address: Telephone: E-mail: Date of Birth: Age: Male l Female l Current College: Year Level in College: Expected Graduation Date: Current Field(s) of Study: What is your native language? List other languages with skill level you have (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced): US-Brazil Connect Fellowship Information and Application 10
PART 2: SHORT ESSAYS: Please answer the following questions. For each question use a maximum of 300 words: 1. Why are you interested in working with Brazilian high school students? 2. Selected Fellows will serve as coaches to Brazilian high school students, helping them to learn English through online exchange and in-person leadership in Brazil. You will receive support in the techniques to teach English. Why do you think you will be successful in this role as a coach and cultural ambassador? 3. What skills do you believe this program will help you develop for your future? 4. Describe an experience you ve had in a team setting, especially how that experience demonstrated your skills in a group setting. US-Brazil Connect Fellowship Information and Application 11
PART 3: LONG ESSAY: In no longer than 700 words, write a personal statement on your reasons for applying for this Fellowship. You may attach additional pages. You may include background information on yourself, relevant experience or information, why you want to travel, more extensive information regarding your career goals and how this Fellowship will help those goals. THANK YOU FOR YOUR APPLICATION! i Ernst and Young: Private Equity in Brazil. 2010 http://www.ey.com/publication/vwluassets/private_equity_in_brazil/$file/ey_private_equity_in_brazil.pdf ii http://www.thedeal.com/newsweekly/2010/brazil-boosts-deloitte.php US-Brazil Connect Fellowship Information and Application 12