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SCHOLARSHIPS IN AMERICA FOR CIS STUDENTS

by

Dr. Pyotr Johannevich van de Waal-Palms

Sovetnik Pravitelstva CWA, Tovarichestvo Palmsa, Inc.

Investment Bankers. Washington, United States of America.

From: Palms & Company, Inc. Investment Bankers <palms@PeterPalms.com>

SUMMARY: The Office of Academic Programs, Academic Exchanges Division, European Branch of the United States Information Agency's Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs announces opportunities for regionally and professionally accredited U.S. institutions offering degree and executive education programs at the master's level in business administration, economics, law, or public administration, to host graduate students from Armenia, Azerbajian* (see program overview below), Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, or Uzbekistan for one- or two-year, degree, certificate, or professional development programs under the auspices of the 1995 Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship Program. Priority will be given to institutions which can provide academic guidance and professional development support to Fellows and which have experience working with international students. Institutions which are approved to host 1995 Edmund S. Muskie Fellows will automatically be eligible to host 1995 Freedom Support Act (FSA) Graduate Fellows in the same disciplines.

Current Host Campuses

U.S. institutions currently hosting 1994 and/or 1995 Muskie Fellows in degree, certificate, or professional development programs that wish to receive Fellows again in 1996 in the same fields of study will not be required to complete the institutional application providing the 1996 academic program, support services, and cost-sharing level remain consistent with these 1995 programs. Current host institutions must demonstrate intent to receive 1995 Muskie Fellows in the same field(s) through a separate renewal process outlined below.

Institutions which were approved to host Edmund S. Muskie Fellows through the competitions but which actually hosted only Freedom Support Act (FSA) Graduate Fellows may submit renewal requests as detailed below.

Current host institutions that wish to host Fellows in a different academic field must submit a full application to be eligible to receive students in that discipline. Institutions which hosted only Freedom Support Act (FSA) Graduate Fellows and which were not approved during either the 1993 or 1994 competitions for Muskie host institutions are also required to submit a complete application. Any institutions that are unsure which application materials to submit should contact the appropriate contract organization (ACTR/ACCELS, IREX, Soros, or IIE).

DATES: Deadline for proposals: Completed applications must be received at the appropriate office (listed below) by 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, on Tuesday, January 31, 1996. Faxed documents will not be accepted, nor will documents postmarked on January 31, 1996, but received at a later date. It is the responsibility of each applicant to ensure that proposals are received by the above deadline.

ADDRESSES: The original and three copies of the proposal should be submitted by the deadline and addressed as follows:

For Degree Programs in Business Administration and for Two-Year

Degree Programs in Public Administration: The Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship Program, c/o ACTR/ACCELS, 1776 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036.

For Degree, Non-Degree and Certificate Programs in Economics: The

Edmund S. Muskie Program, c/o IREX, 1616 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.

For Degree Programs in Law and for One-Year Programs in Public Administration: The Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship Program, c/o The Soros Foundations/The Consortium for Academic Partnerships, 888 Seventh Avenue, 31st Floor, New York, NY 10106.

For Professional Development Programs in Business Administration,

Economics, Law, or Public Administration: The Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship Program, c/o The Institute of International Education, 809 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017-3580, Attn: Martha Loerke.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Interested U.S. institutions should write ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX or the Soros Foundations to request application packets, which include guidelines and award criteria. Interested applicants should read the complete Federal Register announcement before addressing inquiries to the organizations noted above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Edmund S. Muskie Program is administered by USIA through cooperative agreements to the following organizations: The American Council of Teachers of Russian/American Council for Collaboration in Education and Language Study (ACTR/ACCELS), the Institute of International Education (IIE), the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX), and the Soros Foundations. Under these agreements ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX, and the Soros Foundation are responsible for the recruitment, selection, academic placement, and monitoring of Fellows.

Please Note: The Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship Program is not intended as a precursor to doctoral studies in the United States. At the end of their designated academic and internship programs, Fellows are required to return to their home countries to fulfill the two-year home residency requirement as specified in the Exchange Visitor (JVisa) regulations.

ACTR, IREX, Soros, and IIE will not approve the transfer of visa sponsorship to universities or the extension of visas for the purpose of Ph.D. programs or other additional academic study.

Overall authority for this program is contained in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended Public Law 87-256 (Fulbright-Hays Act). The purpose of the Act is ``to enable the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange, to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations * * * and thus assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations between the United States and other countries of the world.'' Pursuant to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs authorizing legislation, programs must maintain a non-political character and should be balanced and representative of the diversity of the American political, social and cultural life. Programs shall also ``maintain their scholarly integrity and shall meet the highest standards of academic excellence or artistic achievement.''

Program Overview

The Edmund S. Muskie Program was established in Fiscal Year 1992 to promote democratic and economic development in Armenia, Azerbajian,* Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. It is an academic program providing graduate level instruction at the master's level in business administration, economics, law, and public administration along with exposure to the concepts of market economics and democratic principles. A professional affiliation experience and networking opportunities are major program components.

*Please note: Programs with Azerbajian are subject to restrictions of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act: Employees of the government of Azerbajian or any of its instrumentalities are excluded from participation, and no U.S. participant overseas may work for the Government of Azerbajian or any of its instrumentalities. In addition, the Government of Azerbajian or any of its instrumentalities will have no control in the actual selection of participants.

Fellows are identified through a merit-based, open competition and a rigorous selection process implemented by ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX, and the Soros Foundation, in conjunction with USIA, professional associations, and U.S. faculty from the four academic fields. Semifinalists in all disciplines will take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Candidates for degree programs in business administration will take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), and candidates for degree programs in economics will take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Candidates for the law program must have an undergraduate law degree from their home country. Fellows are matched with universities by selection committees composed of graduate admissions officers and faculty in the appropriate disciplines. Placements are determined according to Fellows' academic interests and needs. Fellows may not choose their own academic placements.

To be eligible for a Muskie Fellowship, applicants must be citizens of one of the fifteen countries targeted by the Program, have successfully completed an undergraduate program, be proficient in spoken and written English at the time of application, demonstrate professional aptitude and leadership potential in the field of specialization, and be under the age of 40. Applicants for professional development programs must have a minimum of three years relevant work

experience in addition to an undergraduate degree. To be eligible for awards in law candidates must have received an undergraduate diploma in law. Individuals currently enrolled in academic programs in the U.S., persons working or earning a living in the United States, spouses of U.S. citizens, or individuals who have applied for an immigrant visa or political asylum to any country are not eligible for the Muskie Program. Muskie Fellows under the terms of the grant and under the laws governing the student visa required for participation in the Program, must return to their home country for a period of a least two years immediately upon completion of the academic program and internship. Visa sponsorship will not be transferred to universities or other sponsors and visas will not be extended for the purpose of pursuing doctoral or other additional studies in the United States.

No financial support or provision is made for Fellows' dependents under the Muskie Program. Muskie Fellows receive scholarships for international transportation, domestic transportation within the United States, stipend, health insurance, full or partial tuition, room/board, and other expenses.

Fellows who receive TOEFL scores below 550 will enroll in courses

of English as a Second Language (ESL) in summer 1995. Whenever possible, Fellows who receive TOEFL scores above 550 will take part in summer pre-academic programs prior to arrival at their host universities.

Currently 136 students are enrolled at U.S. institutions under the auspices of the 1994 Muskie Program. Approximately 140 Fellows will be selected for participation in the 1996 Muskie Program.

Program Guidelines

The Muskie Fellowship comprises the degree, certificate, and professional development programs outlined below. Fellows will enter U.S. graduate studies in the 1996 fall semester.

Degree and Certificate Programs

In general, Fellows with degree awards in business administration and economics should take part in two-year academic programs leading to the degree of Masters of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Arts (MA), respectively. Internships should take place during the summer between the first and second years of study. All programs in law must lead to the Master of Laws (LLM) degree. Fellows with awards in law generally participate in nine-month LLM programs followed by a three-month internship; however, longer LLM programs are also admissible. Fellows with degree awards in public administration should take part in one- or two-year programs leading to the Masters of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Arts (MA) degree. In some cases, certificates may be awarded instead of degrees. Three-month internships should take place during the summer of 1996, after one year or academic study.

Professional Development Programs

The Professional Development awards are specifically designed for mid-career professionals with at least three years substantive work experience prior to application. These non-degree programs in business administration, economics, and public administration generally include two semesters of tailored academic study at the master's level, followed by up to six months of practical training. The law program for midcareer professionals should lead to the LLM degree with up to six months of practical training after the period of academic study.

Program Requirements and Review Criteria

U.S. institutions may apply to receive Fellows individually or in groups of two to ten people representing one or any combination of the four disciplines. Host institutions for 1995 Muskie Fellows will be selected by ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX, the Soros Foundation, and USIA, based on the following criteria:

  • a. Strength of academic program-Academic rigor and demonstrated capacity to meet participant needs.
  • b. Track record-Experience working with and providing a full range of support services for international students. Recognition of and compliance with the intent, rules, and regulations governing the Muskie Program.
  • c. Professional support-Ability to facilitate professional affiliations and internships.
  • d. Academic support-Capacity to assign a faculty advisor and a Muskie Program coordinator to provide academic guidance, logistical support, and assistance in arranging enrichment activities.
  • e. Cost-effectiveness-Ability to provide a high quality program for lowest costs. A key measure of cost-effectiveness is the host institution's program cost per Fellow. The Agency also reviews the ratio of cost-sharing to program costs exhibited through such means as tuition scholarships, fellowships, or reduced room and board expenses.
  • f. Geographic diversity-The Agency Seeks to achieve maximum geographic diversity in the selection of host institutions.
  • g. Evaluation plan-Proposals should outline methods for monitoring the academic progress and integration of Fellows in the campus and community.
  • h. Adherence of proposed activities to the criteria outlined above and the goals of the Edmund S. Muskie Fellowship Program.
  • Institutions receiving two or more Fellows are encouraged to provide commensurate cost-sharing for such groups. The academic interests and professional needs of candidates selected as Fellows will be considered in the final designation of U.S. host institutions.

    Proposals must be submitted to ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX, or the Soros Foundations, according to discipline and type of program (degree, certificate, or professional development), as indicated above.

    Renewal Process for Current Host Institutions

    Institutions currently hosting Edmund S. Muskie Fellows under the 1994 and/or 1995 Programs are eligible to submit a renewal application. U.S. institutions currently hosting 1994 or 1995 Freedom Support Act Fellows that applied to and were approved by the 1994 or 1995 Muskie university competitions are also eligible to submit a renewal application. In order to apply to host Fellows in the same field(s), universities must submit a letter confirming that the academic program, professional and enrichment support, and adherence to other grant requirements will, at a minimum, remain consistent with current levels. The letter must also indicate the desired number of Fellows to be hosted, the type of program in which they will be placed (degree, certificate, or professional development), the name of the Muskie coordinator, the 1995-96 academic calendar, and the amount of costsharing provided for each Fellow, adjusted as needed for 1995-96 costs. Current host institutions need to contact the appropriate contract organization (ACTR/ACCELS, IREX, Soros or IIE) to receive the required budget worksheet that must be submitted along with the letter. Original letters must be received by the appropriate contact organization by January 31, 1996.

    Please Note: Those institutions currently hosting only Freedom Support Act Graduate Fellows and which were not approved through either the 1993 or 1994 Muskie university competition must submit a complete application to be considered to host 1995 Muskie Fellows.

    Agency Cost Sharing Guidelines

    U.S. institutions hosting Muskie Fellows are strongly encouraged to provide cost-sharing toward tuition and/or room and board expenses, so that greater numbers of students may take part in the program. Cost-

    sharing may also be in the form of direct program and participant costs. Indirect and administrative costs will not be considered allowable cost-sharing items, nor will these costs be covered by the Muskie Program. The basis for determining the value of cash and in-kind contributions must be in accordance with OMB Circular A-110 (Revised), Subpart C.23--Cost-Sharing and Matching and should be described in the proposal. In the event the Recipient does not provide the minimum amount of cost-sharing as stipulated in the Recipient's budget, the Agency's contribution will be reduced in proportion to the Recipient's contribution.

    Preference will be given to institutions that provide cost-sharing on direct participant costs. While the Agency strongly encourages costsharing, it is not a requirement. Institutions unable to offer costsharing are eligible to apply.

    Application Disclaimer

    The terms and conditions published in this RFP are binding and may not be modified by any USIA, ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX, or Soros Foundations representative. Explanatory information provided by USIA, ACTR/ACCELS, IIE, IREX, or the Soros Foundation that contradicts published language will not constitute a commitment on the part of the Government or the implementing organization. Final notifications cannot be made until funds have been fully appropriated by Congress, allocated, and committed through internal USIA procedures.

    Notification

    Applications will be notified in writing of the results of the review process on or about April 15, 1996. Final placement of students at institutions is subject to the specific academic interests and needs of individuals selected as Muskie Fellows.

    Please note: USIA retains the right to determine final selection decisions with regard to the competition for institutions to host Muskie Fellows. The Agency also reserves the right to determine final placement decisions. When the needs of the program warrant, the Agency may invite selected institutions to host Fellows whose academic needs require specialized placement.

    Options for Renewal

    Subject to the availability of funding and the satisfactory performance of host institutions, USIA, on behalf of the Muskie Fellowship Program, may invite grantee organizations to submit proposals for renewal of awards.

    Review Process

    ACTR/ACCELS, IREX Soros, or IIE will acknowledge receipt of all applications and will review them for technical eligibility. Applications will be deemed ineligible if they do not fully adhere to the guidelines stated herein and in the Application Package. Eligible applications will be forwarded to panels of USIA officers for advisory review. All eligible applications may also be reviewed by the Agency contracts office, as well as the USIA Office of East European and NIS Affairs, the USIS posts overseas, the Office of General Council, or other Agency elements, where appropriate.

    Notification

    All applicants will be notified of the results of the review process on or about April 15, 1996

  • John P. Loiello,
  • Associate Director, Educational and Cultural Affairs.

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