FELLOWSHIPS

PiA acknowledges that recent conflicts and natural disasters may have an extraordinary impact on applicants and recommenders from affected regions. Applicants may request extensions by writing to us at apply@princetoninasia.org or calling our office at (+1) 609.258.3657. We strongly encourage applicants to submit extension requests by November 1st to help facilitate a timely review process. However, we understand the cascading hardships that may accompany such events, and we may be able to consider later requests on a case-by-case basis.

We seek applicants who aim to fulfill PiA’s mission to foster mutual appreciation and cross-cultural understanding between the United States and Asia through immersive work fellowships in host organizations and communities. Successful candidates are those who seek a transformative experience, want to contribute to their host organization, want to facilitate cultural exchange through relationship building, and demonstrate personal and professional readiness to function effectively in a foreign living and work environment. 

Our Fellows embody the following values: 

• Transformation. Our Fellows are open to being transformed by their work and their relationships with the people with whom they interact abroad.

• Immersion. Our Fellows strive to be citizens of the communities in which they live and work, becoming fully immersed in the life of their host organization and communities.

• Relationship building. Our Fellows build meaningful and long-lasting relationships with their peers, community members, and each other.

• Humility. Our Fellows dedicate themselves to professional service in the organizations where they work and the communities where they live, and approach their daily interactions with respect and understanding.

• Mutuality and interdependence. Our Fellows are both learning from the communities in which they work and teaching people in those communities about what life is like in the United States, fostering cross-cultural understanding and mutual understanding and respect.

• Contributing to the community. Our Fellows endeavor to contribute to their host communities and broader global community by making a lasting difference.

While previous cross-cultural experience can be helpful in preparing a Fellow to transition to foreign living and work environment,  it is not essential. We look for Fellows who have a strong work ethic and are committed to the PiA experience, who demonstrate the maturity and professionalism necessary to steward cross-cultural relationships, who demonstrate resourcefulness and self-management, and who are adaptable and resilient.

A patient and flexible outlook toward career decisions is also beneficial. We hope our first-year Fellows will seriously consider the possibility of staying a second year, as Fellows' language and teaching/workplace skills, as well as their cultural awareness, usually improve considerably during a second year on PiA. Additionally, applicants may choose to apply for a specially-designated two-year fellowship. 

PiA plans to offer approximately 60 fellowships in the 2025-26 cycle. Applicant numbers vary from year to year, but we anticipate 8-10 applicants per available position. Please note that a handful of fellowships will be filled by second-year Fellows and therefore will not be available to new applicants.

No. While PiA is based on campus at Princeton University, PiA fellowships are open to graduates of all colleges and universities. For any specific fellowship opening, we are looking for the best possible candidate regardless of one’s undergraduate institution.

No. PiA is open to applicants of any nationality who have earned a bachelor’s degree or will obtain a bachelor’s degree before their anticipated fellowship start date. Applicants must speak to how they will promote mutual appreciation and cross-cultural understanding between the United States and Asia. It is important to note that host country visa restrictions may limit the number of potential posts for citizens of certain nationalities. Moreover, applicants who are in the process of applying for permanent residency or citizenship in the U.S. are advised to consult a legal professional about the impact that a fellowship may have on their immigration status.

No. However, all positions require professional proficiency in English, and English teaching positions require native or near-native English-speaking ability.

Yes. There is no age limit for positions with PiA, although positions are entry-level and most suitable for recent graduates or applicants with a few years of work experience.

Yes. Interviews will be held virtually, and applicants will be expected to have their interview during PiA working hours (US Eastern time zone). It will still be the applicant’s responsibility to secure a work visa, which may be more challenging while working or studying abroad, as well as attend online teacher training and orientation.

You must have your bachelor’s degree by the start of your fellowship. We do accept candidates with master’s degrees, but not those with terminal degrees (Ph.D., M.D., J.D.). While most PiA fellowships are entry-level positions geared towards recent college graduates, please note that a small number of host organizations prefer candidates with master’s degrees and/or work experience.

For most positions, having experience in Asia does not provide an advantage; however, there are a handful of positions that require knowledge of or work experience in Asia and/or Asian language skills. Most positions can be filled by applicants with an interest in and a desire to learn about Asia, rather than in-depth knowledge. A key component of a PiA fellowship is to have a transformational experience. Because of this, we aim to place Fellows where they will be appropriately challenged and have the opportunity to learn something new. All applicants, regardless of Asia experience, should be ready to speak to their potential for growth through a PiA fellowship.

For the 2025-26 application, you will be asked to indicate your specific placement preferences. A list of available fellowship positions will be shared when we launch the application, including the required/desired skills of the host organization. A few additional posts currently in development will be finalized and shared with applicants who reach the interview stage of our application process. Your preferences are important information for us; however, they are used as a guideline rather than a restriction. We encourage applicants to keep an open mind to ideas outside of their initial preferences during the placement process. Keep in mind that a certain degree of flexibility may increase your chances of placement.

No. We offer fellowships in a variety of focus areas, including arts and culture, economic development, education, environmental sustainability, public health, sports, STEM, and peace, justice, and access to information.

Not yet. Applicants who reach the nomination stage of the selection process will receive access to reports written by past Fellows in the posts that we are offering. In the past, we have been able to offer panel discussions and other alumni engagement opportunities for candidates who reach the interview stage. Additional alumni engagement opportunities will be made available after accepting a PiA fellowship offer.

Please do not contact any PiA host organization directly until PiA has officially introduced you. Any applicant who circumvents PiA’s selection process by contacting a PiA host organization directly will be automatically disqualified from consideration for a PiA fellowship.

Here are some questions which may help guide your thinking as you consider your post preferences:

What are your academic interests, and how might you apply those to working in Asia? What kind of climate do you like? Do you like living in big cities or small towns? What do you want to do in your free time? What kind of work environment do you want? Do you want to live in a more developed or less developed area? Do you want a group of PiA Fellows or would you rather venture on your own? Do you have a medical condition that may require access to specific care during your fellowship year? What sort of work experience do you hope to gain? What are your goals and motivations for the fellowship experience? How do you hope to spend your time outside of work, and how could this connect to opportunities for community engagement and immersion in your host community? Do you like spicy food?

No. When accepting a PiA offer, you must confirm that you have withdrawn yourself from consideration from application processes.

PiA Orientation is held online in June. Please check the Application Timeline for specific dates. Attendance at PiA Orientation is mandatory for all Fellows. However, we grant exceptions for extraordinary circumstances (including graduation) and will ask Fellows to make up the sessions they have missed.

All host organizations provide a local living stipend, which is designed to meet a Fellow’s essential living costs in their host community.

Please note that a position with PiA is generally not a money-making venture. Working hours and benefits including vacation time vary by position.