Princeton in Asia

Eligibility:

• Degree requirements:

  • All PiA Fellows must have a bachelor’s degree before their fellowship begins.

  • Graduates of any college or university are eligible to apply for a PiA fellowship. 

  • We do accept candidates with master’s degrees, including an M.F.A., but not those with a J.D., M.D., or Ph.D.

  • Although most applicants are college seniors or recent college graduates, there is no age limit for applying to  PiA.

• Citizenship:

  • Citizens of any country may apply to PiA.

  • All candidates must present a compelling rationale for how they will contribute to PiA’s mission of United States-Asia exchange.

  • Host countries’ visa restrictions may limit our ability to place citizens of certain nationalities. 

• Other eligibility information:

  • All positions require professional proficiency in English. 

  • English teaching positions require native or near-native English speaking ability.

  • Asian language skills are welcome but not required for most positions. Applicants should refer to fellowship descriptions to identify specific language and skill requirements for each post. 

  • Applicants are not required to have any level of teaching experience or Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification. Fellows placed in teaching positions will complete an online TEFL certification course provided by PiA.

  • All applicants must have a valid passport by the time they accept a fellowship offer. For visa purposes, PiA Fellows need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the fellowship end date. If you do not have a passport or your passport will expire soon, we encourage you to apply for or renew your passport now.

How to Apply:

• Check Eligibility:

  • Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or be on track to receive one) and professional proficiency in English. Citizens of any country may apply. Teaching positions require native or near-native English ability.

• Prepare Your Materials: Submit the following by November 1, 2025, 11:59 PM EDT:

  • Completed online application form with two written responses (250–300 words each) and one 60-second video

  • Resume (max 3 pages, PDF)

  • Unofficial college transcript

  • One completed recommendation form

  • Anonymous demographic survey

• Submit Online:

  • Complete the online application portal and submit all materials. Save your progress frequently.

• Application Review:

  • PiA staff evaluate applications holistically, focusing on alignment with the mission and readiness for immersive cross-cultural work.

• Interviews:

  • Selected applicants will have a virtual interview in January 2026. Access to past Fellow reports will help you prepare.

• Nomination & Selection:

  • PiA nominates 2-4 candidates per post. Host organizations conduct interviews and make the final selection.

• Acceptance:

  • Offers are binding. Accepted Fellows must withdraw other applications and confirm availability.

• Pre-Departure:

  • Attend mandatory in-person orientation in Princeton, NJ (June 2026), complete TEFL training if applicable, and begin visa and travel preparations.

For questions, attend virtual info sessions, or schedule one-on-one office hours with PiA staff: Office Hours.

Travel perks:

• Receive full funding and a monthly living stipend to work in one of 16 Asian countries starting in Fall 2026, gaining firsthand cultural insight and understanding.

• 1-year fellows may apply to extend to a second year for deeper immersion.

• Assistance with visa applications and reimbursement of related expenses.

• Access to a language grant to study the local language in your host country.

Other perks:

• Work in a host organization or school, developing skills in your field of interest.

• Travel medical and emergency evacuation insurance, 24/7 support, and mental health resources.

• Pre-departure orientation training covering cross-cultural communication, host country insights, health, safety, and risk management.

• Teaching Fellows gain a 120-hour online Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification at no cost.

• Connect with past Fellows for mentorship, networking, and career guidance.

• Develop maturity, resilience, adaptability, and cultural humility.

• Build relationships with local organizations, international communities, and fellow PiA participants.

• Join a historic program organized by a renowned university with over 3,400 alumni, enhancing your resume and career prospects globally.