Applying for Princeton in Latin America
A Princeton in Latin America (PiLA) fellowship experience is often described as a transformational experience, both for personal and professional development and growth. It is often also the start of a career in development or social responsibility in Latin America. It is an opportunity to join a growing community of alumni, passionate agents for good in an array of sectors.
The fellowship experience varies greatly depending on placement and organization. Some Fellows work closely with a supervisor or colleague(s); others work more independently. Some Fellows work in offices that are filled with local staff; others work with a high number of North American expatriates. Some Fellows live in urban areas like Mexico City or Lima; and others are based in semi-urban and rural areas with limited resources.
No matter the host organization or location, all fellowships last approximately 12 months. Placements are finalized in the early spring and start dates range from June to August. While PiLA will remain in touch with fellows and partner organizations during the term, we would like to stress that fellows must be resilient and take direct responsibility managing their day-to-day working relationships with partners while in the field.
Successful applicants have excellent writing & analytical skills, and show empathy, professionalism and drive. During their fellowship they continue to develop their resilience, vision and agency. Professional Spanish is essential. Some of our partner organizations ask for highly specific skillsets and types of placements so there is no general formula or rule. However, a sustained record of academic achievement and service, empathy, resilience, commitment and humility are strong indicators of success. Other very important qualities are the so-called "soft" communication and interpersonal skills that include being a good team member, the flexibility to adapt successfully to shifting circumstances during the fellowship, a sense of humor and the capacity to quickly form and be included in a community.
PiLA Fellows come from many fields of study such as STEM, social sciences and humanities, pre-med, law, public policy, education, international relations, communications, and more. PiLA Fellows are from diverse backgrounds including many of Latin American heritage as well as first-generation college students.
Application for Princeton in Latin America fellowships is open to graduates of accredited U.S. and Canadian universities. International students who have graduated within the last 4 years from a college or university accredited in the U.S. or Canada may apply but should note that visa eligibility for destination countries may be a determining factor in placement.
Please understand that now, as in previous years, in applying for a PiLA fellowship (and if selected as a finalist), you are applying for the opportunity to be considered for multiple placements, and not applying for any one position or organization. As always, the final decision to offer a placement (as well as the decision of which candidate to select) is taken by our partners.
Eligibility
- Open to young professionals and graduating seniors
- Graduate of U.S. or Canadian accredited University
- Professional / advanced Spanish language skills
Application Requirements
- Résumé
- Unofficial transcript(s)
- Professional or academic letter of recommendation
- $100 Application Fee (Nonrefundable. Fee waivers available for students receiving financial aid.)
- Complete Online Application
Incomplete Applications will not be accepted.
Standard Application Timeline
Fellowships begin between June and August and end approximately 12 months after the start date.
August 26, 2024
Application opens
November 1, 2024
Application closes
November - December
All applications are reviewed by PiLA
January
Top applicants interview with PiLA staff and board representatives and finalists are nominated for fellowship placement with PiLA partner organizations
February
Nominees interview with PiLA partner organizations
March - April
Ongoing partner interviews, placement offers, and acceptance of offers until all spots are filled
May
MANDATORY Online Orientation for all PiLA Fellows
June - August
Fellowships begin