FELLOWSHIPS ABROAD

ROBERT BOSCH FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Program Background

In September 1984, the first group of fourteen Robert Bosch Foundation Fellows arrived in Bonn for a nine-month professional development program in Germany.

Every year since then, fifteen—as of 1998, twenty—highly accomplished young Americans, some of them accompanied by their spouses and families, have been afforded this unique opportunity to become personally acquainted with Germany’s political, economic and social situation. Bosch Fellows have gained an insider’s perspective on the German working world, made a wide variety of contacts with decision-makers, and achieved a better understanding of the German and European views of global problems and conflicting interests. Seminars in Brussels, Budapest, Madrid, Paris, Warsaw and The Hague have provided an introduction to the complexities of the European Union. In the 2007-2008 program year, special attention was given to the topics of renewable energy and international finance.

Through this fellowship program, Robert Bosch Stiftung aims to contribute to the long-term stabilization and growth of German-American relations. The Americans selected to participate in this program are likely to become leaders in their professional fields, and it is hoped that the experience will foster personal commitment to the common goal of greater transatlantic understanding.

The program has been running successfully for twenty-five years. CDS International has served as U.S. Representative since the program’s inception.

About Robert Bosch Stiftung

Established in 1964, Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH (in English, Robert Bosch Foundation) is one of the major German foundations associated with a private company. It represents the philanthropic and social endeavors of found Robert Bosch (1861-1942) and fulfills his legacy by taking on challenges of modern day society, developing forward-looking concepts, and putting them into practice.

Robert Bosch Stiftung works predominantly in the fields of international relations, health, and education. Robert Bosch Stiftung, the objectives of which are exclusively non-profit, holds 92% of the capital stock of Robert Bosch GmbH. From 1964 until 2007, the foundation provided approximately EUR 849 million in funding, EUR 58.9 million in 2007 alone.