Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program: Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to questions CDS frequently encounters about the Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program. If you still have any general questions after reading through this list, click here for the CDS General FAQs.
- I have an application form from last year. May I use it?
- When is the application deadline?
- What is the duration of the Fellowship Program?
- What are your citizenship requirements?
- What are the age requirements for the program?
- What kind of candidates are you looking for?
- What fields are candidates chosen from?
- How competitive is the program?
- What do I need to send to CDS to apply?
- What should the personal statement include?
- Who should write the letters of recommendation?
- To whom should the letters of recommendation be addressed?
- Is there a general recommendation form or any guidelines that should be given to those writing the letter of recommendation?
- May transcripts and letters of recommendation be sent directly to CDS?
- May I send more than two letters or recommendation?
- Must I fill out the application forms even though all my information is on my resume?
- When are decisions made?
- Who does the pre-selection?
- When is the final selection?
- Who are the selection committee members?
- Who arranges the two work phases?
- May I work a second job in Germany while on the Fellowship?
- May I bring my spouse? Can he/she work in Germany while I am there?
- Does the program cover health insurance or other types of insurance?
- Is the fellowship stipend considered taxable income?
I have an application form from last year. May I use it?
No, we will send you a new one or you may download the application below because every year there are a few changes.
When is the application deadline?
All application materials must be received at CDS by October 15, 2008 for the program year beginning in September 2009.
What is the duration of the Fellowship Program?
The program runs from September 1 through May 31 of the following year. Many fellows are required to travel to Berlin as early as June to complete intensive language training, bringing the program duration to one year.
What are your citizenship requirements?
Only U.S. citizens are eligible. Permanent residents or citizens of other nations may not apply.
What are the age requirements for the program?
Applicants must be between the ages of 23 and 34 at the application deadline.
What kind of candidates are you looking for?
Ideal candidates have a Master's degree (or a JD), professional experience in one of the application fields listed below, outstanding academic records, a genuine interest in Germany and Europe, and active involvement in community affairs and/or public affairs. If the applicant does not hold a Master's degree, at least two years of work experience in a related field is expected.
What fields are candidates chosen from?
Candidates are chosen from the fields of business administration, economics, law, journalism/mass communications, public policy, and political science.
How competitive is the program?
We receive an average of 300 applications for the 20 fellowships.
What do I need to send to CDS to apply?
A complete application includes the application form, a personal statement (maximum of two pages and 850 words), a resume, official university transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Please do not staple any documents, or include extraneous materials such as report covers, supplemental recommendations, or publications.
What should the personal statement include?
A personal statement (maximum 2 pages and 850 words) should describe your short and long-term career plans, your interest in transatlantic relations, and personal objectives for the proposed stay in Germany. It is essential that you describe the experience you hope to acquire in the seminars and the work phases of the Bosch program, proposing institutions and/or companies for both work phases.
Who should write the letters of recommendation?
Anyone who has worked closely with the applicant in the recent past may recommend you: an employer, a professor who supervised research or taught class, etc. We want to know about the applicant's professional ability and personality.
To whom should the letters of recommendation be addressed?
Letters of recommendation should be addressed to whom it may concern, or to the selection committee members.
No, the standard format for letters of recommendation is sufficient. The two letters of recommendation must have an original signature and be on official letterhead. No emails, copies, or faxes will be accepted.
May transcripts and letters of recommendation sent directly to CDS?
Yes, please send them to:
| CDS International, Inc. 871 United Nations Plaza, 15th Floor ATTN: Christopher Wymbs New York, NY 10017-1814 |
May I send more than two letters or recommendation?
We ask that you send no more than two, please.
Must I fill out the application forms even though all my information is on my resume?
Yes, the application form must be filled out in full.
Pre-selection takes place in November; applicants will be notified via post by mid- December. Please do not call CDS, as notification will only be made by mail.
The pre-selection committee is composed of a confidential committee of experts.
Final selection for the 2009 - 2010 Bosch Fellowship will take place in New York City on January 13-15, 2009. Exceptions are not possible.
Who are the selection committee members?
The selection committee is composed of Americans and Germans who are prominent in the fields covered by the fellowship and actively involved in international relations. Please note that the decision of whom to invite or to reject is made solely at the discretion of the committee members. All decisions are final.
Who arranges the two work phases?
In general, the Robert Bosch Foundation arranges the stages in cooperation with the fellows, who are responsible for identifying any ministries or companies where they would like to work. However, fellows are encouraged to make their own contacts and advise the foundation in this matter.
May I work a second job in Germany while on the Fellowship?
A second occupation is generally not permitted. Any exceptions require the approval of the Robert Bosch Foundation.
May I bring my spouse? Can he/she work in Germany while I am there?
Yes, a spouse may accompany the fellow and the fellow will receive an additional monthly subsidy. The spouse may accept an offer of employment in Germany, but the fellow must notify the foundation about status changes of this sort immediately.
Does the program cover health insurance
or other types of insurance?
The Robert Bosch Foundation insures the fellow and his or her accompanying family members with a comprehensive sickness, accident and liability insurance.
Is the fellowship stipend considered taxable income?
The stipend is tax-free under German law. However, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion under U.S. Tax Law (see IRS Form 2555-EZ: Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) requires a stay abroad of at least 330 non-consecutive days, or approximately 11 months. Fellows for whom taxation is a factor should plan their stay accordingly.
