Award summary: 

Princeton in Asia (PiA) is an independent non-profit organization affiliated with and located on-campus at Princeton University. Founded by Princeton students in 1898, the program fosters mutual appreciation and cross-cultural understanding between the United States and Asia through immersive work fellowships in host organizations and communities. PiA aims to contribute to building a world where individuals share a mutual appreciation and respect for the diversity of cultures and perspectives and cultivates life-long bridges to Asia. The fellowship program offers Fellows a change in perspective, a job that matters and a community for life.  

Application period: 
September 12 – November 1, 3pm EST

As recipients of PiA fellowships, PiA Fellows receive:

1. An immersive, paid work opportunity at a host organization in Asia. Please note that PiA Fellows are employees of their host organizations, and not of PiA.
2. A local stipend paid by the host organization. The stipend is intended to foster an immersive experience in the host community and is designed to cover the cost of safe housing, clean food and water, telecommunications and local travel at the post.
3. Reimbursements for expenses associated with processing visa and work permit applications in the United States. 
4. Health and safety resources including travel medical and emergency evacuation insurance, a travel safety and risk management manual, pre-departure training and resources, and membership in International SOS for 24/7 guidance, emergency medical and security assistance, and mental health support.
5. An orientation program including content on cultural frameworks and cross-cultural work; living your identity in Asia; health, safety, welfare and risk management; cultural and current affairs of host countries; and connections to the PiA alumni community and Country Advisors. Orientation is conducted virtually in the month of June. Teaching Fellows will also receive a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) training.
6. Language grants are available for some posts and languages.
7. Assistance in student loan deferments in the form of letters issued to student loan agencies.
8. Country Advisors. Each country in which PiA operates has one or more designated Country Advisors with significant experience and local knowledge of the host country. Country Advisors assist with enhancing cultural immersion sharing knowledge on local culture, behavior and norms.
9. Alumni Mentor Directory. Fellows receive access to the PiA Alumni Mentor Directory midway through the fellowship and are encouraged to connect with Alumni for career mentorship. 
10. Alumni Network. Upon completion of the fellowship, Fellows will be invited to join PIA’s Alumni and Friends Network. This includes access to a digital platform for PiA alumni, alumni events, and Alumni Network chapters.

Costs: 

There is no cost to submit an application for a PiA fellowship

Fellows should expect to cover the following pre-departure expenses:

• Vaccination and pre-departure health expenses
• Round-trip transportation to Asia for most positions

PiA is dedicated to offering immersive fellowship experiences to as diverse and talented an applicant pool as possible. Though PiA has limited resources, travel grants are offered by application. We will work with each fellowship recipient to ensure that financial considerations do not preclude anyone from participating in these opportunities.