Frequently Asked Questions

I have been selected as a Gulf Fellow – what next?

If you are a member of the Spring delegation, as of March 16, 2010, your information is being processed and DS-2019s are being sent from Washington DC to the US Embassy in your country.  Your friends at Amideast and the US consular affairs will be contacting you to set up an appointment for a visa interview next week.  It is our hope your visa will be processed in a timely way.

If you are a member of the Fall delagation, your information is also being processed and you will be contacted in the next month about next steps regarding your visa.

Travel plans:  Legacy is arranging your flights and will be in touch with you reagarding  flight details etc.

Orientation:  You will receive emails regarding materials to read and a sesison to be held at Amideast offices.

What is the LFP program?

LFP affords up to 20 promising young professionals from Oman and Kuwait the opportunity to gain practical experience in, and exposure to, United States government. The knowledge and interest of these young professionals in US civil society will be expanded through short-term fellowships in federal congressional offices or with non-governmental organizations in Washington DC.  In addition, the LFP will enable up to 14 Americans to travel outbound on reciprocal visits.

How long is the program and what are the dates?

The Spring program dates are set for April 28  to May 27, 2009.    Dates for the Fall program are also tentatively set for September 18 to October 17, 2010.

LFP will be operating simultaneously in six regions around the world. Legacy International is responsible for the implementation of the program for participants from Oman and Kuwait only. There may be slight differences between the LFPs around the world but the goals are the same.

What other regions are participating in the LFP and who is administering those programs?

AF: LFP: Appalachian State University (South Africa)
EAP: LFP: American Council of Young Political Leaders (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan)
EUR: LFP American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS (Georgia, Russia, Ukraine)
NEA: LFP: Legacy International (Kuwait, Oman)
SCA: LFP World Learning (Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Nepal, Pakistan)
WHA: LFP: League of Women Voters (Brazil, Colombia)

Do I have to guarantee I can take a leave from work?
It’s up to you to discuss this with your employer.  A letter stating that should you be awarded a position in the program, you will be able to obtain leave from work is advisable.  If you have a preference to be a part of the Spring or Fall delegation, please state that as well.

What support (financial and otherwise) will I receive while on the program?

The following costs are covered: domestic, international, and U.S. domestic transportation; visa fee and processing costs;  health and accident insurance; professional and educational enhancement opportunities; professional mentoring support; and room and board . You will be given a stipend to cover meals and daily transport to and from your place of work.

Where will I live while I’m on program?
All LFP Fellows are housed in hotel accommodations sharing two people per room.  Legacy will arrange suites with kitchen facilities so that you can cook as you like or enjoy the restaurants nearby. You will also spend 4-5 days living with a host family in their home.

Can I take my family with me when I leave to begin the program?
No. The program policy as set by ECA and Legacy International is for LFP Fellows to arrive in the U.S. alone.  This allows you to focus fully on your professional development experience.

Can I work while I am on the program?
No. The “job” of the LFP Fellow is to fulfill program goals. For this reason the J-1 visa does NOT give the holder authorization to work in the U.S.

If I am selected as a spring Finalist, but can’t go for some reason, can my participation be postponed until the fall?
Possibly. Deferment will only be considered under truly extenuating circumstances (major illness, death in the family, etc). In addition, since the LFP grant will only fund programs in 2010, deferment past the fall group will not be possible. Fall finalists who wish to defer may have to reapply in the future.