Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Legislative Fellows Program?

LFP affords up to 22 promising young professionals from Egypt, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Oman, and Tunisia the opportunity to gain practical experience in, and exposure to, how the United States government works and how laws are made. The fall program will focus on the electoral process.  The program is supported by the Department of State, through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. There are thousands of alumni from these programs in positions of leadership around the world.

Through a grant to Legacy International, Legacy is organizing and carrying out this program. MENA participants will be placed in the offices of a non-governmental organization, a member of Congress, or a political campaign in Washington, DC, or, during the fall program, in one of the surrounding states.  In addition, LFP will enable American participants to travel outbound on reciprocal visits to the Gulf and to North Africa.

How long is the program and what are the dates?

Dates for the Spring program are tentatively set for April 8 -- May 7, and for the Fall program for October 15 -- November 12, 2012. On the application, we will ask what dates the applicant wishes to apply for—Spring, Fall or Either. 

What should I know if I’m applying from Tunisia and Libya?

LFP will include 2 Tunisians and 2 Libyans in our Fall 2012 program. The U.S. program will highlight the free elections, campaign strategy, candidate training, women’s political participation and party poll watching. Applicants are encouraged to be presently engaged in one or more of the following areas:

• Candidates for political office
• Leaders of get out the vote campaigns or political awareness groups
• The expansion of youth and women engagement in political life women in government movements
• Political party development
• Anti-corruption
• Economic policy development

Applicants from Tunisia and Libya will only be eligible for participation in the Fall 2012 program.

When will I be notified whether or not I have been selected to participate in the program?

After the application deadline, it will be a few weeks before all of the applications are reviewed and decisions made.  Within a few days, you will receive a confirmation from us that we have received your application.

I have been selected as a fellow -- what next?

Once selected, we will follow up with you to arrange for visa interviews, travel arrangements including flights, and to begin the orientation process. Prior to the orientation, you will receive emails regarding materials to read and about a session to be held with members of your delegation.

What other regions are participating in the Professional Fellows Program and who is administering those programs?

In addition to Legacy International, other organizations across the United States have also been selected to arrange similar fellowships.  Fellows come from dozens of countries.  All fellows come together at the end of their program for a three-day “Professional Fellows Congress” in Washington, D.C.

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 the program?
All spring LFP Fellows are housed in hotel accommodations sharing two people per room, or in some cases three people may share a three-bedroom suite.  Legacy will arrange suites with kitchen facilities so that you can cook as you like or enjoy the restaurants nearby. Fall fellows will live with a host family during the first three weeks of the program, while staying in a hotel for the final week of the program while in Washington, DC.

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 United States 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. Of  course this does not include occassional attention to your professional responsibilities back home, but we expect that you will keep these to the bare minimum.