Ten to fifteen USA Eisenhower Fellows typically travel abroad each year for individualized programs in countries where their professions can be enriched by hosting individuals and organizations. The goal is to enhance the development of U.S. mid-career leaders in fields important to the future of their region and to the United States as a whole.
The majority of USA Fellows are drawn from four specific regions in the U.S.: the greater Philadelphia and St. Louis metropolitan regions, the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, and New England. One Fellow per year is also selected for the Agricultural Fellowship, the only fellowship currently available nationwide.
Each Fellow spends 4-8 weeks, including a week’s worth of orientation and debriefing in Philadelphia, pursuing a program developed in close communication with Eisenhower Fellows and/or a professional program administrator in the destination country. The program focuses on a series of professional visits and appointments with local experts and leaders in the Fellow's field. It also includes cultural sites and hospitality by citizens of that country.
A Fellow’s spouse is invited and encouraged to participate; (children are not permitted on the program). Expenses covered during the Fellowship include: round trip international airfare, domestic travel, and a stipend to cover the hotels and meals for Fellow and spouse.