Global Community Fellowship
VIA (formerly Volunteers in Asia) is a Bay Area non-profit organization with six decades of experience facilitating international experiential learning programs in Asia and the US. VIA’s mission is to provide innovative experiential learning opportunities that promote cross-cultural understanding, build partnerships, and offer transformative experiences for our participants and the communities they serve.
The Global Community Fellowship is a 13-15 month program for recent university graduates and starting as well as experienced professionals. Fellows work at NGOs, schools, universities, and social enterprises across Asia to support community development, capacity-building, and education. By working directly with communities, fellows get hands-on experience learning how organizations in Asia are using creative and innovative methods to address critical social challenges.
NOTICE REGARDING COVID-19 IMPACT ON THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP: Available posts and start dates may change throughout the application and selection cycle, depending on the severity of the pandemic in different regions. We ask for applicants’ patience and understanding as we navigate an uncertain fellowship cycle.
Fellow Roles & Responsibilities
Fellows engage in a wide range of activities and tasks with our local partners. Each post has a unique mix of responsibilities, which generally fall into the following categories:
- Education — Fellows advance student development in critical thinking and cross-cultural communication. Through teaching (English or other subjects depending on the post), you’ll help students to access future education and professional opportunities.
- Training & Capacity-building — Fellows develop training resources and curricula for partners to enhance their organizational operations and optimize for impact. You may help with need-finding, research, training program or workshop design, facilitation, and assessment for partner staff and/or the communities they serve.
- Community Development — Fellows support community development and international communication efforts by facilitating access to resources, networks, and collaboration opportunities. You may help with fundraising, project management, and community outreach efforts of our local partners.
Note about citizenship requirements:
Due to certain visa/work permit restrictions and the needs of our partner organizations, Global Community Fellowship posts are often limited to US citizens/residents, or individuals who have received their bachelor's degree from a US university.
Note about language proficiency:
Very high to native English proficiency, especially for teaching positions, is required. Other language requirements vary depending on the post, but generally, local language ability is not required. VIA will arrange local language classes for fellows when they arrive in-country.
Benefits
The program is funded by our alumni, partners, and grants. Funding covers the cost of:
- Approximately 1-year placement at a host organization in Asia. Please note that Global Community Fellows are employees of their host organizations, not of VIA.
- Approximately three weeks of training, covering program management, cross-cultural communication, leadership development, and teacher training.
- Comprehensive emergency medical and evacuation insurance.
- Living and housing stipend (based on local cost of living) while working at your post or on a short-term VIA program.
- Intra-Asia travel (from training to your post and wrap-up conference).
- Language study grants and tutors are available at some posts.