[Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa)]
Applications are open for the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027, an international professional exchange opportunity for civil society professionals and volunteers who want to strengthen their expertise, expand their professional networks and contribute to positive social change.
The CrossCulture Programme supports professionals and volunteers from more than 40 participating countries each year. Selected fellows spend two to three months working with a host organisation in Germany or an eligible partner country. During this period, they exchange knowledge, develop practical skills and gain insights into different approaches to addressing social and civic challenges.
The programme is designed to benefit both fellows and their host organisations. Participants gain professional experience and international perspectives, while host organisations benefit from the fellows' specialist knowledge, regional experience and professional networks. After returning to their home organisations, fellows are expected to apply the knowledge and experience gained during the exchange to their ongoing work.
The CrossCulture Programme is an international initiative of ifa that strengthens civil society through professional exchange and intercultural cooperation. It connects people working in different social and professional environments and encourages collaboration across national, cultural and institutional boundaries.
The fellowship provides participants with an opportunity to learn from organisations working in their professional fields. Depending on their background and placement, fellows may contribute their expertise to projects, exchange working methods with colleagues, participate in professional meetings and explore approaches to common social challenges.
Participants also take part in programme activities such as transcultural workshops, networking events and professional discussions. These activities encourage fellows to reflect on different perspectives, build relationships with international colleagues and develop the skills needed for cross cultural collaboration.
A central objective is to ensure that the fellowship experience creates lasting value beyond the placement itself. Fellows are expected to transfer relevant knowledge and practical experience to their home organisations and wider professional communities.
Selected fellows from participating countries outside Germany can receive the following support:
• Monthly stipend of €650.
• Round trip airfare for the fellowship placement.
• Accommodation during the programme.
• Monthly public transportation ticket within the fellow's city of residence.
• Health insurance.
• Reimbursement of applicable visa fees.
• Mentoring throughout the fellowship.
• Professional development opportunities related to the fellow's field.
• Participation in a three to four day transcultural workshop.
• Networking opportunities with other fellowship participants.
• Access to the CCP alumni network.
The funding arrangement for participants from Germany differs from that for participants travelling from abroad. German participants receive a monthly stipend of €1,200, which must cover accommodation and other local expenses, as well as round trip airfare, health insurance and reimbursement of applicable visa fees.
The fellowship does not provide funding for accompanying family members. Additional support for accessibility measures, accommodation adjustments or personal support services is also not available under the current programme arrangements. Funding remains subject to the German Federal Foreign Office's financial support.
The CrossCulture Programme generally supports applicants working in the following fields.
• Policy and Society: Public policy, civic participation, social development and initiatives that strengthen democratic institutions.
• Media and Culture: Journalism, cultural exchange, communication and initiatives that encourage dialogue across communities.
• Human Rights and Peace: Human rights protection, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and the promotion of inclusive societies.
• Sustainable Development and Climate Justice: Environmental sustainability, climate action, social responsibility and equitable development.
For the 2027 cohort, democratic resilience is an additional thematic priority. Applicants working to strengthen democratic institutions, civic engagement, social cohesion and the ability of communities to respond to challenges affecting democratic life may find this focus particularly relevant.
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
• Be at least 23 years old at the time of application.
• Be a citizen or eligible applicant from one of the countries participating in the 2027 programme, in accordance with the official country rules.
• Have at least two years of proven professional experience or volunteer experience in a civil society organisation in their home country.
• Demonstrate a solid command of written and spoken English.
• Be able to undertake a prolonged stay abroad if selected for an in person placement.
• Work in a field relevant to the programme's supported themes.
• Be able to explain how the fellowship experience could contribute to their professional work and home organisation.
Students are not eligible to participate. Individuals receiving another form of funding in the same year, such as another fellowship, are also excluded under the programme's stated eligibility rules.
Applicants should note that the participating country list can change from year to year. The official 2027 list includes countries such as Egypt, Algeria, Armenia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine and Vietnam, among others.
Although the essential eligibility requirements must be met, the programme also values applicants who demonstrate:
• Long term commitment to social or community development.
• Existing or planned cooperation with an organisation in the host country.
• A clear intention to apply their fellowship experience after returning home.
• Additional language skills, particularly German.
• A professional background that allows them to contribute meaningfully to their host organisation.
Applicants should demonstrate how their experience and professional goals align with the programme's emphasis on civil society cooperation and intercultural exchange.
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
• Curriculum vitae: An up to date CV in English outlining education, professional experience, volunteer activities and relevant skills.
• Letter of recommendation: A recommendation from a supervisor in the applicant's home organisation or workplace in their country of origin, using the template provided by ifa.
• Photograph: A current photograph may be included, but it is optional.
Applicants should carefully follow the official instructions for completing and uploading their documents. The programme specifically requests personal applications without the use of artificial intelligence, so candidates should prepare their applications independently and follow this requirement.
Incomplete applications, applications submitted by email and applications received after the deadline may not be considered.
The programme seeks applicants who can benefit from international professional exchange and contribute to stronger civil society organisations. Relevant considerations include:
• Meeting the age, experience and country eligibility requirements.
• Demonstrating a clear commitment to civil society work.
• Having professional or volunteer experience relevant to the programme's thematic areas.
• Showing how the placement could contribute to the applicant's professional development.
• Explaining how knowledge gained during the fellowship could be applied in the home organisation.
• Demonstrating the ability to participate in intercultural professional activities.
After the application deadline, suitable candidates may be invited for an interview. Final applicants are expected to receive notification of the outcome by email.
Interested candidates should follow these steps:
[Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa)]
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