Why
The aim is to enable internationally thinking and acting young professionals to
- become experts in their chosen topic,
- help them build up an international professional network,
- develop profound intercultural skills.
What
During the 12-month programme, Fellows work in 2 to 3 international organisations, NGOs, think tanks or companies worldwide on a project topic of their choice. The Fellows select and organise the work stations themselves. Seminars on international cooperation and soft skills training round off the Fellowship.
The Mercator Fellowship on International Affairs is organised by the Swiss Study Foundation and the Mercator Switzerland Foundation, as well as the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes and the Stiftung Mercator. Cooperation partners of this German-Swiss programme are the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) and the Federal Foreign Office. A total of 25 people can participate in the programme each year. The monthly fellowship amounts to CHF 3'500. In addition, further funding is available for stays abroad and language courses.
When
The programme begins with a preparatory seminar in June 2021 and an introductory seminar in September 2021. The project year starts in October 2021.