FAQs
A: Applicants for the Ambassador’s Distinguished Scholars Program must be U.S. citizens.
A: We accept applications from applicants who will have a terminal degree complete by the time they arrive in Ethiopia to begin the program.
A: Yes, you can apply as long as you are a U.S. citizen with a terminal degree in your field.
A: Yes, retired academics, as well as active tenure track faculty, lecturers, and postdoctoral graduates are eligible to apply. We review applications holistically, taking into account professional qualifications, teaching/research experience, and ability to represent the United States and American higher education through collaboration/knowledge sharing. You do not need an affiliation with an institution in the U.S. to apply.
A: More information can be provided in the eligibility section.
A: We are seeking scholars to reach in Ethiopia for an academic year (October 2020 – July 2021).
A: Faculty positions are available in over 60 disciplines. Each partner university has identified their priority disciplines and those can be downloaded from the Partner Universities and Positions Available page of this site. Preferred fields of study include STEM fields, Social Sciences, and Humanities. There is a preference for candidates with academic expertise that matches with the areas of specialization desired by the host institutions.
A: Applicants may express preferences and areas of expertise in the application. The program’s selection process with allow the partner universities to evaluate the candidates in terms of fit with the priorities of the host institution. Final offers of placement will be made to candidates based on their qualifications and suitability for the program.
A: At this time, the program provides support for scholars to work with Aksum University, Bahir Dar University, Dilla University, Hawassa University or Mekelle University.
A: The program provides a stipend, outlined in the program benefits page.
A: Yes, selected scholars can also apply for additional funding, but should disclose any additional funding with IIE.
A: Ambassador’s Distinguished Scholars will need to obtain a GV visa from the Ethiopian Embassy in DC in order to receive a work permit from the Ethiopian Ministry of Labor and Social Work. The process also requires authentication of official documents, including a copy of your terminal degree, and marriage certificates and birth certificates (if you have a family member who will accompany you.) More information will be made available to selected grantees but applicants should be aware of the requirements.
A: It is likely that the whole amount of the stipend will be excluded from U.S. tax under the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion depending on your personal circumstances such as other income you may have . Please see the IRS webpage, linked above, for more details that will explain how this exclusion applies to your specific situation.