Application and Eligibility

Am I eligible to apply? – Citizens and current residents of Ukraine are eligible to apply. Participants must be over 21 years old during the time of application, proficient in spoken and written English and have relevant professional experience. The program is intended for specialists engaged in the fields of business, entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship or innovation.

What level of proficiency is required for participation? - Strong upper-intermediate skills are a must. All fellows are expected to actively participate in daily activities that involve speaking, listening, writing and reading in English and won’t be provided with interpreters.

Do I need to take the TOEFL exam to apply for the program? - No, you don’t. However, if you have a valid TOEFL/IELTS score, you can indicate that in the online application.

Can I apply for the program if I don’t have a valid international passport? - Yes, you can. If you do not have an international passport, then please provide a high quality digital copy of your domestic passport. We also strongly encourage you to apply for an international passport as soon as you are selected as a semi-finalist.

Do I need to provide letters of reference? - Your application must include two (2) letters of reference. Applications without reference letters will not be considered. These letters must be submitted online. An eligible reference includes colleagues, advisers, supervisors, and other professionals who are familiar with your professional abilities. Applicants may not submit letters on their own behalf. In Section 5 of your online application, please provide your two (2) references’ names and email addresses. Press the “Request Recommendation” button for each of your recommenders to send the request by email. They should receive the emails with a secure link to our confidential online reference form within one hour. Confirm with your recommenders that they received these email messages and can access their online forms. Your references must then use that link to complete and submit their letters online. Be sure to inform your recommenders to expect this email message. It will be sent from “ais_accounts@americancouncils.org”. Such emails are often misdirected to a spam or junk mail box. Inform your recommenders of this possibility.

I don’t know where I will be placed in the US – how should I approach the 3rd essay question? (“If you were to develop a follow-on Action Plan proposal to be implemented after your return from the U.S. and to address a specific challenge encountered in your business/company or work at home, what project would you develop? Please describe the issue you aim to solve, possible local partners, goals, activities, and any other details.”)

While on the program, each Fellow will have an opportunity to submit an application to implement a follow on project upon return to Ukraine. Projects will be competitively selected. At the time when you initially apply for the program, try to think about a hypothetical project and your approach to addressing issue at hand. We encourage you to think about possible collaborations you will seek from other UBL PIE participants. This project should aim at benefiting your community/region and be realistic. Think about potential goals, partners and activities. Be creative!

Do I need to complete the application in one sitting? -It is not necessary to complete your online form in one sitting. To continue later, press the “Save Changes” button that can be found at the bottom of any page, and then log out of the system. You can then log in at any time thereafter until the form deadline to complete your form. To save your work at any time, press the “Save Changes” button that can be found at the bottom of any page. It is a good idea to regularly save your work while completing the form to ensure that none of your work is lost in the event you lose your Internet connection, your computer is accidentally shut down, etc.

How are fellows selected? – Fellows are selected through an open, merit-based competitive nationwide search that involves an extensive online application and interviews in English.

General Program Questions

What are the costs of the program? – If you are selected as a finalist, the UBL PIE program will cover all costs associated with your international travel, visa, and basic living costs in the US. There are no required costs to Fellows.

What type of Visa will I have? Do I need another visa if I already have a tourist/business visa? -All Fellows will need to receive J-1 visas- nonimmigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. Fellows may not participate on their tourist/business visas and will need to obtain a J-1 visa. All visa fees will be covered through the program as well as travel to the visa interview. However, the granting of a US J-1 visa is a requirement for the program, and if you are rejected for a visa by the Consular section at the embassy you will not be eligible to participate. The UBL program can assist fellows in the application process, but holds no sway over visa granting decisions made by the Embassy.

Can I apply if I already had a J-1 visa and have “two-year rule applies” note in my visa? -No, you will need to fulfill the two-year home residence rule before you can participate in the UBL PIE program.

Where will I be placed in the US? – We will match Fellows with worksites in the US. While Fellows may express a preference early in the process for a particular type of site, please note that American Councils has final say over all sites and Fellows may not choose their own sites. Fellows will be placed in a variety of organizations (businesses or organization, institutions, universities) that focus on start-ups or entrepreneurship or building a business so regardless of what particular background Fellows have, they will be able to learn about starting/growing a business and see US best business practices. All fellows will also attend a professional development course at PGLF and will receive certificates.

Where will I be staying in the U.S.? - Where possible, UBL PIE Fellows are housed with American host families who welcome Fellows into their homes on a volunteer basis and without remuneration. If for whatever reason it is not possible to secure a host family, we will arrange a hotel/apartment accommodation and will cover all expenses.

While on the program, can I work a job in the US other than my fellowship? - Working a job in the US other than your internship is prohibited. Participation in the UBL PIE program carries an obligation for holding a full-time fellowship in a US organization that focuses on start-ups, entrepreneurship, building a business. As J-1 visa holders, participants are not permitted to be otherwise engaged in any form of employment while in the United States.

Will there be any orientation for Fellows before the program? -Yes, the UBL PIE program will organize a pre-departure orientation where Fellows will learn more about the program, its goals, parameters and logistics as well as will have an opportunity to talk to the program alumni.

Whom can I contact if I have questions about the program? - You can contact us at Ukraine-BL@americancouncils.org