Frequently Asked Questions

When is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for submitting your completed application is January 23, 2010. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

When will I be notified about the results of my application?
HIA will contact you by February 10, 2010 to let you know whether or not you have been selected as a finalist. All finalists will then be interviewed by a member of our HIA Selection Committee between February 10 and March 5. The Selection Committee will announce decisions by email before March 10, 2010.

My reference says they never received the request for a letter of recommendation in their inbox, but the system told me the request was made. What gives?
Please make sure that your reference has checked their spam or junk mailboxes. Once you have done this, log back into your application and click the link next to the reference list to re-send the request. If your reference's email service allows for email addresses to be added to a "white list," please have them add admissions@humanityinaction.org

I cannot obtain a copy of my official transcript to scan and upload. What should I do?
If you cannot upload an official copy, you may upload an unofficial copy of your transcript. Then, if you accepted to the program, you will be required to have your registrar send a copy in the mail for verification. Any evidence of tampering with the digital transcripts will result in immediate disqualification.

I am currently a freshman, but will be a rising sophomore at the time of the 2010 HIA Fellowship. Am I eligible to apply?
No. In order to be eligible to apply, students must have sophomore standing at the time of the application deadline.

I am a graduate student. Am I eligible to apply?
Graduate students are eligible to apply as long as they graduated from college in 2008 or 2009.

I am an American student currently enrolled in a European university. Am I eligible to apply through one of the European offices?
If you are a university student in Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands or Poland, you may be eligible to apply through HIA offices in those countries. Please contact those offices directly to confirm your eligibility.

I am not a United States citizen, but I currently study at a college or university in the United States. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, all sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates (May 2008 and later) from US colleges or universities are eligible to apply, regardless of citizenship.

If I need a visa to participate in the fellowship program, will HIA help me to obtain it?
Yes, HIA will assist Fellows in obtaining any visas necessary for participation in the programs.

Can I send my application by regular mail?
No. All applications must be submitted online in order to be considered eligible.

Can I apply to both the American and European Programs?
Yes, the application allows applicants to choose between three options. They can apply to the American Program, the European Programs, or both.

Can I apply for a specific European Program?
No. If you are selected to participate in one of HIA’s European Programs, the HIA staff will designate your program country. Please do not make a request for a specific European program.

What costs does HIA cover during the program?
Humanity in Action covers the costs of participation and accommodation during the summer fellowship programs. In the 2010 programs, all Fellows will be responsible for financing the cost of airfare to participate in the program. HIA will cover this cost for fellows with documented need.

Although HIA provides a modest food stipend, Fellows should also plan to bring spending money for food and social activities during the fellowship program (approximately $500).

Do I need to know a foreign language in order to participate?
No, all HIA Fellowship Programs are conducted in English.

Is there a GPA requirement?
No, an applicant’s GPA is just one of many criteria that our committee evaluates during the selection process. Although HIA values applicants who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, we do not require that they clear a specific GPA threshold.

Who should write my reference letters?
References should be people who know your work and character extensively, and be able to speak honestly and effectively about your interests and abilities as they relate to the program goals. At least one letter must be from a college/university teacher or advisor.

Should I submit more than two references or include supplementary materials with my application?
No, HIA will discard any materials that are not explicitly requested.

One of my references is abroad and does not have Internet access. Is it possible for her to submit a reference letter via regular mail?
In extenuating circumstances, HIA does accept application materials via regular mail. If you cannot submit materials through our online application, please contact us at admissions@humanityinaction.org for further instructions.

How is my application reviewed?
The selection process involves two phases. During the first phase, a panel of HIA staff, Board members, and Senior Fellows reads all of the applications, and selects 90 finalists for further review by HIA’s Selection Committee. During the second phase, the Selection Committee reads and evaluates all 90 applications, and one of its members interviews each finalist. The final selections are made based on this second reading and the interview.

I will be studying abroad next semester. If I am selected as a finalist, can HIA arrange a telephone interview?
Yes, HIA will arrange telephone interviews when personal interviews are not feasible.

If you have any questions that are not covered here, please email admissions@humanityinaction.org for a quick response.

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