Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be Buddhist or engaged in a contemplative practice to apply?

Absolutely not. The Dalai Lama Fellows Program is a secular, non-political organization. We are equal opportunity in outlook, and value diversity in both background and perspectives.

Why do you limit the fellowship to students who will return to campus in the following academic year?

One of the key requirements for Dalai Lama fellows is to integrate their fellowship work meaningfully into the life of the campus. Returning to campus is a vital part of fulfilling that requirement.

How can the project grant be spent?

The project grant of up to $10,000 (amounts may differ for international fellows based on partner guidelines and recommendations) may be used for all project-related expenses. While the grant cannot be used as personal income, students may be allowed to use part of the $10,000 as a stipend, after consultation with the program office, if fellowship participation precludes a student from necessary part-time work. The project grant cannot be used for tuition, fees, or living expenses.

A key component of the project application is a detailed budget, and selection committees will look to the budget as evidence of serious purpose and planning. We ask that all applicants explain their expenses in the budget portion of the application, and that budget estimates be as accurate as possible.

What role does the mentor play?

Fellows are expected to have a faculty mentor on campus during the fellowship year. A faculty mentor will provide perspective and access to resources, thereby facilitating project success, fellow development, and the meaningful integration of the project on campus. Applicants may apply with a mentor already named or they can indicate a plan on how they intend to secure a mentor before the Fellowship begins. Additionally, an applicant may ask their campus champion and selection committee members at their school for assistance in securing a faculty mentor. There is no limit on the number of mentors. A fellow may also have a staff member or adjunct professor, or even a non-campus mentor from a local citizen sector organization or community group, as an additional mentor.

What are the requirements of a fellow beyond the project?

Fellows are expected to attend an opening Global Learning Community retreat in June 2012 in Northern California and a closing Global Learning Community retreat the following June. This year's Global Learning Community institute is scheduled to take place in Petaluma, California June 17 - 24. The Dalai Lama Fellows Program covers the cost of round-trip travel to the retreats, as well as room and board when there. During the course of the fellowship year, fellows are required to be available for meetings with program staff twice per month by phone or Skype, and available by email as needed. These meetings are touch points to discuss project development and progress as well as to engage with the values-based, reflective leadership curriculum. Fellows are expected to engage fully with the reflective leadership curriculum – which includes reading responses, journal entries, regular fellowship-wide conference calls and webinars, and regular participation in an online social network. Read the project timeline for more information on the expected time commitment of being a Dalai Lama Fellow.

Should the projects be domestic or international?

Projects may be domestic or international. However, preference will be given to projects that demonstrate the ability to engage in a sustained and meaningful way with the community where the project is situated. For U.S. university students, projects are prohibited to countries where a State Department Travel Warning has been issued or where there is other reliable information of significant health or safety risks. There are also certain countries with governmental travel restrictions (e.g. Cuba for US citizens) and we expect our Fellows to comply with those restrictions.

May the Fellow do his/her work while participating in study abroad?

Because integrating the fellowship work into the life of the campus is such a key component of the Fellowship, students spending a year abroad during their fellowship year are ineligible. Students who will be studying abroad for only one term, and will be back on the home campus for the other term(s), are eligible. Applicants who will be away one term must clearly explain in their applications how they plan to integrate their project into the life of the campus community within a shorter time frame.