The Foreign Agricultural Service International Agricultural Fellowship Program (IAFP) is a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that identifies and prepares individuals interested in careers in USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
IAFP provided graduate fellowships to qualified individuals who will attend two-year graduate programs in Agribusiness or Agricultural Economics at U.S. universities, provide two summer internships – one domestic and one overseas, and offer mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer, and provide professional development activities. It also provides a pathway to employment in the Foreign Agricultural Service.
Those who successfully complete IAFP and pass the USDA’s FAS Foreign Service Assessment will be offered positions as a Foreign Service Trainee (FST), which will prepare them for a career as a FAS Foreign Service Officer, embarking on a uniquely rewarding career of international service. Until fellows have fulfilled the USDA entry requirements, including passing the FAS Foreign Service Assessment, security clearance and medical clearance, USDA employment contract terms are to be agreed and signed upon. The program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in USDA and those with financial need. It is open to students and alumni of all universities and with any major. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in U.S. engagement with the world, the program values candidates representing a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, social, and geographic origins.
The program ensures that the Foreign Agricultural Service benefit from the diverse perspectives of Americans with different backgrounds and experiences, and provides a source of trained women and men who are dedicated to pursuing Foreign Service careers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
Howard University administers the FAS International Agricultural Fellowship Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service.