Professional Fellows Exchange Program.

Who can apply for the exchange.

Interested applicants must adhere to the following requirements to be eligible to apply.

• Be emerging leaders in either civil society or the private sector in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka - with demonstrated expertise in economic empowerment and entrepreneurial / small-business development in their respective country.
• Have relevant experience and expertise in small business, entrepreneurship or the economic empowerment profession.
• Be a Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Sri Lankan citizen.
• Be interested in experiencing hands-on the activities in a U.S. business or economic empowerment organisation.
• Be committed to the importance of a sustainable and empowering business sector in a democracy.
• Be proficient in written and spoken English - the entire program and placements are conducted in English.
• Be computer-literate.
• Be between the ages of 25 and 40.

What participants take home.

Through this program, participants will specifically gain the following exposure, networks and capabilities.

• Be exposed to the day-to-day workings of the U.S. business workplace through four weeks of quality professional experience.
• Gain exposure to a variety of American business organisations and networks in Oklahoma and Washington, D.C.
• Get a conceptual and practical background for integrating into the American business environment - through lectures, discussions and exercises on budgeting, business plans, strategic communication, leadership and management principles, social-media developments, the business/government interface, intellectual property, contracts and business ethics.
• Enhance leadership skills to facilitate positive change in workplaces and communities while developing personally and professionally.
• Participate in weekly face-to-face feedback sessions with University of Oklahoma faculty to reflect on professional experiences.
• Be exposed to a variety of Oklahoma business networks designed to support start-ups, plus governmental and media institutions that can influence business.
• Be exposed to rich cultural experiences representing Oklahoma's unique environment - especially the Native American experience - and to American family life in a variety of settings.
• Become acquainted with the Bangladeshi-, Indian-, Pakistani- and Sri Lankan-American communities in the Oklahoma City metro area.
• Be exposed to networking opportunities with U.S. placement hosts and partner organisations for ongoing discussion and exchange of ideas, support and resources.
• Get connected to a network of alumni from previous professional exchange programs, professional placement providers and university faculty for ongoing exchange via social networking.
• Have the opportunity to reconnect with Oklahoma stakeholders who will make reciprocal visits to Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Preference is given to candidates who are:

The grantee organisation and its partner organisations will give preference to candidates with the following profile.

• Self-directed; able to work independently and in a teamwork environment.
• Able to adjust to changing cultural settings and environments.
• Considered leaders in their profession and their community.
• Genuinely interested in developing or expanding an individual project of their own selection in their home workplace or community.
• Innovative and open to new ideas.

Additional program requirements include:

• Ability to travel without family members (including children) or other individuals (relatives, friends).
• A guarantee that participants will, at all times, comply with all program requirements and program activities.