The Weinstein JAMS International Fellowship Program, inaugurated in 2008, provides opportunities for qualified individuals from outside the United States to study dispute resolution processes and practices in the U.S. to assist them in their efforts to advance the resolution of disputes in their home countries.

The JAMS Foundation will approve Fellowships of up to $20,000 in support of projects outlined by Fellowship applicants.  The Program is intended for individuals who have demonstrated experience with and commitment to the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and who seek to increase the availability of dispute resolution education, training and services in their own countries and beyond.

The Fellowship Program is designed to be flexible and open to innovation, and applicants are encouraged to be creative in pursuing activities in the U.S. that will serve to expand the use of ADR in their home countries.

Fellowships may be from one month to four months in duration. While applicants may propose activities lasting longer than four months, Fellowship funding is limited to the Fellowship period.

It is anticipated that Fellows will come from countries that do not have an established culture of using alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for cases in litigation.  Part of Fellows’ time in the U.S. will be spent observing how JAMS administers and resolves such cases.

Depending on the nature of their proposal, Fellows may also participate in university-based programs or be affiliated with other organizations or institutions that may help to advance their interests and goals.  Such affiliations can take many forms, from formal enrollment in graduate degree programs to more informal arrangements providing varying degrees of access and support.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to research and begin to establish such affiliations prior to or concurrent with their Fellowship application.  While the JAMS Foundation makes every effort to facilitate introductions where possible, it is Applicant’s responsibility to research available opportunities and to establish affiliations with the organizations or institutions with which they intend to work or study.

The website states:  Fellowship applications for 2016 must be received by November 20, 2015 in order to be eligible for consideration, and may be submitted electronically or in hard copy.

Applications will be reviewed by the JAMS Foundation Board of Directors at their first quarterly meeting of 2016. Final selection of 2016 Fellows will be announced in March, 2016.

Thanks to my colleague, S.I. Strong, for passing this along.