Fulbright Scholar Program

Research Scholar awards are available in all academic disciplines for three to nine months for Mauritanian scholars to undertake a planned program of reading and research at a U.S. academic or research institution toward production of scholarly work.  Research scholars are expected to be experienced university faculty or administrators, research institute specialists, professionals or independent scholars. All applicants are expected to have a record of scholarly research productivity in their field, including peer-reviewed publications, presentations or creative works.  Three Mauritanian University instructors have participated in this program since 2005.

Selection Criteria

1. Applicants must be Mauritanian citizens;
2. Applicants must not have received a Fulbright grant for study, teaching, or research in the U.S. within the last five years;
3. Preference will be given to individuals who have had no experience or only limited experience in the United States;
4. Proposals involving doctoral dissertation research, postdoctoral research immediately following completion of a doctoral degree, or general professional travel, are ineligible;
5. Proposals for clinical medical research involving physician training, patient care and contact cannot be approved under the Fulbright Program;
6. Applicants must have sufficient English proficiency to carry out their research projects and collaborate effectively with colleagues.  TOEFL exams are not required, but Posts may choose to institute local English language testing if necessary to evaluate applicants’ language skills;
7. Applicants must be in good health.  Successful candidates will be asked to submit a Medical History and Examination Report; and
8. Scholars who were unsuccessful in previous competitions may re-apply.  Repeat applicants should revise their proposals, update their curriculum vitae, obtain current letters of reference, and complete the application form.

For more information, please see:  https://eca.state.gov/fulbright/fulbright-programs

Humphrey Program

The Humphrey Program brings accomplished mid-level professionals to the United States for a year of academic study and professional work in a non-degree program that involves a combination of academic study and professional development.  Participants will design their own program, and discuss with the academic advisor on how to achieve the objectives they set for themselves.  Eleven (11) Mauritanians have participated in this program since 2005.

Selection Criteria

1. Be a permanent legal resident of Mauritania;
2. Have a university degree awarded after at least three years of full-time study (License);
3. A minimum of five years of substantial professional experience;
4. Limited or no prior experience in the United States;
5. Have demonstrated leadership qualities;
6. A record of public service in the community;
7. Have the potential for advancement in his or her field; and
8. Be proficient in both written and spoken English.

For more information, please see: https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/hubert-h-humphrey-fellowship-program

International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

IVLP participants are young and rising stars (not over 45 years old), in government, politics, the media, academia, civil society institutions, and NGOs engaged in a variety of causes and concerns.  During their programs they will visit three or four cities, meet their professional counterparts, and experience the United States firsthand, with the idea of sharing their new knowledge with colleagues when they return to Mauritania.

Selection Criteria

Only employees of the U.S. Embassy Mauritania can submit nomination from their broad range of Mauritanian contacts.

For more information, please see:  https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/international-visitor-leadership-program-ivlp/stories

Young African Leaders (YALI) Mandela-Washington Fellowship (MWF)

YALI MWF is a key part of the White House commitment to invest in the future of Africa.  The White House created this initiative out of recognition of the critical and increasing role that young Africans are playing in strengthening democratic institutions, spurring economic growth, and enhancing peace and security in Africa.  20 Mauritanians have already participated in this program.  The entirety of this program is conducted in English language.

For more information, please see:  https://yali.state.gov/ 

YALI Regional Leadership Center (YALI RLC) or “YALI Dakar”

YALI Regional Leadership Center is located in Dakar and offers leadership training programs to young francophone leaders between the ages of 18 and 35.  The RLC serves as a place for regional collaboration driven by young leaders by providing in-person and online training, networking, and professional development opportunities.  The RLCs are a project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in close partnership with The MasterCard Foundation and other private sector partners. Each center is managed as a public-private partnership.  The entirety of this program is conducted in French language.

For more information, please see:  http://www.yaliafriquedelouest.org/