NBR Bridge to Asia Fellowship

Deadline

Overview

The NBR Bridge to Asia Fellowship provides exceptional undergraduate and community college students with immersive professional experience in Asia policy and international affairs. Fellows gain hands-on research training, mentorship from leading experts, and opportunities to publish their work while building lasting professional networks.

Through paid summer fellowships in Washington, D.C., participants join NBR’s research teams to deepen their understanding of critical policy challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Bridge to Asia Fellowship is supported by a generous grant from the Henry Luce Foundation.

NBR is committed to building a foreign policy community that amplifies diverse voices and strengthens America’s engagement with Asia. We understand that informed policymaking requires leaders who bring varied perspectives and experiences to critical challenges. We welcome applications from students of all backgrounds who share our commitment to shaping the next generation of leadership in U.S.-Asia relations.

Benefits

Fellows benefit from:

• Direct involvement in NBR research projects
• One-on-one mentorship with Asia policy experts
• Professional development through NBR’s Summer Learning Series
• Opportunities to publish with members of NBR’s network of experts
• Networking with leaders in international affairs

Eligibility criteria

Qualified applicants for the Bridge to Asia Fellowship are:

• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Currently enrolled as a community college or undergraduate (first-year, sophomore, or junior) student with an interest in Asia and U.S. foreign policy.
• Able to relocate to Washington, D.C., or already residing in the location, for the in-person portion of the fellowship (June through August 2026).

Application Process

To be considered for a fellowship, applicants must submit the following materials through NBR’s application website.

Three required essays of no more than 250 words each:

• How did you get interested in Asia and foreign policy, and which topics interest you the most?
• Tell us about your background and the personal, educational, and community experiences that have shaped your worldview.
• How would this fellowship advance your professional goals? What specific skills and opportunities would most benefit your development?

Answers to supplemental questions on the application portal:

• Will you be able to be physically located in Washington, D.C., June through August? Do you currently reside in the area?
• Do you have any relevant work, volunteer, internship, or fellowship experiences? Please list any applicable organization, dates, and responsibilities.
• Any scheduling considerations for remote orientation month or summer residency
• Language skills or regional expertise/interests (if applicable)

Required materials:

• Academic record (an unofficial transcript from your current university).
• Resume or activity list highlighting your experiences or interests.
• Two letters of support sent directly to [email protected]:

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Find the Application linked at the bottom of this page: https://www.nbr.org/bridge-to-asia-fellowship/bridge-to-asia-fellowship-eligibility-and-application/