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International Cultural Fellows Mentoring Program

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does per diem work?

A: You will be provided with per diem while you are in the U.S. This includes $64 U.S. per day for meals, and $31.50 U.S. per day for local travel (subway, taxis, etc.). This money will be given to you in two checks (or travelers checks). The first check will be cashed on the first full day of your visit or the first business day, whichever is first. The second check will be cashed at the beginning of the second week of the program.

Q: What kind of visa will I be issued?

A: You will be issued a J-1 visa. This is for non-immigrants to come to the U.S. for teaching, studying, researching, consulting, demonstrating special skills or receiving training.

Your contact at the post will receive a DS-2019 from the U.S. Department of State, which entitles you to apply for a J-1 visa from your American consulate. To be admitted to the U.S., it is necessary to have both the DS-2019 and the J-1 visa passport stamp

Q: Can I stay in the U.S. past the end of the program?

A: Yes. You have 30 days past the end of the program before you are required to leave the U.S. If you do plan on staying longer, please let the Kennedy Center know as soon as possible. We also ask that you please inform us upon your return home.

Please note, however, that you will not receive any monetary assistance if you stay past the end of the program. You will be responsible for your own lodging, meals and travel. We will book your outbound ticket from the U.S. back to your home country for whatever date you tell us.

Q: Who will make my travel arrangements?

A: The Kennedy Center is in charge of purchasing plane tickets for your trip to and from the U.S. When you have been accepted into the program, we will send you a questionnaire with some information we will need to book your travel (i.e. preferred airport, dietary needs). If you plan on staying in the U.S. past the end of the program please let us know at that time and we will book your travel accordingly. We will send you an itinerary for your approval before purchasing your tickets.

Please note that the Kennedy Center will only book travel once. This means that we will purchase your plane ticket for the itinerary you have agreed upon by a certain deadline. If you decide you want to make any changes after we have purchased your ticket, you will be responsible for changing your ticket and paying for it yourself.

Q: Do I need to speak English?

A: Being fluent in English is a requirement for participants in the Fellows Mentoring Program.

Q: What should I pack?

A: The Kennedy Center recommends checking the weather in the cities you’ll be visiting for the dates of your program. You should pack in light layers. If your program is during the winter months, please pack warm clothing as many of the cities you may be visiting can get very cold.

In most cases you will be in hotels with laundry facilities. Please remember that many airlines in the U.S. have baggage restrictions pertaining to the number and weight of your bags. If you exceed these restrictions, you will have to pay a fee. We recommend bringing one larger suitcase or two smaller suitcases at most.

Participants should expect to transport all of their luggage when travelling between cities in the program. The Kennedy Center cannot store luggage/equipment for program participants.

There is no dress code for this program. You may want some dress clothes for your meetings with the State Department at the beginning and end of the program, but otherwise please dress comfortably and suitably for your program.

If you are a musician participating in one of our music programs, please inform us of any special transport needs for your instrument.

Q: Who will meet me at the airport?

A: A representative of the Kennedy Center will be waiting for you in the baggage claim area of the airport. If you are arriving internationally into Dulles Airport, a representative will be waiting for you after you have passed through customs. They will be holding a sign reading "The Kennedy Center". There will be one or two interpreters as well.

Q: When will I get the agenda for my visit?

A: You should expect to receive a draft agenda three weeks before you come to the U.S. You will have the opportunity to make comments about the agenda or give any suggestions at this time.

You will receive the final agenda when you arrive in the U.S.

Q: When are applications due?

A:Application deadlines vary depending on the program you are applying for. These dates can be found on the “Description of Program” page.

Q: When will I be notified whether or not I am selected?

A: The Kennedy Center will inform you no later than three months before the beginning of your program. You may be notified sooner depending on the program.

Q: Can I make suggestions about what will be included in my agenda?

A: The Kennedy Center welcomes any suggestions, either general or specific, that you may have about the agenda. We will try to accommodate your suggestions, however we cannot guarantee that we will be able to fulfill all of your requests.

Q: Will I have time to do things on my own? (i.e. visit friends or professional contacts)

A: There will be some free time in the schedule, mostly on weekend days. However, your schedule is very busy and you may simply be exhausted and want your free time to rest and be ready for the rest of the program.

We recommend that you stay after the program dates if you wish to make additional professional connections.

Q: Do I need a credit card?

A: A credit card is not required as most places will take cash, but may be helpful if you plan on staying after the program dates.

Q: Will I have access to a phone?

A: The Kennedy Center will provide a cell phone for each program group. We recommend that you purchase an international calling card once you arrive in the U.S. You can use this calling card to make calls from your hotel room.

Q: What are guidelines about cigarette smoking during the program?

A: Smoking is prohibited in all hotels and most restaurants and bars in the United States. If you smoke in your hotel room, you will be charged a large fine.

Please note that you will often have meetings or classes that will last for 2 or more hours. You will have breaks throughout the day during which you can take the opportunity to smoke.