Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ section has been updated. (1-20-10).
Below you will find a list of Frequently Asked Questions. This section is conveniently separated into the following topic sections:
1. Requirements/Eligibility
2. Application
3. Interview
4. Region
5. Internship
6. Housing and Travel
7. Stipend
8. Deadlines and Notifications
9. Contact Information
Please refer below to the section that best answers your question or concern.
1. Requirements/Eligibility
What are the requirements to be a Students Crossing Boundaries Fellow?
The Students Crossing Boundaries Fellowship Program is directed toward Freshman, Sophomores, or Juniors who are enrolled in either Wellesley College or Brandeis University and will be at their respective university for the spring '10 and fall '10 semesters. This means that students that are planning on studying abroad any of these semesters are not eligible to apply.
Applicants can be from all major and academic disciplines. Applicants must be motivated in learning about the region to which they are applying and willing to fully commit to the SCB Fellowship Program during the spring and fall semesters (including the summer internship). Their dedication to the SCB Mission is essential.
There is no minimum GPA requirement.
How many SCB Fellows will be selected for the 2009-2010 Fellowship Program?
Last year (2008-2009), ten fellows were chosen for both Israel/Palestinian Territories and the Mexico/US Border region programs at Brandeis University.
In 2009-2010, the SCB Program aims to accept five fellows for each program.*
*however, this may vary depending on available funding.
If I am currently studying abroad, can I still apply?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirement (will be on campus for spring ’10 and fall ’10). Please add this as a note or contact Adriel Orozco at adriel@studentscrossingboundaries.com if you are currently abroad and would like to apply.
2. Application
What is the application process?
The SCB Fellowship Program application consists of an online application and two interviews (one group and one individual interview). Applicants will submit an online application and are all invited to the group interview on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at noon. It will be approximately an hour and a half in duration. The location will be made public as time nears. Candidates will be notified by 4pm the same day whether or not they will be invited to an individual interview, held between Sunday, February 7 and Tuesday, February 9, 2010. Interviews will be in the evening and applicants will have the opportunity to select their best times on the applicants. Fellows will be notified of their acceptance by February 14, 2010 at 4pm.
Please reference below for questions regarding deadlines and other important dates.
If I applied to the program last year, can I reapply?
Students to be chosen as SCB Fellows will not be eligible to reapply, however, students who applied last year and were not chosen are able to reapply.
How do I submit my application?
The online application is now posted here. All applications must be submitted online. An online paper copy for your reference is provided here.
3. Interview
When will I be told if I am invited to interview?
All applicants are invited to the group interview to be held Sunday, February 7, 2010 at noon. It will be approximately an hour and a half in duration. The location will be made public as time nears. Candidates will be notified by 4pm the same day whether or not they will be invited to an individual interview, held between Sunday, February 7 and Tuesday, February 9, 2010. Interviews will be in the evening and applicants will have the opportunity to select their best times on the applicants.
What if I can’t make the in-person interview date?
The interview is an extremely important part of the SCB Fellow selection process. If the applicant cannot make any of the interview times, he or she will have to contact Adriel Orozco at adriel@studentscrossingboundaries.com to set up other arrangements.
4. Region
In what regions does the SCB Fellowship Program take place?
We have two programs, located in Israel/Palestinian Territories and the Mexico/US Border regions. Israel/Palestinian Territories program will primarily take place in Jerusalem and the Mexico/US Border region program in El Paso, TX.
The campus Leadership Team will work with students on finalizing their internships and their sites if they are chosen to be SCB Fellows.
How do you decide in which region to place the SCB Fellows?
Applicants must designate on their application form which region they are applying for.
Is it possible to apply for more than one region?
Yes. Candidates may decide to apply to both regions, but each candidate will have to complete an online application for each region. However, we encourage students to focus on one application fully.
5. Internship
Does my internship have to be finalized when I apply?
No. Having secured internships will not be necessary when applying. The campus Leadership Team will work with the selected SCB Fellows in finding organizations to work with during the spring semester.
How long does the internship have to be?
The minimum requirement is eight weeks.
6. Housing and Travel
How is travel covered to the internship site?
The cost of travel to the internship site, and within the region, is up to the SCB Fellow. The stipend can be used for travel, living expenses and other costs incurred during the internship stay.
Does the SCB Fellowship Program provide housing?
No. SCB Fellows and their campus Leadership Team will work together to secure housing. However, SCB Fellows are ultimately responsible to secure their own accommodations.
7. Stipend
What is the amount of the stipend that SCB Fellows receive?
SCB Fellows will receive $3,000-4,000 dependent on the region they choose and is dependent on the amount of funding available.
How will the stipend be paid out?
SCB Fellows will receive half of the funding prior to their internship commencement date and the other half during their internship stay.
8. Deadline and Acceptance Notifications
When is the application deadline?
Brandeis University deadline is Friday, February 5, 21010 by midnight.
When will I be told if I have been selected to be a SCB Fellow?
Brandeis SCB Fellows will be notified by Sunday, February 14, 2010 by 4pm.
9. Contact Information
Who are my campus Program Leadership Team?
Brandeis Leadership Team information can be accessed here.
Wellesley Program Leadership Team information can be accessed here.
Will I have an opportunity to talk to a current Fellow prior to applying?
Applicants are encouraged to contact former SCB Fellows if they wish. Please contact us by clicking here if you are interested in speaking to a former SCB Fellow (please be specific to which region you would like the former SCB Fellow to have participated).
Who do I contact if I have questions that are not answered in this FAQ?
Please contact Adriel Orozco at adriel@studentscrossingboundaries.com
