International Fellows

International Fellows spend four years creating their own American experience through travel and immersive cultural experiences. Faculty mentors will guide your journey as you learn about the influences that have shaped this nation.

All eligible students will be considered for this program based on their first-year admissions application.

As a Fellow, you can also expect to:

• Take a multidisciplinary course, Themes in U.S. Culture, that explores the history, influences, challenges, identities, customs and dynamics of U.S. culture. You'll travel to Washington, D.C., the heartbeat of the country, where you'll visit government offices, meet with national leaders and explore national landmarks.
• Learn about the diversity of the American South as you study regional influence on national history through topics such as the Civil Rights Movement. Your studies will take you to Charleston, Savannah, Atlanta and Birmingham.
• Be an active participant in your education as you take advantage of a $1,500 grant to use toward a study abroad experience, special research opportunity with a faculty mentor, an internship with a U.S. or international employer, or a special project of your design.
• Emerge as a leader in the Elon community. Whether you assist new students while setting into campus life, or help organize International Week, you'll have the opportunity to share your culture and heritage. After you graduate, you'll find  your shared experiences will create an unbreakable bond between you, your classmates and professors.

Who should apply?

First-year students who are non-U.S. citizens or dual citizens (students who hold U.S. citizenship and citizenship in another country) will be considered for this program.

Dual citizens must have completed the majority of schooling outside the U.S., including all secondary/high school years and preferably in a non-English based curriculum. Students must also plan to enroll at Elon full-time and pursue a bachelor's degree.

Ideal candidates will have a strong academic record in a rigorous curriculum and an SAT score of 1700 (ACT 25) or higher, or a TOEFL score of 79 or higher. For students in a non-English curriculum TOEFL or IELTS scores will be used in lieu of the SAT.

Selection is based on a student's academic record, undergraduate admissions application and admissions essay. Finalists will participate in an interview with a faculty member via telephone or Skype. Students will be notified in early April if they have been selected as a Fellow.