Spring 2026 Program Details

The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) for the Middle East and North Africa is a two-way exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The program is designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, and build lasting, sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders committed to strengthening their communities through community leadership, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. Legacy International has been honored to administer this program in the MENA region since 2010. 

The Spring 2026 Professional Fellows Program (PFP) offers twenty six (26) mid-level emerging leaders from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia a fully funded, 5.5-week immersive exchange in the United States. Fellows sharpen their leadership and professional skills, build lasting partnerships, and foster mutual understanding across cultures.

The program begins with one week of dynamic team building and professional training in Washington, D.C., followed by a four-week tailored fellowship placement in Washington, D.C., Detroit, or Pittsburgh — giving participants real-world experience and a powerful professional network that extends beyond borders. The defining element of the program for non-U.S. Fellows is a substantive five- to six-week exchange program in the United States, including a four-week individually tailored fellowship placement in a U.S. organization. PFP Fellows are placed with host organizations in private sector businesses, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and government offices for an individually tailored professional development experience. The most important outcome is the creation of strong networks of like-minded people all working towards the same goals. All participants develop a deeper understanding of U.S. and MENA cultures, thus expanding global citizenship and professional skills. 

Applications for the Spring 2026 Program are open from May 15-June 23, 2025.