Q. What do I need to submit with my application?
First, review all of the instructions on www.eastwestcenter.org/pilp for an overview of the program and understanding of the application process. Applications can be submitted online via the online application system. The following items are needed to complete your application:
- Pacific Islands Leadership Program Application form
- Cover Letter (see the application checklist for the required questions)
- Question (see the application checklist for the questions)
- Curriculum Vitae (resume)
- Two (2) Letters of Reference, submitted by the Reference Author via the "Submittable" platform or directly to [email protected] [NOTE: Reference letters submitted by the applicant will not be added to the online application]
- Optional but highlighly recommended, a 1-minute Self-Introduction video
- If available, Official Transcript from each higher educational institution attended (in an envelope sealed by the school). A photocopy will be acceptable during the review phase.
- If available, English language test score report (for example, IELTS or TOEFL). A photocopy will be acceptable during the review phase.
Q. How do I submit an application?
Applications should be completed via the online application system.
Q. I've tried to access the online application but my internet connection is too slow. How can I submit an application?
Please email [email protected] to notifiy staff of this issue. A staff member will work with you to resolve the issue.
Q. Can I submit my application to the local Taiwan Mission or Embassy?
No. All applications must be submitted to the East-West Center via online submission.
Q. I have reviewed the application materials on the website, and would like to submit an application. Do I need to submit everything together?
If you are submitting your application online, you must complete the online application before the 1 February 2022 deadline. You can save your application at any time but until you hit the submit button, the EWC staff will not be able to view your application. Your referees will be notified by Submittable to complete their Letter of Reference by 8 February 2022.
You should not wait until 1 February 2022 to submit your online application. Many applicants wait until the deadline to submit their applications and find that their internet access is slow due to high volume of users on the Submittable website. In case of internet issues, please submit your application well before the deadline.
Q. Can I submit a Letter of Reference for the author of the letter?
No. Letters of Reference submitted by the applicant will not be accepted. If you submit an online application, your referees will receive an email and direct link to upload their Letter of Reference and business card. If your referee is having issues sending their Letter of Reference to your Submittable application, they can email the Letter of Reference and business card directly to [email protected]
Q. The author of my Letter of Reference does not have a business card. Is the business card necessary?
If the author of your Letter of Reference form does not have a business card, they can submit the form via email from their work email address. If their place of employment has a stamp, they can stamp the form by their signature.
Q. I applied for the PILP Fellowship in the past but was not selected. Do I need to submit an application to be considered for the 2022 PILP Fellowship?
Yes. Due to changes in the application process and the application materials, as well as the program itself, anyone who would like to be considered for the 2022 PILP Fellowship will need to submit a new online application.
Q. Can an organization nominate an applicant for the program?
An organization can nominate an applicant but the applicant must submit their application online. We will not accept applications submitted by an organization on behalf of their applicant.
Q. I see that the deadline is February 1, 2022. What if I miss the deadline?
Applications received by February 1, 2022 will receive full consideration. Applications received thereafter may be considered on a space-available basis at the discretion of the selection committee, but are generally not accepted. Incomplete applications will be not reviewed.
Q. I will not be able to apply for the program this year. Is this the only year the program will be offered, or will it be offered again in the future?
This is the eighth year of the program. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 program was postponed until 2021. Under the current grant cycle, PILP will be offered annually until 2023 for a total of ten years or ten cohorts of participants.