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. You can download the application materials and checklist from the website. The following items are needed to complete your application:
- Pacific Islands Leadership Program with Taiwan Application form (4 pages)
- Cover Letter
- Questions (see the application form for the required questions)
- Curriculum Vitae (resume)
- Two (2) Letters of Reference, in envelopes sealed by the Reference Author
- 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.
- If possible, a 1 minute Self-Introduction video.
Q. Where shall I send my application materials?
All documents should be sent directly to the East-West Center using ONE of the following methods:
1) Email all completed, signed application forms to: PILP@eastwestcenter.org
* Forms submitted via email must follow all instructions, including the requirement of handwritten signatures (typed or electronic signatures are not permitted).
2) Online application
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 or via email to PILP@eastwestcenter.org. Applications submitted to the local Taiwan Missions and Embassies will not be accepted.
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 by the 1 February 2020 deadline. Your referees will be notified by Submittable to complete their Letter of Reference by 8 February 2020.
If you are submitting your application materials via email, you can submit your documents as you complete them. You should not wait until 1 February 2020 to send the documents. Many applicants wait until the deadline to submit their applications and find that their emails are not being received by the program due to high volume.
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 you are submitting your application via email, your referees will need to submit their Letter of Reference and business card directly to PILP@eastwestcenter.org.
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 2020 PILP Fellowship?
Yes. Due to changes in the application process and the application materials, anyone who would like to be considered for the 2020 PILP Fellowship will need to submit a new application packet.
Q. Can an organization nominate an applicant for the program?
An organization can nominate an applicant but the applicant must submit their application either online or via email. We will not accept applications submitted by an organization on behalf of their applicant.
Q. I see that the deadline is February 1, 2020. What if I miss the deadline?
Applications received by February 1, 2020 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. PILP will be offered annually until 2022 for a total of ten years or ten cohorts of participants.