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 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 PILP@eastwestcenter.org [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 PILP@eastwestcenter.org 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 2021 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 2021. 

You should not wait until 1 February 2021 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 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, as well as the program itself, anyone who would like to be considered for the 2021 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, 2021.  What if I miss the deadline? 

Applications received by February 1, 2021 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 grnt cycle, PILP will be offered annually until 2023 for a total of ten years or ten cohorts of participants.

Q. Who is eligible and what are the eligible countries? 
The Pacific Island Leadership Program (PILP) is intended for individuals from the following countries in the Pacific Islands region: Citizens of the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu are eligible to apply.

Q. I was born in the Pacific Islands and grew up there, but now I am a U.S. citizen and live in the U.S. Am I eligible for PILP?
U.S. citizens are not eligible for PILP; however, the East-West Center offers a leadership program that is open to U.S. citizens, called the Asia Pacific Leadership Program (APLP). To learn more about this program, please visit www.eastwestcenter.org/aplp. Once you review the website, if you have questions, please write to:  aplp@eastwestcenter.org.  

Q. Am I eligible to apply for PILP if I am a dual citizen of the U.S. and one of the Pacific Island countries listed in the PILP application materials?
If you have dual citizenship in both the U.S. and a Pacific Island country, your current country of residency is the determining factor regarding eligibility. If your residency is in a Pacific Island country, you are eligible for consideration for PILP.  If your residency is in the U.S., you are not eligible for consideration for PILP. Alternatively, as a dual citizen, you are eligible to apply to the Asia Pacific Leadership Program, irrespective of your residency status. Please visit www.eastwestcenter.org/aplp for more information. 

Q. Is there a work experience requirement?
The program is seeking individuals with a minimum of three (3) years of significant work experience, and who are committed to a career in the Pacific Islands region. 

Q. Is there an education level qualification?
Applicants will normally have a Bachelor’s degree; exceptions may be considered on the basis of other relevant experience and qualifications, as well as leadership achievements.

Q. Are there any age criteria?
The program is intended to build a network of emerging and established leaders and is aimed at early- to mid-career professionals, spanning the ages of approximately 25-38. 

Q. I am older than 38.  Can I still apply for the program?

The program is aimed at early- to mid-career professionals, spanning the ages of approximately 25-38.  This does not mean that an older candidate would not be considered – on the contrary, we encourage all mid-career professionals from all professional backgrounds (government, business, environment, NGOs, health, media, agriculture, education and others) to apply.  The PILP Selection Committee takes a holistic view of each candidate when reviewing an application.  Age is just one factor involved in deciding whether or not a candidate is qualified and would benefit from the program.

Q.  Are there any additional qualifications?
Desirable qualifications include:

• Leadership track record in professional, public, and/or personal realms
• International experience and aptitude, including overseas residence, language skills, intercultural and diversity exposure
• Volunteer and community service experience
• Pacific Island region engagement: evidence of significant interest in and knowledge of the region, as well as commitment to its future prosperity. This might include employment in the region, classes taken at University, languages spoken, memberships and fellowships, specific projects, field studies, and areas of research interest
• Experience of cohort learning, working collaboratively in small teams or in large groups, leadership track record in professional, public and/or personal realms; volunteer and community service experience

Q. I've received an interview invitation from the East-West Center, but already completed an interview with the Taiwan Mission.  Is this necessary?

Yes.  The East-West Center conducts interviews in the final phase of the selection process to learn more about the applicant's interest in the program, how they think they will benefit from the program, and how they will contribute to the program as well as their community after returning home.  The EWC must also verify an applicant's English language comprehension for purposes of the U.S. J-1 visa.  Applicants must be able to understand the terms and conditions of the U.S. visa.

Q. I've received an interview invitation from the East-West Center, but the interview dates and times are in Hawaii Standard Time (HST).  How do I know what day and time my interview is in my country?

You can convert the dates and times from Hawaii Standard Time to your time zone by clicking here

Q. When will I learn if I am accepted into the program?

Applicants will be notified by June 1, 2021 about the results.

Q. How are the decision letters sent to applicants?

Applicants will receive a decision letter via email from Submittable or the official PILP@eastwestcenter.org email account.

Q. Why do I need to complete the Participant Data Sheet (PDS) and submit a copy of my passport biodata page?

By submitting the PDS and copy of your passport biodata page, PILP is now able to process your Participation Agreement and U.S. visa documents.  Without these documents, we are unable to complete the paperwork necessary for you to participate in the program

Q. The deadline to submit the PDS is near, but I'm still negotiating my participation with my supervisor.  Should I ignore the deadline?

No.  If you are waiting for a decision from your supervisor, please notify us at PILP@eastwestcenter.org of the delay. EWC staff will work with you on a revised deadline based upon your situation. If you chose to ignore the deadline, your placement may be cancelled and offered to the next candidate on the waitlist.

Q. I have been accepted to the program, but I'm having difficulty obtaining the necessary leave to attend.  Can the program help me?

Yes.  Please email us at PILP@eastwestcenter.org for assistance.  The program can provide a letter to your supervisor confirming your fellowship and participation in PILP and supporting your request for leave.

Q. Why does the program need to have the PDS and passport biodata page by a certain deadline?

The commitment deadline allows enough time for the program to process the necessary documents for your U.S. visa process.  Once the paperwork is processed, the program will send you the documents via international courier.  You will also receive an email with information to begin the online U.S. visa application process.  It is important you act quickly and do not delay this process.

The deadline also allows the program to select someone from the waitlist, should a selected applicant have to decline their placement in PILP.

Q. I accepted my placement in the program, but my situation has changed.  When should I notify the program and will this hinder me from applying for future programs?

If your situation changes and you can no longer attend the program, you should notify EWC immediately.  We understand that work and personal situations can change during this process and it will not hinder you from applying for the program in the future.  However, if you delay notifying the program, this will hinder someone from the waitlist from attending in your place.

Q. I've accepted my placement in PILP.  How will I receive information?

Communication will occur from the PILP@eastwestcenter.org email account.

Q. Why am I receiving an email inviting me to something called "Basecamp"?  Is this a scam or marketing ploy?

No, this is not a scam or marketing ploy.  Once the entire cohort has been confirmed, you will be invited to join Basecamp, a private intranet platform and the official communication hub for PILP.  Basecamp was introduced in the 2016 PILP cohort (Generation Four) and has been used ever since.  The platform also has a mobile app that allows participants to communicate directly with each other and staff via ping (private message).  This has been useful when participants are en route to Hawaii and are only able to use their mobile phones via wifi.

Q. Why am I receiving weekly messages? Do I need to read all of them?

Yes. PILP will communicate with the cohort on a weekly basis once you have committed to the program to keep you informed of items that need to be completed before you arrive in Hawaii.  You should read all communications from the team as they include important items such as reviewing your bio, information regarding immunizations and health, as well as pre-arrival work assignments.  Time is of the essence and the program needs and expects you to be fully ready for action on day one in Hawaii.

Q. Do I need to complete the pre-arrival assignments?

Yes.  All the pre-arrival assignments are mandatory and provide important information to the staff.  These assignments are also used during the program.  Please give these assignments your full attention and effort.

Q. What does the program expect of its' participants?

• PILP is an intensive leadership development experience in both Hawaii and Taiwan.  It is not similar to undergraduate or graduate work at university, but is more like a full-time job.
• Participants are discouraged from engaging in work for their organizations or any outside projects due to the intensive nature of the program.
• Attendance in every session in mandatory.
• By accepting placement in the program, participants are committing to fully engage in and complete all sessions in Hawaii, Taiwan, and the Leadership Retreat.

Q. In what language will the program be conducted?

PILP will be conducted in English.  Participants will be expected to have English language fluency.

Q. Is there a dress code for the program?

In Hawaii, the dress code for participants is business casual but occasionally there are events, presentations, or site visits that may require more formal attire, such as a full business suit. During the Taiwan phase, there are events and presentations that will require business attire.

Q. I have family/work obligations before the program begins.  Can I arrive after September 24, 2021?

No. Due to the intensive nature of the program, participants must arrive before the start of the program (Monday, September 27, 2021).  Orientation activities are setup for arrival day and the weekend.

Q. Can I depart the program early?

No. If you accept placement in the program, you must complete all three phases of the program.  If you cannot do this, you should decline your placement in PILP and reapply in the future.

Q. Is financial assistance available for PILP fellows?
All PILP participants are granted a generous fellowship.  The PILP fellowship offers the following provisions:

• Airfare between home country and Honolulu
• Airfare between Honolulu and Taipei
• Airfare between Taipei and home country
• Tuition and course materials
• Residence room costs
• Health insurance
• Living stipend during the ten-week program 

Q. Are there provisions for my family?
No.  The PILP fellowship does not cover provisions for family.  The stipend is set at a level to cover the cost of meals and incidental expenses for the participant only during the program. 

Q. Can I bring my family with me?
Due to the intensive nature of the PILP experience, extensive travel and living accommodations for one person only, we regret that we cannot sponsor or invite spouses and/or children to join the participant during PILP. The PILP Fellowship is strictly an unaccompanied program.

Q. Can I work during the PILP?
No.  Due to the intensive nature of the PILP experience in both Hawaii and Taiwan, as well as extensive travel, it is not possible for participants to engage in any outside work or additional courses during PILP. 

Q. Do I need a passport?
Yes.  A valid passport is required for all participants to enter the U.S. and Taiwan.  As a general rule, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the ending date of the program.  (This means your passport should be valid until June 2022.)  If you are accepted into the program and do not have a passport, please apply for one immediately as this process takes time. 

Q. Must I enter the U.S. on a J-1 visa?
Participants from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu are expected to enter the U.S. under the J-1 (exchange visitor) visa sponsorship of the East-West Center. The Center will provide the necessary documents for the J-1 visa application.  Application for a J-1 visa is made at the US Embassy.  If not available in the participant’s home country, visa arrangements will be made at the U.S. embassy that has jurisdiction for the participant’s country.

Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau do not require a visa to enter the U.S.

Q. How do I arrange my visa for travel to Taiwan?
The East-West Center will assist with the Taiwan visa applications and travel arrangements once the participants are in Honolulu, working through the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) located in the city. Do not apply for the Taiwan visa in your home country, please wait until you are in Honolulu and we will do it for you.

Q. I went to the Taiwan Mission/Embassy in my country and was told I do not need a visa.  Can I disregard the Taiwan visa application?

No.  You must still apply for a Taiwan visa.  The waiver program is only for a tourist visa.  Since you are being sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs program, you cannot enter on a tourist visa.

Q. If accepted into the program, do I make my own travel arrangements to and from Honolulu?
No.  The East-West Center will coordinate your travel between your home country and Honolulu, travel between Honolulu and Taiwan, and travel between Taiwan and your home country.