Kiva Fellows Program

Who Can Be a Kiva Fellow?

Who is your typical Fellow?
Kiva encourages applicants with backgrounds in business/finance/social development to apply. That said, Kiva has accepted into the program applicants from a wide range of backgrounds: MBA retirees, university film students, professionals transitioning careers, law students, public policy researchers, graduate students, financial planners, engineers and even a former US soldier. Ages range from the minimum age of 21 through 60+ years old. 

Kiva looks for the following from applicants:

• Language proficiency in Spanish, French, Russian, Portuguese, Turkish, Bahasa, Vietnamese, Bosnian, Khmer, Urdu, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Mongolian
• Overseas experience—work or travel (preferably in developing countries)
• High degree of flexibility, self-motivation and problem solving
• Excellent writing skills
• Enthusiasm for Kiva!
• Familiarity with using various web applications
• Dedication to working in the field with a host microfinance institution
• Ability and commitment to fundraise for their trip
• A sincere/proven interest in microfinance
• Longer stays (4 months +) are preferred

Economic/Financial Background

I am not a US citizen – can I be a fellow?
Yes! Kiva Fellows must, however, speak fluent English.

I am 20 years old and will be 21 in a few months—can I be a fellow now?
Happy almost-birthday! We will be delighted to receive your application after your 21st birthday. We cannot accept Fellows younger than 21.

What is the average age of a Kiva Fellow?
30 years old.

Can I be a Fellow with someone else?
Yes. Kiva often sends pairs of Fellows out to the field. Both individuals will need to have been accepted into the program on their own merits and will need to fill out their own application. If you have been accepted into the program and would like to be paired with another Fellow on an assignment, please discuss this in your interview. Please be prepared that you will likely be placed at separate organizations and therefore placements are limited.

I want to bring my kids with me when I travel – can I be a Fellow?
No. Our goal, always, is to strengthen our partnerships with the microfinance institutions (MFIs) with which we work. Kiva's MFI partners are on average small, growing organizations that would not be able to accommodate children in their office or while out in the field.

Can I go for less than 10 weeks?
No. Both Kiva and its partners invest a significant amount of resources to work with Fellows. As such, Kiva strongly discourages fellowships of less than ten weeks. There may be an opportunity for a shorter stay in extenuating circumstances, and you may submit your application to be on file with us, provided that you are very flexible in regards to the timing of placement.

Can I be a Fellow for a year?
Yes! Kiva welcomes longer term fellowships who would like to stay beyond the minimum 10 week period. This is because longer stays facilitate a deeper understanding of the local culture and our partner MFI and you will be able to contribute on a deeper level. For longer fellowships, you will likely be placed with multiple MFIs throughout your tenure.

I am traveling for two weeks in a country where a Kiva MFI is located —can I be a Fellow?
The Kiva Fellows Program requires a minimum 10 week commitment.  The program’s focus is to develop solid relationships between the fellows and the microfinance institutions. Periods less than ten weeks are not sufficient time for a Kiva Fellow to establish a beneficial working relationship.

I am going to be in a country doing a research project, can I be a Kiva Fellow?
This depends entirely on the nature of the research project. Please keep in mind that the Kiva Fellows Program has very specific requirements of the participants regarding journaling and other responsibilities to the MFI.  It is generally difficult to combine the program with an ongoing project because of the time commitment required of Kiva Fellows (40+ hours/week).  If by being a Kiva Fellow you are also doing research (using your interviews for academic research) then it may be a possibility. Please mention your specific circumstances in your cover letter.

Can vegetarians be Kiva Fellows?
Yes - but note that you may be living in countries where being "vegetarian" is a foreign concept or not well understood. Check out thorntree.lonelyplanet.com for more information on what other vegetarian travelers faced while in the countries where Kiva works and see if it is something you are willing to face.

What Do Kiva Fellows Do?

Responsibilities:

What will my daily tasks be as a Fellow?
Your daily tasks vary depending upon your assigned field partner. Some of the tasks include meeting with individual entrepreneurs and uploading journal entries about the entrepreneurs to Kiva (with accompanying photos, photo journals, videos, etc.). On days that you are not in the field, you will work with our MFI Partner to help with projects as needed and depending on your own skills and qualifications.

What are the job requirements of the Fellowship?
The Fellows Program is full-time: 5 days, 40+ hours/week
Some of the tasks you will complete during your assignment:

• You will meet 15 individual borrowers from your portfolio, on average, per week
• You will create/upload 15 journal entries, photos, photo journals or video clips per week
• You will work with our partner MFI to facilitate their relationship with Kiva and to serve their needs as well as you can at times you are not meeting borrowers
• You will blog about your Kiva Fellows experience, at least once every two weeks, per our communications guidelines
• You will communicate with Kiva as necessary throughout your stay to discuss the MFI, your experience, and other issues as required.

Will I be meeting borrowers on my own?
No, you will be working with loan officers at the MFI to visit and interview Kiva borrowers.

How will I upload videos or photos?
Most likely, you will be spending a few long hours in an internet café every other day uploading your journal entries, photos and blog entries. 

What if I choose to stay longer in the country — can I continue to be a Fellow?
Decisions regarding extension of the program are made on a case by case basis. If you think this may be an option, please let us know during your application process. You must be able to continue to fund yourself. Both Kiva and the partner MFI would also need to evaluate your performance to date as a Kiva Fellow before offering an extension of the program.

Will I get to blog about my experiences?
The Kiva Fellows Blog will be an opportunity for you to share your experiences living and working abroad and having firsthand experience with meeting Kiva borrowers. You will be able to write about how encounters as a Kiva Fellow inspired you, moved you, made you laugh and made you think. Your contributions to the Kiva blog will be read by thousands in the Kiva community and will be great publicity for Kiva and your host MFI!

Can I be an intern at the Kiva office instead of being a Fellow?
Please review the volunteer listings section of this website for any openings.

Training:

What training is involved for the Kiva Fellows Program??
There are two kinds of training available to successful applicants to the Fellows Program:

1. In-House Training: a five-day session that covers the Kiva model, mission, tools and resources, as well as overviews of microfinance, conducting trainings and other skills you will use as a fellow.. This is also a chance for fellows to meet one another, the Kiva team and alumni of the program. This training is required of all successful applicants.
2. Self and Online Training: For ongoing training while in the field, Fellows review online powerpoints, reading material and go through online courses.

When are the trainings offered?
Please see the main page for training dates and locations. Make sure to include travel to the training in your budget plan.

Is the training required?
Yes. To better prepare you to serve as a representative of Kiva, you are required to attend training before going to the field.

What materials will I receive from Kiva?
Successful applicants gain access to an online resource center for Fellows which has been co-created by Kiva staff, current Fellows and alumni with documents, tools, and reading materials.

Fellows will be able to download a required reading booklet, which covers Kiva's history, microfinance 101, accounting, MFI appraisals, auditing and various other topics pertinent to volunteering with a microfinance organization.

The resource center also includes an electronic guidebook to the Fellows Program which covers how to do the day-to-day tasks and includes a pre-departure checklist.

What is the Application Process?

Do I need to fill out an application?
Yes. In order to be considered for the program, every applicant must complete and submit the online application. Incomplete application packets will NOT be considered.

I submitted my application, when will I hear from Kiva?
We are constantly reviewing applications and interviewing potential fellows. Depending on our needs and timeframe for getting people to the field, it may be 4-6 weeks before you hear from Kiva about your application. If you have not heard from us in this timeframe, please do get in touch. Kiva's staff is small and we aim to provide good customer service.

What is the application procedure?
The Kiva Fellows Program application is available online on the Kiva website. After submitting your application, you may be invited to complete a technical demonstration. After completing the technical demonstration you will be invited to schedule an interview with a Kiva Fellow alumni, hopefully within 4-6 weeks of receipt of your application. Please note that due to the large number of qualified applications, we may not be able to interview every application that we receive.

If you indicate that you have a need to go through the interview process earlier (due to grant reasons, etc.), please plan on applying far in advance of the application deadline.

The step after the alumni interview is an interview with a Kiva Fellows Program staff person. After the completion of interviews, you will receive word within 7-14 days of the status of your application.

Can I interview in person?
No. Our interviewers are located all over the U.S. and in order to keep a level playing field, all interviews will be conducted by telephone.

Can I talk to someone about the Kiva Fellows Program?
The best way to learn more about the program is to go to the Fellows page. If you have further questions, beyond this FAQ,  please email your specific questions to kivafellows@kiva.org . Your question will be answered as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that responses will take longer the closer we are to an application deadline.

Why do I need to write a sample Journal Entry for my application?
One of the primary responsibilities of a Kiva Fellow is to chronicle the lives of Kiva borrowers through descriptive and engaging journals, uploaded regularly to the Kiva website. While on assignment, the Fellows are expected to conduct interviews with Kiva borrowers, to convey their stories and the impact of the Kiva loan.  Your sample journal allows us to see the quality of your writing and your ability to convey details about the entrepreneur and their business that would be of interest to our Kiva Lenders.

Is there a deadline?
Yes. Our deadlines are based on your expected departure date and can be found on the main page of the Fellows Program.

What About Funding?

Where can I get funding to participate in the Kiva Fellows Program?
Current Kiva Fellows have received funding from their universities, Rotary Clubs, grants found through internet searches, by fundraising through the family, friends and networks and through a company sponsorship. Research expat community groups as to what is available.

What grants do Fellows normally get?
Typically, Fellows get grants through their university or graduate school. Note, that some schools have grants available for students about to enter graduate school as well. A few participants have applied for Fulbright Scholarships to help fund their Kiva Fellowship.

What grants can I get if I'm not a student?
Grants are available to individuals who are not students. However, these funding sources are often not as publicized as university-affiliated grants and thus require more research to ferret out. For a monthly fee, you can sign up to have access to a comprehensive online database for individuals looking for funding from The Foundation Center. See http://gtionline.fdncenter.org/ for more information.

Is there funding available from Kiva?
Currently, our preference is to select people who are committed to funding the trip themselves.
If you would like to donate to Kiva for operational expenses (which include this program) please click on the link below: http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=basket&action=donate). If you would like to sponsor a Fellow (roughly $5000 will cover flight, food and accommodation and stipend) please contact kivafellows@kiva.org .

Can Kiva help me get a grant?
Unfortunately, we do not have the staffing to provide this kind of support. Each fellow is responsible for obtaining their own funding. Once accepted, we can write a letter on your behalf detailing your responsibilities to Kiva.

What will my costs be as a Fellow?
The total cost of the program varies depending on country assignment and how conservative you are in terms of travel and living. You will need to research the cost of living and round-trip flights for the destination country. A good place to start is http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com or check out a few guidebooks for the country in which you are interested to get an idea of what your budget should be. Many of our partner MFIs are based or work in rural areas where cost of living is low.

How have other Fellows fundraised for their trip?
Besides applying for grants and scholarships, Fellows have fundraised through a network of contacts including family, friends, colleagues, schoolmates, and so on. One fellow also had luck by collaborating with the Kiva Friends community. Some Fellows have applied directly to airlines for assistance and received free flights. Others have encouraged their employers to support this international experience.

Is there a sample budget I can follow?
Costs vary depending on the location in which you will be living as well as your own personal travel/life style. For a three month fellowship, you can plan on spending roughly $5,000 (for flight, food, lodging, incidentals, travel insurance, visas, etc.)  Depending on your own history and needs, this figure might go up or down (e.g. if you already have a yellow-fever certificate, you will not have to pay for a new one). Note: a longer stay does not mean your costs necessarily go up proportionally, as normally your flight is the largest portion of your costs. Living and volunteering for an additional two months would only increase your costs on average by $300-$500, assuming you live very frugally.

Can my company or organization sponsor me?
Yes, but the contribution will not be tax deductible.

Is my company or organization's sponsorship tax-deductible?
No.

What is Kiva's EIN number (for donations)?
71-099 2466

Where do Fellows Go?

What are Kiva's priorities in terms of placing Fellows?
Kiva’s priorities change for each class of fellows. Generally, we have a need for fluent French, Spanish and Russian speakers.

Where can I learn more about the country I'm interested in?
A very basic starting place is looking at the country facts on www.wikipedia.org for your country of interest. From there, you will find links to books and other internet references. Applicants are responsible for their own research about the country in which they are placed.

Where can I learn more about a Field Partner?
Please visit the Field Partners page. Each Field Partner has a descriptive page in which you can get a general overview of their organization, loan history on Kiva, and regional background. Please also note that not all Field Partners currently require a Kiva Fellow. Some of the Microfinance Partners have their own websites with more detailed information. You can also check out MFI profiles on the Mix Marketplace - http://www.mixmarket.org/.

Can I be a Fellow in India, or other country where Kiva does not have a field partner?
Not at this time. Kiva Fellows work with partner MFIs.

Can I be a Fellow where Kiva does not yet have a Field Partner?
No.

Will I be able to meet other Fellows while in the field?
Perhaps. If you are placed in a country where Kiva has multiple partners, you may be able to facilitate a meeting with another Fellow. Kiva tries to overlap fellowship placements, so you may be working with another Fellow at the beginning and/or end of your assignment.

Can I lend to an entrepreneur and then meet them while there?
Perhaps. If they are part of your portfolio of clients to visit. Please remember however that your role is as a Kiva Fellow first and a Lender second. It may not be appropriate to identify yourself as a lender during the visit.

Is it safe to volunteer in certain countries?
This is a question you will need to decide for yourself. We encourage you to research guidebooks, travel advisories, and talk with friends about whether you feel comfortable going to a particular country. Kiva will never send you somewhere you are not comfortable. We want this to be a great experience for you, the MFI and Kiva! We will work with you to help you feel more comfortable, if needed, but please take special care to research your placement thoroughly. While we may be able to put you in touch with previous Kiva Fellows and introduce you to local support, ultimately you will need to feel at ease with whatever issues a country may be facing before accepting a Kiva placement.

Can I be a Fellow in Afghanistan or Iraq?
Due to safety concerns, Kiva is not sending Fellows to Iraq. If you have specific experience and a strong desire to work in a hardship location, we can discuss the possibility of a placement there.

What happens if there is a crisis while I am in country?
In difficult situations, there are resources available to help you, to the extent that they are able. Kiva’s team of people in San Francisco is available to assist you as well as our network of MFIs on the ground.  There may also be Fellows nearby to help or visit if needed. In extreme situations, as in any such situation, you are ultimately best served by your preparation beforehand. Buy travel insurance and register with your Embassy in the country in which you will be living. Each Kiva Fellow is responsible for maintaining communication with their Embassy in the host country. Upon arrival, you should immediately be in contact with the embassy, notifying them of your presence. At a time of major crisis, your primary point of communication should be your Embassy as Kiva’s and the partner MFI’s ability to help you in such situations may be limited.

Housing, Health & Safety

What are my housing options?
This depends on your needs, expectations and budgets. You are responsible for arranging and covering the costs of your housing. As a favor, some MFIs are able to help direct you to housing options. Previous Fellows have lived in homestays, their own private apartment, shared an apartment/house with other loan officers or friends, or stayed in a hotel close to the MFI office. Some Fellows arrange their lodging prior to leaving, while others find it more convenient to arrange these details once in-country.

Who pays for travel and medical insurance?
Each Kiva Fellow is provided with basic travel medical insurance through MEDEX.

Do I need travel insurance?
Kiva strongly recommends fellows to have travel insurance. You can do so for little cost, through STA:

Please see http://www.fodors.com/wire/archives/002131.cfm for more advice on the topic.

What kind of Visa will I apply for?
You will need to do research about the type of visa appropriate for your stay in the destination country.

What vaccinations will I need?
Vaccination requirements vary from country to country. In addition to completing basic research on this topic, you will need to contact your local travel clinic for more information on their recommendations for vaccinations.

What should I do to prepare for being a fellow?
Research…Read…Plan!!! Each Kiva Fellow is responsible for learning about the country/region(s) where they will being living. Kiva may be able to provide a short list of recommended reading materials but we expect you proactively to seek out information. The more you know prior to your departure the better. This includes medical concerns, cultural preparedness, the political and economic situation, and so on. You may also want to consider doing a crash course in the country’s language (if you do not already speak it fluently).

What are my contacts at Kiva while in the field?
You will be supported by both the Fellows Program Team and a member of the microfinance partnerships team (MPM) representing the region in which you are working.

Can I contact the MFI directly?
You will be put in touch with the MFI after your placement becomes official. This is necessary 1) to give Kiva and the MFI enough time to work out any details and logistics, and 2) to limit the administrative burden of your stay on the MFI.

Do I need to bring my laptop?
Every Fellow is required to take a laptop with them. It will lessen your use of the resources of your host MFI (they may not have a computer for you to use). The benefit in bringing your own laptop is that you can draft journal entries and emails from your home (offline) and then upload them later at an internet café.

Do I need a digital camera?
Yes. Having a digital camera to take with you into the field is a requirement of the program. You should either include it in your budgeting or fundraising goals.  From time to time, Kiva does receive donated cameras for our field partners, which we may lend to you provided that you leave it (in good condition) as a donation to the MFI. Decisions to place a camera with a Fellow are made on a case-by-case basis and are primarily dependent on the availability of donated cameras.