Information on Applying

Students currently registered as full-time Columbia University undergraduate or graduate students are eligible to apply. 

Students must be returning to campus for the next two consecutive semesters. ^{(I.e. Students selected for the winter break program will have to be on campus for the following two semesters, Spring 2025 and Fall 2025. Returning for a full Summer semester does not provide eligibility.)} 

Online, part-time, or students at affiliated institutions cannot be considered for the Kraft Global Fellowship Program. ^{(Affiliated institutions are Barnard College, Union Theological Seminary, and Teachers College.)}

Please submit the following materials for your application. 

• Letter of Intent - detailing your interest in the Kraft Global Fellowship Program group research trip, including a demonstrated interest in religion or interfaith and multicultural understanding. (600-word minimum)
   
• Updated resume
   
• A current list of student activities and leadership roles at Columbia University or any other academic institution.
   
• Official transcript (Electronically) (Must have grades and a GPA.)
  (Please refer to the Office of the University Registrar for a copy)
  If you are a transfer student, a transcript from your last educational institution is acceptable. You must include your Columbia transcript as well. 
   
• Copy of your passport (Must not expire before the trip.)
   
• Writing sample (Sample can be any past written work - 600 words minimum) 
   
• Two letters of recommendation – at least one from your academic advisor and/or a faculty member (The recommender must send letters. Student-submitted letters are not acceptable) (If you are an incoming student or transfer student, recommendation letters from teachers/professors from your prior school is acceptable.)

IMPORTANT: When submitting, please name all files with your first and last name and the item submitted. (i.e John_Smith_Resume, John_Smith_Transcript.)

Submit all application materials to Elmer Barcenes at [email protected].

A letter of intent is a required application material.
 

Please detail your interest in the Kraft Global Fellowship Program group research trip. Include a demonstrated interest in religion, intercultural, and interfaith understanding as it relates to you. (600 word minimum)

Writing samples should best demonstrate your ability to communicate your ideas, thoughts, and research. (600 word minimum)

Only students who have submitted All of the requested materials by the DEADLINE will be considered. There are NO exceptions.

• Students who are selected to move forward with the admissions process, will be requested to interview with Chaplain Davis and the KGF advisory group to discuss their interests in the group project. 
   
• No exceptions will be made for students who require new passports or passport renewals. 
   
• Only students selected for interviews will be contacted. Expect a response within 5 business days after the deadline. (Due to the volume of applications, it will not be possible to send an updated notice on the status of your application to all applicants. Feel free to reach out to ask for an update on the status of your application.)

Check out our website for future updates. 

Selected Fellows are expected to submit daily, 1 - 2 page reflection papers to Chaplain Davis before midnight during the dates of the trip.

Each student must submit a final 8-10 page research paper three weeks after returning to campus. Research papers must include a description of the trip as well as a comprehensive analysis and reflection on significant themes of learning. 

Research papers may focus on a fellow's areas of interest related to the destination country. 

The Kraft Family Fund for Interfaith and Intercultural Awareness and the Office of University Chaplain provide coverage for the following expenses; round trip airfare from New York City to the destination country, planned group meals, and lodging. 

Students must depart and return to and from NYC. No exceptions. Traveling with the other Fellows is an important part of the program. 

Fellows should anticipate out-of-pocket expenses. Fellows must pay for all travel vaccinations and medicines that are required for entry to the destination country. 

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Elmer Barcenes at [email protected].