Duke University/International School of Brussels Fellowship Program in Early Childhood Education
Duke University has entered into an agreement with the International School of Brussels, an English-language school in Brussels, Belgium, to provide fellowships to graduates who wish to spend a post-baccalaureate year assisting in classrooms in its Early Childhood Center. The Center provides programs specifically designed and structured with the needs of young children (2 1/2 - 8 years) in mind. Those selected to receive fellowships participate in a variety of activities at the school which will include supervising and guiding young children's activities, planning thematic projects, preparing learning centers, and observing and recording children's progress. While the interns' primary responsibility will be in the Early Childhood Center, there are other opportunities with other parts of the program.
The fellowships provide financial support totaling approximately $15,000 net, paid over a 12-month period. The amount consists of a monthly stipend, a one-time stipend for professional expenses, and food vouchers. In addition, most insurance coverage and one round-trip travel ticket are provided by the school. Though living expenses are not included in the fellowship amount, living accommodations are provided by the school to fellows at reasonable rates. Additionally, the Program in Education will provide each fellow with a Holton Award for Brussels Fellows ($250).
Candidates for these fellowships must have demonstrated an interest in and understanding of young children. Other criteria include the following: prior experience with young children, course work relating to young children, at least one course in education, completion of the bachelor's degree at Duke University, an age younger than 30 years, and an interest in working in an international and a multicultural setting.
Interested students must submit the following materials as part of the application process:
- a completed application form;
- two recommendations from faculty, with at least one coming from a recommender who is familiar with the applicant's interest in young children;
- an official transcript;
- a health report.
Applications are available in the Program in Education office, 213 West Duke Building, and in Dean Martina Bryant's office, 02 Allen Building. Applications must be submitted to Dean Martina Bryant. Selected candidates will be interviewed in February by a faculty committee and by representatives from the International School of Brussels. Notification will be made before March 1.
Candidates who accept the offer to become fellows will be asked to participate in an event in the Spring, at which they will present an exploratory project dealing with thier views on the education of young children. Dean Martina Bryant can provide further details. Contact her at 684-2075. During the fellowship year, candidates will be asked to complete an appraisal form focusing on their year at ISB; the form should then be submitted to the Program in Education. Finally, fellows are to serve as goodwill ambassadors for future fellows and for Duke University.