Frequently Asked Questions

What is the YTILI Fellowship Program?

Do I need to pay for the program? What are the costs?

How do I apply?

How are Fellows selected?

How will I get a U.S. visa?

Where will I live?

How will my fellowship placement be assigned?

What will I do at my fellowship placement?

What happens after the program?

The YTILI Fellowship Program is the U.S. Department of State's flagship program for emerging entrepreneurs from Europe. Fellows are young (25-35 year-old) mid-level professionals who have active and innovative roles in their local business economy or entrepreneurial community. The Fellowship Program is administered in a hybrid format, with virtual activities preceding a three-week U.S. based exchange.

If selected as a finalist, the U.S. Department of State will cover costs associated with your international travel, visa, and living costs in the U.S. There are no required costs to Fellows.

Fellows are selected through a competitive nationwide search that involves a merit-based selection process. This includes an extensive written application and in-person interview. The selection of finalists is determined in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State.

American Councils will assist Fellows in applying for a J-1 visa. All visa fees will be covered through the program as well as travel costs to attend the visa interview. Fellows must be granted a J-1 visa by the consular section at the U.S. Embassy in order to be eligible to participate in YTILI. Failure to obtain a J-1 visa will result in termination from the program. American Councils will assist Fellows in the application process but holds no sway over visa granting decisions made by the U.S. Embassy.

In fall 2025, YTILI Fellows will be housed in corporate apartments, university housing, or extended stay hotels in their U.S. host communities.

Fellows will be placed in a non-profit, public, or private sector organization in the United States for the duration of the fellowship placement using information provided in your application, interview, and other materials.

While at your U.S. fellowship placement, you will engage in a wide range of activities which may include joining projects, shadowing important meetings, conducting research, presenting on relevant topics, participating in office events, and many other activities. YTILI is a Fellow-driven experience. Fellows who are most successful set goals and objectives for the program in advance of their arrival and proactively share them with their U.S. placement host, along with information about their background and experiences at home.

Upon completion of the program, Fellows are considered YTILI alumni and are eligible for further alumni programming and opportunities through the alumni network. The post-U.S. components areas important to the YTILI Fellowship Program as the U.S.-based components. This includes implementation of follow-on Action Plans to address challenges encountered in Fellows’ home communities. Select Fellows may receive funding to implement their Action Plan or invite a U.S. placement host from their fellowship placement to implement a Reciprocal Exchange Project in the Fellow’s country. Additionally, YTILI alumni will be eligible to participate in alumni activities.