International Fellows

A critical component of the NWC student body is comprised of our International Fellows (IFs), senior officers who come to the War College representing militaries from all over the world.

The more than 30 IFs who attend NWC annually make a disproportionate contribution to the educational experience at the College by bringing different perspectives and wide-ranging global experiences into our seminar rooms. They often suggest new ways of looking at issues and sometimes directly challenge the perspectives of American civilian and military students in ways that substantially enhances the level of dialogue and quality of learning, and they can talk from direct personal experience in areas and events alien to the American experience.

In many cases the IFs develop strong friendships with each other and their American counterparts that extend well beyond graduation through their full careers, and offer continued opportunities for learning and professional development in subsequent years.

The International Program at NDU

National Defense University offers one-year fellowships to select senior officers from more than 50 nations, all personally invited by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The program conducts extensive travel within the United States to military, cultural, and industrial locations. Qualified Fellows may be awarded a Masters degree at graduation.

Objectives

International Fellows are assigned to the National Defense University's International Student Management Office while participating in this program. The International Fellows Program Manager is responsible for all administrative support, as well as execution of the International Fellows Program.

The program has three institutional components. The first component is an eight-week Summer Academic Program. The second program component is the Field Studies Program, which begins shortly after arrival and runs throughout the year. The final component is the ten-month Academic Program, which in the case of NWC comprises the full core and elective curriculum course. The objectives of the International Fellows Program are to:

•     Prepare future leaders of the Armed Forces and civilian agencies for high-level policy command
      and staff responsibilities.
•     Provide an understanding of factors and considerations that shape U.S. security policy and strategy.
•     Develop firsthand knowledge of the social, political, and economic factors that shape U.S. institutions.
•     Further develop the professional qualifications of the International Fellow.

Family Involvement

International Fellows are encouraged to have their families accompany them. The entire family will find themselves immersed in a new environment and culture together. Several events and functions throughout the year involve the entire family. During the summer, families have opportunities to tour the sights in the Washington D.C. area and participate in several cultural activities. Family educational trips are organized throughout the year to Norfolk, VA, Charlottesville, VA, and New York City, NY.