Fellows with gordon brown, former prime minister of the united kingdom

The Alfa Fellowship Program is a distinguished international initiative that each year off ers accomplished young Americans and Britons the opportunity to complete a high-level professional development program in Russia. over the course of the program, Fellows work at leading institutions, attend professional seminars, and travel to various regions in Russia and beyond. The Fellowship provides a monthly stipend, health insurance, all program-related travel costs, language training in Russia, and private tutoring in the U.S. or U.K.

Key goals of the Alfa Fellowship Program are to expand networks of American, British, and Russian professionals, develop greater intercultural understanding, and advance U.S.-Russian and U.K.-Russian relations.

promoting understanding oF russia

The Alfa Fellowship Program is one of the most significant initiatives of Alfa-Bank. Now hosting its tenth group of Fellows, the program continues to work towards its goal of improving business, economic, and policy ties between Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom by bringing young professionals from the U.S. and U.K. to live and work in Russia for extended periods. The Alfa Fellowship is the only significant program aimed at providing direct, hands-on experience inside Russia for American and British professionals. The program was founded in 2004 and initially sent young American professionals to Russia. It was expanded to include young professionals from the United Kingdom in 2009.

Thus far, the program has proved a major success, and over 80 Fellows have spent extensive time learning the realities of life and work in modern-day Russia. The U.S. and U.K. Fellows are selected from impressive academic and professional backgrounds and are given meaningful work opportunities in Russia with major international corporations, think tanks, and policy centers. Both Russian and U.S. government officials have commented favorably on the program, and while this is a private initiative, we enjoy substantial cooperation from the U.S. and Russian governments in our implementation. Key British academic institutions have been involved in the expansion of the program to the U.K., and British government officials, too, have found the initiative to be an important one.

As Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom move farther from the days of the Cold War, it is vitally important that we develop a thorough and accurate understanding of one another based on the new realities which form the modern Russian-American and Russian-British relationships. We believe the Alfa Fellowship Program is one way in which this understanding can be fostered. We are proud to sponsor the program and look forward to its continued growth in the future.

Mikhail Fridman Petr Aven

Mikhail Fridman Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Alfa Group Consortium

Petr Aven Chairman of the Board of Directors of Alfa-Banking Group

MeSSAGe FRoM The BeNeFACToRS

Fellows and alumni at the sixth annual alumni event in washington, d.c.

The ALFA FeLLoWShIP PRoGRAM Despite historic changes that have taken place in Russia over the past two decades and its subsequent emergence into the global community, there are still too few experts in the United States and the United Kingdom with direct, meaningful experience in the modern business, government, public policy, and cultural environment of Russia. The Alfa Fellowship Program is designed to address this issue by providing an exciting opportunity for young professionals from the U.S. and the U.K. to live and work in Russia and to enable them to develop a genuine expertise through individualized professional assignments. As the program continues to expand, a new generation of American and British professionals is being exposed to Russian professional life and society.

PRoGRAM DeSCRIPTIoN Alfa Fellowship professional assignments are arranged on an individual basis and usually take place in private enterprises, media organizations, think tanks and public policy institutions, law fi rms, and non-governmental organizations.

In addition to professional assignments, the Alfa Fellowship Program includes language training in the U.S. or U.K. and in Russia, an orientation seminar in Washington, D.C., a Moscow seminar program, regional trips in Russia, and a trip to a neighboring country. Throughout the program, Fellows also participate in a regular series of topical seminars and meetings with key Russian, U.S., and U.K. offi cials and business leaders to discuss current issues and developments in Russia. The Fellowship covers travel, accommodation, language training, program-related activities, health insurance, and a monthly stipend.

The Alfa Fellowship Program is funded by a grant from Alfa-Bank. The program is represented in the U.S. and U.K. by Cultural Vistas, and in Moscow by the Fund for International Fellowships and Cultural Dialogue.

PRoGRAM oVeRVIeW

PRoGRAM YeARThe Fellowship begins in March and consists of the following:

u.s./u.k.-based language trainingmarch – junen Customized Russian language training with a qualifi ed local tutor

washington, d.c., orientation seminar apriln Program information and logisticsn Intercultural training and preparationn Current events and contemporary political and economic topics

russia-based language trainingjune – septembern Small-group classes at a language school in Moscow

moscow seminar program and higher school of economics lecture seriesjune – septembern Politics and economics in Russia, including recent developmentsn Russian foreign policyn Law and public policyn Social and cultural aff airs of Russia and eurasian U.S.-Russian and U.K.-Russian relationsn Cultural events and excursions in Moscow and surrounding regions

regional tripsjuly, september, december, apriln opportunity to visit three other cities in Russia (July, September, April) and another country

in the region (December)n Meetings with local offi cials, businesses and other organizationsn excursions to sites of historical and cultural signifi cance

professional assignmentoctober – apriln Professional experience at leading organizations in business, media, law, and public policy

Final evaluation/exit interviewapriln Final review of individual research and fi ndings, exit interview, and evaluation of the Alfa

Fellowship Program

Fellows in front of moscow’s skolkovo school of management

PRoGRAM TIMeLINe

PARTICIPANT PRoFILe Alfa Fellows have a demonstrated interest in Russian and european/eurasian aff airs, exceptional academic and professional credentials, proven personal initiative, and clear goals and expectations for their professional assignments. Fellows are between the ages of 25 and 35 and have both graduate degrees and professional experience in business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, or a related fi eld. Fellows possess leadership potential and are active in community or public service. While Russian language skills vary, most Fellows have studied Russian for at least two years at the post-secondary level.

eLIGIBILITY ReQUIReMeNTSn U.S. or U.K. citizen between the ages of 25 and 35n Graduate degree and at least two years of professional experience in business, economics,

journalism, law, public policy, or a related fi eld. Candidates without a graduate degree must have an undergraduate degree and extensive professional experience in their fi eld, approximately six years, in order to qualify for the program.

DeSIReD QUALIFICATIoNSn outstanding professional achievement and academic qualifi cationsn Active involvement in community or public servicen Russian language experience is preferred, however not required, at the time of application. If an

applicant does not speak Russian, he or she will need to demonstrate profi ciency in a second language to qualify for the program.

n evidence of leadership potential

CULMINATIoN oF FeLLoWShIPFollowing the conclusion of the Alfa Fellowship Program, all Fellows are required to submit two comprehensive reports in english, utilizing the experience and knowledge gained during their Fellowship year. The fi rst report must describe the Fellow’s personal experiences during the program in an analytical and contextual manner. The second report is a research project on a topic of the Fellow’s choice, suitable in style and quality for publication in a leading journal in his or her professional fi eld.

moscow metro station “park pobedy”

eLIGIBILITY ReQUIReMeNTS

Fellows at a meeting with oleg sorokin, mayor of nizhny novgorod

FINANCeS AND BeNeFITS The Alfa Fellowship Program includes the following provisions:n Round-trip transportation to New York City or oxford and accommodation (if needed) for selection

interviewsn U.S./U.K.-based language training as required, based on profi ciency evaluationn orientation seminar in Washington, D.C., including speakers, activities, travel, and accommodationn Program-related transportation between U.S./U.K. and Russian Russia-based language trainingn Moscow Seminar Program, including meetings, briefi ngs, assignment planning, and excursionsn Lecture series at the higher School of economics in Moscown A monthly stipend during the program in Russian All program-related travel within Russian Accommodation in Russian Limited international health, accident, and liability insurance during the program in Russia

The Alfa Fellowship Program is focused on the Fellows’ professional assignments in Russia and will not sponsor

independent or academic research.

PRoGRAM BeNeFITS

christopher belleducation:n �City University of New York, MPA,

Public Administration, 2007n �New York University, BA, Political Science, 2000

selected professional experience:n ����NYC Mayor’s office of Management and Budget,

Senior Analyst, 2008-2011n �Fulbright Scholar, Ukraine, 2007-2008n �office of Congressman Anthony Weiner, Special Assistant, 2005

Fellowship host company:n �Macquarie Renaissance Infrastructure Fund

kathryn doveyeducation:n �McGill University, LLM, Comparative Law, 2003n ��University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, LLM,

French Private Law, 2001n ��King’s College London, LLB, english and

French Law, 1999

selected professional experience:n �Global Business Initiative on human Rights, Director, 2009-presentn ��Institute for human Rights and Business, Research Fellow,

2009-2010n ��Business Leaders Initiative on human Rights,

Program Manager, 2005-2009n �ernst & Young, Tax Advisor, 2001-2005

Fellowship host company:n �human Rights Watch

andrew grenFelleducation:n ��Warwick Business School, Postgraduate Diploma,

Local Government Management, 2011n �oriel College, oxford University, MPhil, Politics, 2008n ��The Queen’s College, oxford University, MA,

Philosophy, 2006

selected professional experience:n �essex County Council, Cabinet Advisor, 2009-2011n �essex County Council, Fast-Track Manager, 2008-2009

Fellowship host companies:n �Russian Microfinance Centern �Russian orphan opportunity Fund

soFia javededucation:n �University of Notre Dame, MA, International

Peace Studies, 2008n �Northwestern University, BS, Journalism, 2001

selected professional experience:n �U.S. Department of State, Trafficking in Persons Report,

Writer and editor, 2009-2011n �Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, Writer, 2010n �Peace Corps Volunteer, Uzbekistan, 2002-2004

Fellowship host company:n �The Associated Press

glenn kateseducation:n �Georgetown University, MPP, Public Policy, 2007n �Binghampton University, BA, Political Science, 2004

selected professional experience:n �Voice of America, Program Coordinator, 2009-2011n �Broadcasting Board of Governors, Presidential

Management Fellow, 2007-2009n ��The Georgetown Public Policy Review,

Managing editor, 2005-2007

Fellowship host company:n �The New York Times

laura keitheducation:n �The George Washington University, MA, Security

Policy Studies, 2010n �Northwestern College, BA, Political Science and

history, 2004

selected professional experience:n �SRA International, Analyst, 2009-2011n �GWU homeland Security Policy Institute, Policy Analyst,

2007-2009n �The heritage Foundation, Research Assistant, 2005-2007n �Public Interest Institute, Research Analyst, 2004-2005

Fellowship host company:n �The PBN Company

AFP #9 FeLLoW PRoFILeS PRoGRAM YeAR 2011-2012

justin lyleeducation:n ��University College London, MA, Politics, Security

and Integration, 2009n �University of Bristol, BA, German and Russian, 2004

selected professional experience:n ��european Center for Minority Issues, Field

Researcher, 2009-2011n �Transparency International, eU Policy officer, 2010n �european Commission, Trainee, 2009-2010

Fellowship host companies:n �Reuters TVn �Vertov Documentary Film Studio

katherine mansFieldeducation:n �Concordia University, MA, economics, 2009n �Dalhousie University, BA, Russian Studies, 2005

selected professional experience:n �ontario Ministry of Finance, economist, 2010-2011n ��ontario Ministry of economic Development and Trade,

Policy Advisor, 2009-2010n �Sustainable Business Conference, Co-Chair, 2007-2008

Fellowship host companies:n �The World Bankn �The Moscow Times

benjamin nobleeducation:n �New College, oxford University, DPhil, Politics, 2013n ���St. Antony’s College, oxford University, MPhil,

Russian and eastern european Studies, 2010n �New College, oxford University, BA, Philosophy,

Politics and economics, 2008

selected professional experience:n ��������St. Antony’s College, Research Assistant to Dr. Carol Leonard,

2010-2011n �CeeLBAS Student Conference, Coordinator, 2009-2010n �eclectic Publishing, editorial Assistant, 2009

Fellowship host companies:n �Institute for Law and Public Policy

jenniFer rankineducation:n ��Corpus Christi College, oxford University, MSt,

Modern history, 2003n ��Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge University,

BA, history, 2001

selected professional experience:n �european Voice, Reporter, 2007-2011n �Institute for Public Policy Research, Research Fellow, 2003-2006

Fellowship host company:n �Reuters

andrew riedyeducation:n �The George Washington University, MA, Security

Policy Studies, 2011n �ohio State University, BA, Russian and

International Studies, 2008

selected professional experience:n �U.S. Institute of Peace, Research Assistant, 2010-2011n �Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Intern, 2009n �U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Marine, 2002-2004

Fellowship host company:n �Carnegie Moscow Center

samuel schatzeducation:n �London School of economics, MSc,

Management and International Business, 2010n �Columbia University, BA, Political Science, 2006

selected professional experience:n ��Active earth Investment Management, Investment

Analyst, 2010-2011n �Sonenshine Partners, Summer Associate, 2009n �Digitas, Analyst, 2007-2008n �eco-Logic, Marketing Director, 2005-2007

Fellowship host company:n �Wermuth Asset Management

john yieducation:n �Georgetown University, MA, Russian and eastern

european Studies, 2011n �University of Michigan, BA, Political Science and

Russian Language, 2007

selected professional experience:n �helsinki Commission on Security and Cooperation in europe,

Intern, 2010n �National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, Visiting Legislative

Intern, 2009n �Tourette Syndrome Association, Legislative Associate, 2007-2009

Fellowship host companies:n �Sberbankn �Baker Botts LLP

Fellows at the Federation council, the upper house of the Federal assembly of russia

APPLICATIoN INFoRMATIoN

APPLICATIoN DoCUMeNTSCandidates must submit the following documents via the online application system no later than december 1 for the program beginning the following year:n �Completed, signed application formn �Resumen ��offi cial graduate transcripts (undergraduate transcripts when applicable)n �Statement of objectives and goals (two pages maximum), including career aspirations and anticipated

benefi ts of participation in the Alfa Fellowship Program for both the participant and host institution. The statement must also include realistic proposals for specifi c institutions the applicant believes would be appropriate for his/her professional assignment.

n �Russian writing sample (one page maximum) on a topic of the applicant’s choice; non-Russian speaking applicants should submit a statement in english detailing other languages in which they are profi cient and when and where those language skills were acquired.

n �Two letters of recommendation, at least one from relevant professional experience

Applications should be requested and submitted online at: www.culturalvistas.org/alfa. Completed, signed applications and all supporting documents, including transcripts and letters of recommendation, must be received no later than december 1. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

SeLeCTIoNSelection for the Alfa Fellowship Program will be conducted on a competitive basis. A joint Russian-U.S.-U.K. Selection Committee will nominate up to fi fteen Americans and Britons to be awarded Alfa Fellowships at selection interviews held in New York City for U.S. candidates and in oxford for U.K. candidates.

A language assessment will be performed at the selection interviews to determine Fellows’ requirements for language training.

Notifi cations of selection will be sent within several weeks of completing the selection interviews.

Fellows and program staff at the olympic park in sochi, site of the 2014 winter olympics

PRoFeSSIoNAL ASSIGNMeNTS 2004–2012

BUSINeSS AND INDUSTRYAlfa-BankAlfa Capital PartnersAMDBarclays Capital, MoscowBBDoBank of America Merrill LynchBoston Consulting GroupCargillePPA RussiaFacebookGoldman SachsInvestment Bank otkritieInternational Finance CorporationKfW Carbon FundMacquarie Renaissance Infrastructure FundMicrosoft RussiaMott MacDonaldNikkolo MPace Global energy ServicesThe PBN CompanyPepsiCoPlayrixRussian hockey FederationSberbankSolntse MexicoStandard & Poor’sTambeineftegazTNK-BPoPoRA RUSSIAUBSVostsibexsportlesWermuth Asset ManagementThe World Bank

LAW AND ADVoCACYAkin Gump Strauss hauer & Feld LLPBaker & McKenzieBaker Botts LLPInstitute for Law and Public PolicyInternational Center for Not-for-Profi t Law

MeDIA oUTLeTSAssociated PressCTC Media Groupekho Moskvyekspert MagazineFeature Story NewsThe Moscow TimesThe New York TimesReutersRIA NovostiRussia in Global Aff airsRussian Union of JournalistsThe Washington Post

ASSoCIATIoNS, INSTITUTeS, ThINK TANKSCarnegie Moscow CenterCenter for Business ethicsCenter for Political Technologies higher School of economics Indem FoundationInstitute for economic AnalysisInstitute for Urban economicsInternational Business Leaders ForumMoscow Architecture PreservationNew eurasia FoundationRussian Microfi nance Center

NoN-GoVeRNMeNTAL oRGANIZATIoNSAngel CoalitionBellona FoundationFinancial Services Volunteer CorpsFriedrich ebert Foundation Green Cross Russiahuman Rights WatchLevada CenterPlaNet FinanceProject harmonyRussian orphan opportunity FundRussian Union of IndustrialistsUNhCR

PRoGRAM ADMINISTRATIoN

ALFA–BANKING GRoUPThe Alfa Fellowship Program is sponsored by Alfa-Bank. Founded in 1990, Alfa-Bank is a full-service bank operating in all segments of the fi nancial market, including retail and corporate lending, investment banking, trade fi nance and asset management.

Alfa-Bank is Russia’s largest private bank in terms of assets, equity capital and customer accounts. Under International Accounting Standards (IAS), in 2011 the assets of Alfa-Banking Group – which comprises Alfa-Bank as well as subsidiary banks and fi nancial companies – totaled $31.4bn. It had aggregate capital of $3.4bn, an overall loan portfolio of $23.2bn, and net profi t of $641m.

As of october 1, 2011, Alfa-Bank served over 48,000 corporate customers and 5.8m individuals. Alfa-Bank has 444 offi ces and branches in Russia and abroad, including a subsidiary bank in the Netherlands, as well as fi nancial entities in the United States, United Kingdom and Cyprus.

Alfa-Banking Group has a long history of supporting charities, Russian culture, and creating programs for young talent.

CULTURAL VISTASCultural Vistas is a non-profi t 501(c)(3) organization and designated sponsor of exchange Visitor Programs committed to providing international exchange opportunities that strengthen global networks, enhance professional skills, and advance mutual understanding in an interconnected world. Since 1950, Cultural Vistas has facilitated professional exchange programs and services for visitors coming to the United States, and Americans seeking overseas experiential learning opportunities. Learn more at www.culturalvistas.org.

Cultural Vistas acts as the U.S. representative of the Alfa Fellowship Program and has administered the program since its inception in 2004. In 2009, the program was expanded to include young professionals from the U.K., which Cultural Vistas administers in consultation with Dr. Dana L. Brown, Associate Research Fellow at oxford University and Professor of Strategy at eMLYoN Business School.

OJSC Alfa-Bank is incorporated, focused, and based in Russia, and is not a� liated with U.S.-based Alfa Insurance.

Fellows having lunch with local students at moscow’s skolkovo school of management

PRoGRAM ADMINISTRATIoN

FUND FoR INTeRNATIoNAL FeLLoWShIPS AND CULTURAL DIALoGUeThe Alfa Fellowship Program is administered in Russia by the Fund for International Fellowships and Cultural Dialogue. The Fund was established by the Corporate Charity Projects Department of Alfa-Bank with the goal of ensuring successful day-to-day operations of the Alfa Fellowship Program. The Fund, also known as the “Moscow offi ce,” is a welcoming place that provides a supportive environment for Fellows to help them adjust to life in the Russian capital. Staff in the Moscow offi ce also works together with Fellows to identify suitable work placements at leading institutions in Russia by drawing upon extensive contacts throughout industry, media, government, and nonprofi t organizations. Additionally, the Moscow offi ce staff organizes other important aspects of the program, such as the seminar series, language courses, housing, and regional trips.

The ALFA FeLLoWShIP ALUMNI ASSoCIATIoN (AFAA)The Alfa Fellowship Alumni Association was established in 2008. It contributes its support to the Alfa Fellowship Program and works to ensure program alumni remain connected with one another. The fi rst offi cial AFP alumni event was held in May 2007 and has since become an annual tradition taking place in Washington, D.C. every May. other events have been held in New York, London, and Moscow, engaging alumni from various program years.

Fellows in the town of gorodets near nizhny novgorod

FeLLoWS’ TeSTIMoNIALS

recently returned Fellow, andrew riedy, presenting a gift to mr. Fridman and mr. aven

“I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity that the Alfa Fellowship has proven to be. It is has turned out to be a really one-of-a-kind experience in off ering young specialists the opportunity to expand their understanding of Russia and gain practical on the ground experience. I have benefi ted in so many ways, including in the vast improvement of my Russian language skills, expansion of my professional network, publication opportunities, and growth in my understanding of Russian policy as it pertains to my fi eld.”

Andrew Riedy, AFP #9, 2011-2012

“For young professionals interested in Russia, the Alfa Fellowship off ers an immensely rewarding opportunity to gain a rare insight into the country. I think that it is a strong indication of the value of the programme that I can say it genuinely had a transformative impact on the development of my career. I spent the work experience component of the Alfa Fellowship working at the Moscow offi ce of Barclays Capital, a major international banking franchise with its headquarters in the U.K. By the end of my [work placement], I had received an opportunity to take up a full-time position back at the head offi ce of Barclays in London.”

James Marsh, U.K. AFP #8 2010-2011

“Accepting the Alfa Fellowship was the most important decision I have made thus far in my career. The Alfa Fellowship provided me with an unrivaled opportunity to develop my career, build a network of contacts in Russia, and go places and have experiences that were unexpected and riveting.”

emily Stromquist, AFP #7 2009-2010

view of moscow from the top of the ostankino television tower visited by Fellows

CoNTACT INFoRMATIoN

in the u.s. and u.k.:Cultural VistasAttn: Alfa Fellowship Program440 Park Avenue South, 2nd FloorNew York, New York 10016U.S.A.Telephone: +1 212 497 3510Fax: +1 212 497 3587email: alfa@culturalvistas.orgFor more information, please visit: www.culturalvistas.org/alfa

in moscow:Fund for International Fellowships and Cultural DialogueNoviy Arbat 21, Suite 939–940119019 MoscowRussiaTelephone: +7 495 981 8412email: anna@alfafellowship.ruFor more information, please visit: www.alfafellowship.org