Russell E. Train Education for Nature

PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES 

EFN is now accepting applications from citizens and legal residents from the following countries:

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BENEFITS  

In addition to supporting educational costs, EFN offers a full-range of services to its grantees. As part of their awards, Train Fellows receive:

• • • Financial support for tuition, books, travel (to and from training institution), and room and board for their academic programs for up to two years;
    • Costs for field research when required by the academic institution;
    • Networking opportunities to meet with other EFN grantees, alumni, and WWF staff through periodic regional gatherings; and
    • Ongoing professional development support through the EFN Alumni Program.

Because funds are limited, Train Fellows are encouraged to contribute to their educational expenses with personal or family funds when possible. In addition, EFN also strongly advises applicants to seek funding from other sources. Applicants whose total annual educational costs exceed $20,000 must show that they have requested or secured funding from additional sources, or can contribute personally to their education costs. 

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ELIGIBILITY

Eligible candidates must submit a completed application form along with two letters of recommendation and other supporting documents to the appropriate location for their respective countries. To be eligible for a Train Fellowship, applicants must:

• • • be a citizen or legal resident of a participating country
    • have a minimum of two year's work experience in conservation
    • be enrolled, admitted, or have applied to an institution of higher education
    • begin their studies within one year from the application deadline for their respective countries

Individuals who have received a fellowship from EFN in the past and who wish to pursue a second degree are NOT eligible. Eligibility criteria may vary slightly among countries. Write to efn@wwfus.org for more details.

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SELECTION 

Train Fellows are selected through a competitive, merit-based process. An independent, interdisciplinary panel of experts is convened in each country to review applications and to identify the top candidates based on the following criteria: 

• • • Professional qualifications as evidenced by previous and current conservation-related positions, references from colleagues in the field, publications, and other sources.
    • Demonstrated leadership through involvement in community and volunteer activities, the workplace, local and national government, and other areas.
    • Prior academic achievement as shown by grades, academic awards, references from teachers and professors, and so on.
    • Motivation and commitment to contribute to conservation in a participating country and to share what is learned with others in their field and in their home communities.