Frequently Asked Questions on CITEL fellowships

CITEL offers fellowships for a variety of telecommunication courses for participants at different points in their careers.

However, each CITEL fellowship is different, and many have varying requirements; be sure to consult all of the requirements for the specific course to which you plan to apply.

In light of our experience of applications for courses in previous years, we kindly request that applicants read carefully the information below.

Where can I see the program of courses for 2006?

The program may be checked at http://citel.oas.org/fellow_2006.asp. This web page is updated regularly. As soon as the announcement for a specific course becomes available, it is included in the web site along with the deadline to receive the information in the headquarters of the OAS in Washington DC. If the announcement or the deadline to apply for a fellowship is not in this web page it might not have been issued yet.

The announcements also indicate the academic coordinators, whom you might contact if you need further detailed information of the courses.

CITEL offers in general the following types of fellowships:

• Face to face courses: roundtrip ticket in economy class to the place where training will take place.

• Distance learning courses: full registration fee. The registration fee has a maximum value of US$ 200.

The distance learning courses are done through the platform of the Center of Excellence for the Americas of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) (http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/hrd/coe/index.asp).

These fellowships are subject to the availability of funds corresponding to the 2006 regular budget of the OAS.

Where do I submit my application for a fellowship?

Fellowship applications are to be submitted through the National Liaison Offices (ONEs) in each country. Please be advised that the ONE may have deadline dates that may be up to one month earlier than the OAS deadline. Contact the ONE as soon as possible to ascertain the ONE deadline and to verify the required procedures. Such procedures are generally not complicated, but they do need to be completed by the deadlines established.

How do I submit an application? May I send it by e-mail?

You need to submit the application to the ONE and follow their procedures.

What are the requirements to request a fellowship?

The information is in the announcement. However contact the ONE in your country as soon as possible to verify if there are not any additional requirements.

Please:

• Complete the entire OAS Form 98 as carefully as possible. Selection will be made on the basis of this information. If information is missing, the application may be rejected.
• Indicate clearly on the form at least an e-mail address where you can be contacted and advised of the selection results.

Are there any restrictions to apply for a fellowship?

Participants need to have citizenship or permanent residence at an OAS Member State (residents must forward a copy of their visas). Candidates from the country that is hosting the course can not apply for a fellowship.

A participant can be selected to receive only one CITEL fellowship award per year.

What certification do these courses have?

CITEL/OAS, the ITU Center of Excellence for the Americas Region, and the Training center will provide each participant with an electronic certificate upon successful completion of the course. This certificate is put online and an-email is sent to the participant so that he/she can download it. In certain specific cases, the University that offers the course may offer credits that can be used for continuing education certificates.

What is the selection process?

Successful candidates are selected on, among others, their present activity so that the course is relevant and the knowledge received can be put to practice, personal strengths, financial need and academic achievement,. The selection takes place immediately after the deadline in Washington, DC, United States. The results of the selection are communicated to the ONE in each of the countries where there are candidates selected. CITEL also puts the information in its’ webpage (http://citel.oas.org/fellow_2006.asp) and sends a letter to each of the successful candidates with further information.

What are the responsibilities of selected candidates?

Upon selection, candidates will receive an e-mail from CITEL with details of the fellowship. The selected candidate must accept the scholarship by confirming to CITEL their availability to follow the course during the period indicated and their acceptance of the duly provided conditions of study.

In the case of distance learning courses, students are responsible for obtaining access to equipment and for communication costs (Internet access and e-mail). Upon accepting the fellowship the candidates will receive a user name and a password to access the course. The general information on how to use the ITU e-learning platform is in the CITEL web site, students are recommended to read it very carefully.

In the case of face-to-face courses students are responsible to obtain the additional budget required, as indicated in the announcement, to be able to participate in the course.

In the event that a candidate accepts a scholarship but cannot take the course, for whatever reason, he/she must immediately advise CITEL and the OAS Department of Human Development, so they can decide which course of action to take.

Can someone take a course although he/she is not eligible to get a fellowship?

Yes, you can.

In the case of distance learning courses you can take a course by paying the registration fee. The information on how to register will be provided to you by the coordinator of the course. In the case of face to face courses, you must request information in a case by case basis. Please send an e-mail to the coordinator of the course, the contact information is in the announcement of the fellowship.

Carol Dolinkas
Coordinator
Human Resources Development
CITEL