For the first time in over 25 years, World Forestry Center’s International Fellowship Program will not happen as planned in 2020. But we are adapting in real-time to make the program better than ever.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs paused all J1 visas for at least two months, vowing to review their decision every 30 days thereafter. As the 2020 cohort of Fellows was set to arrive at the beginning of April 2020, we felt the fairest course of action was to cancel rather than postpone the program.
We did not make this decision lightly. Our Fellows already make significant financial, personal, and professional sacrifices to join us for six months in Portland. By canceling the program now, we hoped to avoid causing them additional disruption and uncertainty.
World Forestry Center informed the 2020 Fellows and will refund Program Fees. Also, to lessen the financial impact, we chose to reimburse their Visa Application fees. The Fellows were understandably disappointed, but grateful for our conclusive action.
In the absence of new Fellows, our staff will strengthen, refine, and reimagine this unique program. They are already preparing for when we can once again bring together natural resource professionals from around the world to learn from the experts of our region and from one another.
If you have questions, please contact Sara Wu, Professional Programs Director.
Update: Because of continued instability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our International Fellowship Program was also cancelled for 2021. The status of the 2022 Fellowship is yet to be determined.
World Forestry Center & COVID-19
Like nonprofit organizations all over the world, we are adapting to the global COVID-19 pandemic.