The CrossCulture Programme (CCP) funds 55 to 60 professionals and dedicated volunteers from over 40 countries with its CCP Fellowships. Fellows spend two to three months working with host organisations in Germany or CCP partner countries to broaden their expertise, build valuable networks and further develop their intercultural skills. In return, the host organisations benefit from the expertise, regional knowledge and networks of the CCP Fellows.
Participants have the opportunity to take part in cross-cultural workshops, networking events and professional meetings organised by the CCP. The experience gained abroad will be integrated into the work of the Fellows' home organisations upon their return.
The CCP Fellowships for 2025 will be offered as on-site Fellowships. Depending on individual circumstances and applicable travel regulations, Fellows may also opt for digital participation. The programme is subject to funding by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Twenty years ago, in 2005, the CrossCulture Programme was founded with a powerful vision: to build bridges across cultures and strengthen civil society networks. With over 1,100 alums from across the globe, a vibrant and diverse community has emerged, united by a shared commitment to create positive change. The programme would not have become what it is without the contributions of our community. ifa and the CCP team would like to thank everyone who has been part of this journey and contributed to its development over the past two decades.
Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Russia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
What are the prerequisites?
What is desirable?
Fellowships are principally awarded to people working in the following subjects and professional fields:
In 2025, the programme will also focus on the following key issues:
The aim of the CCP Fellowship is to support and strengthen civil society actors in their commitment. This includes the following:
Incomplete applications, applications sent by e-mail and applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
The application period for 2025 was between 15 October and 5 December 2024. The call for CCP Fellowships 2026 will open in late 2025.
After submitting your application, you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your documents. After the deadline has expired, shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview by the Selection Board.
The finally selected Fellows are expected to be notified of their participation in the CCP Fellowship Programme by e-mail in March/April 2025. The programme will run from May to November 2025.
Applicants who have not been selected will also be informed by e-mail. Please note that ifa does not give any reason(s) why an application has been rejected.
Further questions? Check out our FAQ.
Is your organisation interested in international collaboration? During two to three months of professional stays in host organisations in Germany or CCP partner countries, participants deepen their expertise, establish new contacts and acquire transcultural skills. In turn, the host organisations benefit from the CCP Fellows’ expertise, regional knowledge and networks.
Interested in becoming a host organisation?
For more information, please contact us:
E-Mail: crossculture(at)ifa.de
Tel: +49.711.2225.156
We match you with the right Fellow. The participating Fellows come from up to 40 countries from the Middle East and North Africa, Central, South and Southeast Asia, the Indo-Pacific Region, the Eastern Partnership countries and Russia as well as countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Within the programme we offer Fellowships in civil society fields of work such as policy and society, human rights, sustainable development, non-formal political education, digital civil society, media and culture.
Read more about the Fellows focus topics here:
Human Rights and Peace
Media and Culture
Sustainable Development and Climate Justice
Policy and Society
End of the year: Call for CCP Fellowships
January – April: Selection of Fellows
From April: Assignment of Fellows to matching host organisations and initial introduction
May – November: Implementation of CCP Fellowships (2-3 months)
Beginning the hosting: Once you have shown interest in hosting a fellow, a first online introductory meeting is arranged. The period for the hosting will be agreed on mutually. Subsequently, feasible assignments in consultation with the Fellowship holder can be arranged, guiding the Fellow through possible tasks and relevant work processes as well as integrating them into the organisation’s day-to-day routine. The Fellows are all professionals in their fields and can, therefore, work independently on tasks and projects.
Once the hosting has started: Nomination of an internal contact person who will mentor the Fellowship holder during the professional exchange.
Ongoing: Supporting the Fellow in establishing contacts with other relevant institutions and individuals.
At the end of the hosting: Provision of feedback on the cooperation with the CCP Fellow in a standardised online survey prepared by ifa.
SHARE Magazine is made for the community by the community! We report on people working for positive change - in Latin America, North Africa, the Middle East and Caucasus, Central and South Asia. The stories in our magazine are written and photographed by ifa alumni who are at home in these regions. SHARE shows these countries and societies from unusual angles.
