Fellowship FAQs

Fellowships Program

Fellowship FAQs

What does Pacific Forum look for in a research proposal?

While we don’t have a specific structure for proposals, they should follow a standard format. There are numerous guides online that explain what the elements of a proposal are, but a literature review, guiding research questions, a research methodology (explaining the methods and approach that you will take in order to answer your guiding questions), and most importantly a succinct thesis statement are key components that we look for when reviewing applications. The University of Westminster’s guide offers a good starting point for the general structure for writing a proposal.

What kind of stipend does Pacific Forum provide?

A modest cost-of-living stipend is provided for resident fellowships. The selected resident fellow will begin their fellowship virtually. The cost-of-living stipend for a virtual resident fellowship is $2,000 a month. If conditions permit, the virtual resident fellowship will be converted to an in-person resident fellowship. In-person resident fellows will receive a stipend of $3,000 per month to support living expenses in Honolulu.

Non-resident or adjunct fellowships do not receive remuneration.

Does Pacific Forum provide housing?

No, Pacific Forum does not provide housing. It is recommended that you arrange for housing before arriving in Honolulu. Many landlords require a security deposit and/or the first and last month’s rent upfront. This can be as high as $1,500-$3,000 depending on the rental rate. Given that your first stipend will take 2-3 weeks to process, you should plan your finances accordingly. It is recommended that you arrive with at least $3,000 to cover initial moving/living costs.

Pacific Forum has partnered with the East-West Center to give fellows the opportunity to become EWC Affiliate Scholars. Through this program, fellows are offered on-campus accommodation at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, gain library access, and can connect with faculty and scholars at the East-West Center or the University of Hawaii at Manoa. More information can be found here. This opportunity is currently on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions.

What does the application process look like?

Applications for both resident and non-resident Legacy Fellowship opportunities are accepted twice a year, in April and October, and are contingent on availability. For Partner-sponsored Fellowship opportunities, see their individual pages for their deadlines.

How long does it take to receive notification?

We strive to make decisions within six weeks of the application closing date.

What kind of obligations do fellows have during their fellowships?

Pacific Forum senior staff will provide guidance and consultation for fellows as they conduct their self-directed research. The final product will be of quality to be submitted to a refereed journal or be published in the Pacific Forum’s Issues & Insights series. In addition to conducting self-directed research, fellows will support other Pacific Forum research programs and activities including:

Attending weekly fellows meeting (currently conducted via Zoom)
Attending Honolulu International Forum meetings.
Young Leaders programs. Fellows will receive priority over YL candidates worldwide to attend relevant conferences.

Does Pacific Forum have language prerequisites?

At a minimum, research fellows should be able to speak and write in English.

What kinds of public transportation does Hawaii have?

Pacific Forum will reimburse you for monthly bus passes. We recommend that living on a bus route is the easiest way to get around in Honolulu. Although taxi cabs and Uber/Lyft are options, they are quite expensive and are not covered by Pacific Forum. Walking and bike riding are also options. Bike lanes are available on some main roads and a bike-share program (Biki) is available in most parts of central Honolulu.