Wallenberg International Fellows Program

The Wallenberg International Fellows Program is a partnership between Georgetown University and the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) funded by a generous grant from the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation. Information on current and past cohorts and even more information about the program can be found at https://wallenbergfellows.com/. 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Wallenberg International Fellows Program is to prepare highly qualified master-level students with the knowledge and skills to serve as the leaders of international businesses as well as public and private organizations around the globe.

Program Structure

This is accomplished through a three-part program that includes: 1) a summer internship that enables the student fellows to apply their knowledge in a real-world business environment at top multinational firms and international organizations; 2) a semester of coursework, allowing them to learn from world-class faculty and collaborate with one another in a classroom setting; and 3) a program series of cohort experiences that include cultural exchange,  leadership development, skills training and business networking opportunities.  Student fellows develop a thorough understanding of business, policy, trade, and multinational corporations within a global context while building valuable connections in Stockholm and Washington, D.C.

The Cohort

The Wallenberg International Fellows cohort is composed of three carefully selected MA honors students from the International Business Diplomacy Program at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and three MA candidates from the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE). Students represent various programs in their individual institutions and are eligible to participate regardless of nationality/status.

Program Highlights

• International work experience gained through internships at top multinational corporations and organizations. Selected Georgetown fellows will be placed in internships in Stockholm during the summer between their first and second years of MA studies at Georgetown. Selected SSE fellows will be placed in summer internships in Washington, D.C.
• Once in Stockholm, Georgetown fellows live together and participate in a curriculum designed to further their understanding of  international business practices.  They attend lectures, seminars and participate in company and cultural visits. This program is hosted by both faculty at SSE and senior business practitioners hosted by Novare (Executive Human Capital firm). 
• SSE Fellows similarly live together in Washington DC and participate in a series of cultural and business networking events.
• All six fellows return to Georgetown in the Fall after their summer internships to participate in a high-impact curriculum at Georgetown University.
• Custom-tailored networking and professional development opportunities, access to career workshops, technical skills workshops, and employer information sessions.
• A wide array of lectures, seminars and conferences on the Georgetown campus.
• A strong global alumni network encompassing rising executives across the spectrum of international business.
• Access to Georgetown’s student clubs. Specific clubs in which students could participate include finance club, energy club, consulting club, emerging markets network, and social entrepreneurship club.

Internships

Based on their individual interests, the Wallenberg International Fellows will be matched to internships at premier institutions and organizations related to business, finance, economics, policy, and government.

The internship is designed as an authentic international business experience, centered on a specific project, paper, or other corporate initiative. Given the background and distinction of the Wallenberg International Fellows, the international companies that participate will benefit greatly as well, gaining access to some of the most talented students in the world. Over the years, some fellows have returned to their internship host for full employment upon graduation or have built on their experiences and accessed unique full time opportunities in other major institutions. 

Academics

This premier program combines the best of business, finance, and government affairs to prime a new generation of international business leaders. Wallenberg International Fellows will be placed in Georgetown’s top courses with opportunities to explore case studies and simulations through highly interactive, technology-enhanced, team-based approaches to learning.

Financial Benefits

A brief summary of the financial benefits provided to Fellows as part of the Wallenberg International Fellows Program is below.

SSE Fellows

• Tuition, academic fees, fitness center and health insurance fees for the semester of study at Georgetown
• Supplemental health insurance for the summer internship portion of the program
• Round-trip air travel from home country to Washington, DC for summer internship and semester of study at Georgetown
• Housing (rent and utilities) during the internship and during the semester of study at Georgetown
• Living expense stipend for the summer internship and semester of study at Georgetown
• Visa expenses
• Program experiences funded by the fellowship grant

Georgetown Fellows

• Round-trip air travel from home country to internship location
• Living stipend for housing (rent and utilities) during the summer internship
• Living expense stipend during the summer internship
• Visa expenses
• Program experiences funded by the fellowship grant

Student Life

The Wallenberg International Fellows Program provides Fellows with an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a foreign culture and take part in a transformational experience during a summer internship and semester of coursework.

Life in Stockholm

The Fellows from Georgetown will spend a summer in Stockholm, where they will be matched to companies for summer internships. They will also have the opportunity to engage with faculty and students at the Stockholm School of Economics, which will provide housing and serve as their home base during their time in Sweden. For more information about the city of Stockholm and the SSE, please see the following resources:

• The Stockholm School of Economics
• Visit Stockholm – The Stockholm Visitors Board
• Lonely Planet Travel Guide – Stockholm

Life in Washington, DC

The Fellows from the Stockholm School of Economics will spend a summer in Washington, D.C., where they will be matched to organizations and companies for summer internships. They will also spend a semester studying on the campus of Georgetown University along with the other Wallenberg International Fellows. Housing will be provided in a modern apartment close to the main campus. For more information about life in Washington, D.C. and on the Georgetown campus, please see the following resources:

• Georgetown University
• Campus Life at Georgetown
• Destination DC – Official Tourism Board of Washington, D.C.
• Lonely Planet Travel Guide – Washington, D.C.

Admissions

The Wallenberg International Fellows Program is open to Georgetown Masters students in the International Business Diplomacy program in the School of Foreign Service as well as graduate students from the Stockholm School of Economics.

Georgetown applicants must be accepted into the IBD Honors Program during their first semester to be eligible and will be interviewed in person during the application process. Georgetown fellows should develop technical finance and/or data skills before their arrival in Stockholm (more information below). SSE Applications will be handled separately by the Stockholm School of Economics.

We are looking for a diverse cohort of students who have shown excellence in their prior coursework and have demonstrated success in their past employment. Additionally, we are looking for students who are willing to commit to all program experiences and expectations. As this is a cohort experience, commitment to build relationships with all the fellows is a foundational expectation.  

How to Apply

SSE candidates will follow the application process outlined by the Stockholm School of Economics. 

Georgetown candidates must take the following steps to apply for the Wallenberg International Fellows Program:

1. During their first semester at Georgetown, perform at an honors level in their degree program’s core courses (honors level is typically an A/A-). 
2. In October, apply for and be accepted into the IBD Honors Certificate Program. (Note: Applicants must be part of the IBD program to participate in the WIFP.)
3. Before applying to the WIFP, candidates are strongly encouraged to connect with Program Coordinator Rosie O’Neil (rao@georgetown.edu) and former fellows. Program orientations will be offered after the IBD application cycle concludes and before the end of the fall term.  All interested applicants are encouraged to attend. 
4. In December, apply for the Wallenberg International Fellows Program. The WIFP application includes:

1. Application form (available via the website: https://wallenbergfellows.com/)
2. CV/Resume
3. Transcript
4. Recent Professional Headshot
5. One Letter of Recommendation from faculty or employer

• If offered a spot, fellows should develop or build on relevant financial and/or data skills before departing for Stockholm in May. Fellows can do this through IBD coursework (i.e. GBUS 400 and GBUS 401), undergraduate or work experience, approved online coursework, or approved workshops/modules. The Program Coordinator will work with each fellow individually to help ensure they possess the appropriate skills before beginning their internships.

The application for Cohort #10 (2024 fellows) will open in December 2023.

Visa Requirements

SSE Fellows

Georgetown will issue the paperwork necessary to enable each SSE Fellow to apply for the J-1 student visa for the on-campus study portion of the program in a timely manner. Each fellow bears full responsibility for obtaining the applicable visa in a timely manner. SSE Fellows will be required to participate in a mandatory orientation session upon arrival in the United States as detailed in the requirements of the Georgetown University Office of Global Services.

During the summer portion of the experience, the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce will partner with Georgetown to be the J-1 Intern visa sponsor for the SSE Fellows that secure positions in private and non-profit institutions in the United States. The Landegger Program in International Business Diplomacy manages the relationship with the J-1 visa sponsor.

Georgetown Fellows

Georgetown Fellows who are U.S. citizens will apply for the appropriate visa for the internship program.  US citizens will not need work or residence permits. Georgetown Fellows who are third country nationals will need to apply for a Schengen Visa.