How a Moldovan Ph.D. Student Secured the Fully Funded Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship at the University of Minnesota

My name is Stepan Caramalac, and I am a public servant from the Republic of Moldova. I hold a Master’s degree in International Relations, which I pursued in Moldova and Russia. I am 28 years old and have spent the last four years working in the local government of the Taraclia District, Moldova, where I was born and raised.

In my role as the Head of the International Relations Service, I focused on strengthening connections between our region and other parts of Moldova, as well as with foreign countries and international organizations. I have also been actively involved in advocating for the rights of national minorities in Moldova and across Europe. As a member of the Bulgarian ethnic minority in Moldova, these issues are particularly significant to me.

My experience in these areas led to my acceptance into a one-year scholarship program at a U.S. university. Since August 2024, I have been an International Humphrey Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.

Scholarship Details

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, a Fulbright exchange, brings accomplished mid-career professionals from around the world to the United States for ten months of professional and academic enrichment. This program aims to share best practices and build expertise in order to enhance societal and institutional capacity, promote human rights, ensure sustainable environments, and foster thriving communities.

Each year, approximately 160 Fellows are hosted at various U.S. universities. This year, I am one of 11 Fellows hosted by the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. The fellowship provides a scholarship of approximately $30,000 for the ten-month program. This funding covers housing, living expenses, and travel for educational purposes, such as attending conferences.

The Humphrey Fellowship Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education.

Educational Background

I hold a Master’s degree in International Relations. I completed my bachelor’s degree at the Institute of International Relations in the Republic of Moldova and my master’s degree at the Russian Peoples' Friendship University. In Eastern Europe, we do not use GPAs, but I graduated with a "red diploma," which signifies high academic achievement. Since 2023, I have been a PhD student at the University of National and World Economy in Bulgaria. I have taken a one-year break from my PhD studies to participate in the Humphrey Fellowship Program in the U.S.

While my educational background certainly provided a strong foundation for applying to the program, it was not the only crucial factor. A significant requirement was a minimum of five years of professional experience in public service. Additionally, demonstrating leadership qualities through civil activism and professional achievements played a key role in my acceptance.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for Institutions?

Applying for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is different from applying to other scholarships. You do not apply directly to a specific institution; instead, you apply to participate in the program. Once accepted, you are hosted by one of 12 universities affiliated with the program, based on your previous education and the interests highlighted in your application. The program chooses university for you, not you.

The application process consists of three stages. In the first stage, you complete a comprehensive application form, which includes five essay questions. These essays require you to articulate your worldview, professional experience, long-term goals, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

The second stage involves an English-language interview. I prepared for this interview over two months by watching YouTube videos on interview preparation, formulating answers to potential questions about the program, and gathering as much information as possible. I also connected with program alumni to get advice and insights.

The third stage is the TOEFL exam. I had only 1.5 months to prepare, which is a short time for this exam. I scored 78 points. Despite the limited time, I worked diligently every day. The structured format of the TOEFL was helpful, as I could use online resources like TSTPREP for practice. However, I recommend starting TOEFL or similar exam preparations well in advance.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

As I mentioned earlier, I prepared for each stage of the application process meticulously. For the first stage, the most critical component was the essays. I wrote them with a clear focus on my goals and aspirations, being honest and confident, and showcasing my high ambitions. I believe this authenticity and clarity made my application stand out. It's crucial to have a well-defined vision of what you want to achieve in your career and how the scholarship will help you reach those goals. Clear and confident answers to these questions are essential.

In the second stage, the interview, I stood out by being well-informed about the program's history, goals, and structure. I read extensively about the program and demonstrated my understanding during the interview. Additionally, I created a detailed schedule for my year in the U.S. and presented it during the interview, which was well-received. Lastly, I approached the interview as if it were a job interview, learning key tips and common mistakes people make, and ensuring I avoided them.

What Would You Have Done Differently If You Are Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would start preparing for the TOEFL well in advance. Although I knew the English exam was part of the third stage of the application process, I waited for the interview results before beginning my preparation. I thought there was no point in preparing if I wasn’t approved after the interview. This was a mistake because, even if I hadn’t been accepted, improving my English and being ready for the TOEFL at any moment would have been a significant advantage. Better preparation would have allowed me to achieve higher scores and be more confident in my language abilities.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Believe in yourself and prepare thoroughly. Often, we underestimate our chances and only put in 20-30% of our efforts. When you truly believe you can succeed, you’ll give 100%. Confidence and self-belief are key—you deserve to be accepted.

It’s crucial to be honest and confident in your essays and interview responses. Clearly understand and articulate your career goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.

Lastly, never give up. I was accepted on my first attempt, but a friend of mine applied five times before being approved. In the end, he was offered this scholarship and another in England at the same time, giving him the choice of which opportunity to pursue. Persistence pays off.