By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang

Koror, Palau – The 2024 Palau Fellowship Award internship program saw 29 students accepted this summer, with 22 of them successfully completing their internships. Most of these students wrapped up their work by the end of last week.

The remaining seven students are still in the process of completing their required internship hours.

The Palau Fellowship Award is presented to Palauan students who are upcoming seniors, current seniors, or recent graduates. Of the 29 award recipients, four are recent graduates. Three of these graduates are currently in Palau seeking permanent employment, while one has left to pursue a master’s degree in the medical field. The remaining students will return to their colleges and universities to continue their studies.

These students are enrolled in various colleges and universities across Guam, Hawaii, Taiwan, and the mainland United States, pursuing degrees in fields such as anthropology, economics, medicine, and international relations, among others.

During the internship, participants gained valuable experience by working with different government and non-governmental agencies.

The Palau Fellowship Award Program was established by RPPL 8-43 and later amended by RPPL 9-43. The award includes a round-trip airline ticket to Palau for returning students and a one-way ticket for recent graduates. Additionally, participants receive a bi-weekly stipend of $400 during the eight-week internship.

According to the Palau National Scholarship Office, application deadlines remain consistent each year: April 1 for the Summer Internship and November 1 for the Spring Internship.

The Palau Fellowship Award Program was designed to encourage Palauan students who are recent graduates to return home and contribute to nation-building efforts.