The Institute of Current World Affairs advances deep understanding of global cultures and affairs by sending outstanding young professionals on independent writing fellowships abroad.

A proposed fellowship must hold the promise of enriching public life in the United States by advancing the understanding of foreign countries, cultures and trends. Public service, social activism or contribution to wider knowledge in the United States is the ultimate purpose, from a belief the public benefits from the wisdom and experience fellows acquire. Fellows submit monthly dispatches about their research, travel and life during two years of cultural immersion.

ICWA provides full financial support for its fellows and their immediate accompanying families. Fellows do not receive salaries; the institute gives them sufficient funding to cover their expenses, enabling them to fulfill the purposes of the fellowship and allowing them and their families (if accompanying the fellowship) to live in good health and reasonable comfort.