The Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program was established in 1984 to promote closer US-German ties. It is fully funded by the Robert Bosch Foundation (German: Robert Bosch Stiftung), one of the largest foundations in Germany.
Each year 15 young professionals from the United States are accepted through a competitive application process to take part in the program for a period of 9–12 months. The primary components of the Bosch Fellowship include high-level work placements at private, governmental, and non-governmental institutions in Germany, as well as intensive seminars on contemporary German issues. During seminars, Bosch Fellows meet with key decision-makers from the public and private sectors throughout Germany and Europe. Participants in the Bosch Fellowship are recruited from business administration, journalism, law, public policy, and closely related fields. No German language skills are required at the time of application, and intensive German language study is offered before the start of the fellowship. The fellowship period generally begins in September and ends in May of the following year.
The Bosch Fellowship offers the following benefits to participants:
Through this fellowship program, the Robert Bosch Stiftung aims to contribute to the growth of German-American relations. The goal of the fellowship is to develop a corps of future U.S. leaders and foster greater transatlantic understanding.
Cultural Vistas acts as the U.S. representative and has administered this professional fellowship in Germany since its inception in 1984.[citation needed]