Frequently Asked Questions About the ARIN Fellowship Program

What application platform is used?

We use SurveyMonkey Apply for the application process. You will create an account, answer the application questions, and, if selected, will use that portal to complete a pre-Fellowship survey and questionnaire and a post-Fellowship survey and summary. 

Do I need to live in the ARIN region to apply?

Yes, you need to reside in the ARIN region.

Can I reapply if I was a Virtual Fellow?

Past ARIN Fellows may apply to be considered to receive one additional ARIN Fellowship.

Do I need to turn my camera on during the virtual sessions?

Virtual participation means being available on video and audio with functioning equipment accordingly. Fellows who are completely engaged and available during the sessions will get the most out of the experience.

Who decides who my Mentor will be?

ARIN staff evaluate the selected Fellows with the Advisory Council or community members who have volunteered to be Mentors, trying to make the best fit according to interests noted in the application.

What is the mentorship aspect like?

Mentors serve to provide advice, share their experience, and answer questions to help facilitate Fellows’ transition into the ARIN community. During the virtual sessions, each mentor and their Fellows will have breakout room discussions to examine ARIN’s processes and operations and learn how to prepare for the upcoming Public Policy and Members Meeting. There will also be a one-on-one call scheduled between Mentors and Fellows during the course of the program for additional dialogue.

Are the Zoom sessions recorded?

Yes, the sessions are recorded for internal use and available for selected Fellows viewing if desired.

Is there homework assigned during the program?

Fellows will receive the agenda in advance with links to review to prepare, and slide decks will be available during each session for further review. Aside from preparing for each session, there is no additional homework assigned during the Fellowship. However, Fellows should anticipate spending a few extra hours outside of the sessions reading materials and preparing for group discussions.

Fellows are required to complete two post-Meeting assignments within 10 days of completion — a survey and brief written summary of their program experience. Fellows who do not complete the program evaluation will be ineligible to reapply for a future Fellowship.

Will this program be beneficial for my career?

Absolutely! The ARIN Fellowship Program is ripe with opportunities to learn about Internet number resource policies and meet active members of the ARIN community. Many Fellows have made lasting friendships and networking connections with other participants and Mentors or pursued volunteer leadership roles within the organization.

What are the attendance requirements for Fellows?

ARIN Fellows are expected to attend every session. The ARIN Fellowship Selection Committee may award both in-person and virtual Fellowships at their discretion, but all Fellows will participate in virtual sessions in the weeks leading up to the meeting. Regardless of whether in-person or virtual, Fellows will be provided a schedule based on their participation method and are expected to attend all the events identified as mandatory. Failure to do so may result in a Fellow being ineligible to reapply for a future Fellowship, and in-person Fellows will not have ARIN pay for travel and accommodations to the Public Policy and Members Meeting.

Does ARIN pay for travel expenses for Fellows?

Air travel will be booked and paid for by ARIN. Fellows must adhere to ARIN’s deadline for schedule confirmation and complete ARIN’s Fit for Travel Policy document. All travel will be economy class. Please see Terms & Conditions (#5) for more information.

Fellows opting to participate in an ARIN Public Policy and Members Meeting in person will have the following travel allowance guidelines to offset reasonable individual expenses such as meals not covered by ARIN, reasonable ground transportation, baggage fees, and other related expenses. Stipends will be issued by check or wired in U.S. dollars in advance to each Fellow in the amount of US$350.00. Please see the Terms & Conditions (#7) for more information.

Will ARIN pay for hotel accommodations for Fellows?

Hotel accommodations will be arranged by ARIN in the Public Policy and Members Meeting venue hotel. The cost of a standard room and applicable taxes will be paid by ARIN. Fellows are responsible for any incidental room charges (including telephone calls, room service, Internet connectivity, etc.). Please see the Terms & Conditions (#5) for more information.

What happens if I’m accepted for the Fellowship Program but cannot obtain a travel visa in time for the meeting?

Fellows are solely responsible for acquiring the necessary documents (passport, visa, etc.) for international travel related to a Public Policy and Members Meeting. In the event that a Fellow is unable to obtain such documents in time for ARIN to book their travel, Fellows may choose to participate in the meeting virtually or request that their application be deferred and reconsidered for a future meeting.