FASPE (Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics) offers intensive, two-week fellowships in Germany and Poland for graduate students and early-career professionals in six fields: Business, Clergy & Religious Leaders, Design & Technology, Journalism, Law and Medical. The fellowships are fully funded, and all eligible candidates can apply regardless of citizenship or residency. The 2027 application is open until 3 January 2027, 11:59 PM ET. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the official FASPE pages, and every detail is set out below.
What FASPE Is
FASPE describes its fellowships as professional formation and ethical leadership for the future through experiential learning. FASPE is an intensive, two-week study program in professional ethics and ethical leadership. It is neither a Holocaust studies course nor a genocide prevention program: the curriculum is designed to challenge Fellows to critically examine constructs, current developments and issues that raise ethical concerns in their professions today.
π Type: fellowship (professional ethics and ethical leadership)
π Location: Berlin, Krakow and OΕwiΔcim (Germany and Poland)
β±οΈ Duration: two weeks
π₯ Fellows per program: 13 to 16 per year
π£οΈ Language: English (high fluency, written and spoken)
The Approach: Learning From Professionals Between 1933 and 1945
FASPE's distinctive approach is to examine the roles and behaviour of individual professionals in Germany and elsewhere between 1933 and 1945 as an initial framework for approaching ethical responsibility in the professions today. By examining the behaviour and motivations of the professionals who, by choice and action, enabled and enacted Nazi policies, FASPE establishes the importance and urgency of professionalism and ethical leadership today.
Fellowships begin with two weeks of intense study in Germany and Poland, taking advantage of the power of place, with daily seminars and dialogue at sites of historic importance, often specific to the profession. Through interdisciplinary sessions, Fellows learn how other professions approach ethical responsibility, and they discuss how emerging technologies may affect their professions in different ways. The curriculum was designed in partnership with leading historians, ethicists and practitioners. Each fellowship is led by FASPE professionals, two Faculty members (scholars and/or practitioners) and partners on the ground in Germany and Poland.
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2027 Program Dates
ποΈ Business, Law, Design & Technology: 28 May 2027 to 11 June 2027
ποΈ Medical, Clergy & Religious Leaders, Journalism: 18 June 2027 to 2 July 2027
There are two fellowship trips to Europe. The Business, Law and Design & Technology programs travel together on one trip, and the Medical, Clergy and Journalism programs travel together on the second. Fellows on each trip visit sites together, take part in interdisciplinary seminars and share meals and accommodation.
Six Programs, One Application
FASPE runs six programs, and each has its own eligibility guidelines. All use one online application system (Submittable) and the same deadline. Programs can be found in the following sections.
Business Program
FASPE Business Fellows examine the motivations and conduct of businesses and business executives in enabling and executing Nazi policies, then draw on these examples to understand their own role and responsibility as individuals with influence. Each year the program awards fellowships to 13 to 16 graduate business students and early-career business professionals, who spend two weeks in Berlin and Poland. The program was initially developed in consultation with faculty from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and the FH Wien University of Applied Sciences for Management & Communication in Vienna.
Eligibility: applicants must be actively pursuing a career in business and fit one of three categories:
π Enrolled in an MBA or related graduate program
πΌ Completed an MBA or related graduate degree and working as a business professional
π’ Completed an undergraduate degree and working as a business professional
FASPE seeks Business Fellows preparing for or in the early stages of their career, with total professional experience generally not exceeding 10 years, from any business sector, including non-profits, start-ups, consulting and finance.
Topics include:
π The complicity of German businesses and business executives in the design and execution of Nazi policies
π Legal compliance and corporate social responsibility versus ethical behaviour
π§ The meaning of ethics in business in the absence of a code of conduct
π‘ The ethics of technological and business innovations
βοΈ Navigating multiple loyalties to stockholders, customers, employees, vendors and communities
π Recognising multiple motivations and ensuring they align with personal and institutional morals
π οΈ Tactics to address ethical issues within larger corporate institutions
Law Program
FASPE Law Fellows examine the motivations and conduct of German lawyers and judges in designing, enabling and executing Nazi policies. The program awards fellowships to 13 to 16 law students and early-career lawyers each year, and was initially developed in consultation with faculty at Yale Law School.
Eligibility: applicants fit one of three categories:
π Enrolled in a JD (or equivalent) program as a 2L or 3L at the time of application
βοΈ Working in the legal profession (including a clerkship) at the time of application, with a JD received no earlier than May 2020
π For education systems where law school is not postgraduate: applicants should have completed the requisite legal education in the applicable jurisdiction and be working as a trainee or associate (no more senior than a 6th year associate)
Topics include:
π The complicity of German lawyers in the design and execution of Nazi racial laws and genocidal policies
βοΈ The difference between legal compliance and rules of ethics on the one hand, and ethical behaviour on the other
π The ethical challenges of ambition in professional development
ποΈ Ethics and government lawyering
π» Legal ethics in the context of technological innovations
π§ Navigating multiple loyalties to employers, clients, systems of justice and legal frameworks
π οΈ Tactics to address ethical issues within law firms and other institutions
Design & Technology Program
FASPE defines these professionals as those who "build things." D&T Fellows examine the motivations and conduct of technologists and designers in enabling and executing Nazi policies, to understand their responsibilities as designers of built environments. The program awards fellowships to 13 to 16 graduate students and early-career professionals in engineering, architecture, computer science, design and related fields.
Eligibility: applicants must be actively pursuing a career in architecture, design, computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, engineering or a related or adjacent field, and fit one of three categories:
π Enrolled in a graduate program in design, architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, computer science, artificial intelligence, statistics and applied math, electrical engineering or a related field
πΌ Completed an undergraduate degree and working in a related field
ποΈ Completed a graduate degree and working in a related field
FASPE seeks D&T Fellows preparing for or in the early stages of their career, with total professional experience generally not exceeding 10 years.
Topics include:
π The complicity of German and other technologists in the policies of National Socialism
π Whether design and technology professionals can be viewed as morally neutral, and whether they have a duty beyond competence and problem solving
π The ethical challenge of ambition in professional development
ποΈ Ethics in government, non-profit and for-profit computing
π» Legal ethics in the context of technological innovations
π οΈ Tactics to address ethical issues within tech companies, architecture firms, engineering environments and other institutions
Medical Program
FASPE Medical Fellows examine the motivations and conduct of German physicians in enabling and executing Nazi policies. The program awards fellowships to 13 to 16 medical students and residents each year, and was initially developed in consultation with faculty at the Yale School of Medicine.
Eligibility: applicants fit one of two categories:
π Enrolled in an MD or DO program (or equivalent) at the time of application, expecting to complete at least one clinical year before the fellowship starts
π©Ί Enrolled in a residency program
FASPE seeks Medical Fellows from careers in practising medicine, research and public health.
Topics include:
π The complicity of medical professionals in the design and execution of Nazi policies
π₯ The allocation of medical care in a time of limited resources
𧬠The role and limits of contemporary bioethics, including physician-assisted death and technological advancements
π¬ Research ethics, including research conducted outside the United States
π§ The legacy of prejudice in the medical profession
π§ Navigating multiple loyalties to individual patients, the larger patient population, the public good, research goals and medical institutions
π―οΈ End-of-life care, structured as an interdisciplinary discussion with Clergy Fellows
π οΈ Tactics for addressing ethical issues within medicine's institutions
Journalism Program
FASPE Journalism Fellows examine the motivations and conduct of German and international journalists in promoting or misreporting Nazi policies. The program awards fellowships to 13 to 16 journalism students and early-career journalists each year, and was initially developed in consultation with faculty at Columbia Journalism School.
Eligibility: applicants fit one of three categories:
π Some journalistic experience (in a college newsroom or otherwise) and enrolled in a graduate program of any kind, planning to work as a journalist
π° Completed an undergraduate degree and working as a journalist
π€ Completed a graduate degree and working as a journalist
Preference is given to candidates whose journalistic work has been published or aired by a recognised news organisation. FASPE seeks Journalism Fellows preparing for or in the early stages of their career, with total professional experience generally not exceeding 10 years, including reporters, editors, photojournalists and documentarians, in local, national or international contexts.
Topics include:
π The complicity of German and foreign journalists in Nazi policies through inadequate coverage or outright misrepresentation
π» The impact of technology on journalism
π³οΈ The role of journalists in electoral politics and in holding power accountable
π£ The nature and propriety of advocacy journalism
π Normalising aberrant behaviour through media coverage
π° Reporting in an era of fake news and accusations of "fake news"
π οΈ Balancing the costs and benefits of access tactics and addressing ethical issues within the journalism community or media outlets
Clergy & Religious Leaders Program
FASPE Clergy Fellows examine the motivations and conduct of German and international clergy in enabling and supporting Nazi policies. The program awards fellowships to 13 to 16 individuals pursuing, or recent graduates of, graduate-level religious training at divinity schools, seminaries, chaplaincy programs or related institutions. It was initially developed by a committee of professors, priests, rabbis and scholars and in consultation with faculty at Georgetown University and Yale University.
Eligibility: applicants must either be enrolled in graduate school preparing for work as a religious leader at the time of application, or be working as a religious leader with a relevant graduate degree received May 2020 or after. Students may study at a seminary, divinity school, rabbinical school, Muslim chaplaincy program or another graduate program related to religious or theological training. Applicants do not need to be ordained or planning to pursue ordination, smicha or formal recognition from their tradition. FASPE is a multifaith program, and applicants from all faith traditions are encouraged.
Topics include:
π The complicity of clergy in the execution of Nazi policies, including by failing to speak out
ποΈ The role of confession, apologies and reconciliation
π The right and responsibility of religious leaders to be ethical educators
π€² Pastoral leadership in a diverse community
β οΈ Religious faith, exclusivism and the temptations toward prejudice and intolerance
π£οΈ Interfaith work and dialogue
π§ Navigating multiple loyalties to institutional authorities, religious doctrine and policies, lay leaders and community needs
π―οΈ End-of-life decisions and discussions, structured as an interdisciplinary session with Medical Fellows
What "Fully Funded" Covers
FASPE is committed to covering all program costs and related travel so that financial ability does not affect participation. Costs covered include:
βοΈ Roundtrip economy-class airfare from the US to Europe
π All transportation costs for group travel and activities in Germany and Poland
ποΈ All admission fees
π All program materials
π¨ All hotel costs
π½οΈ All group meal costs
π΅ Pocket money to cover non-group meals
If you travel to Berlin from outside the United States, FASPE covers travel costs to Berlin from other points of origin and the return flight.
Accommodation, Walking and Daily Life
π¨ Hotels: Fellows stay at three-star hotels in Berlin, Krakow and OΕwiΔcim, sharing a room with one other Fellow; roommates rotate halfway through the program, and FASPE cannot provide single accommodation
π₯ Food: a vegetarian option is available at every meal, and FASPE does its best to accommodate vegan, allergy-related and religious dietary requirements
πΆ Walking: expect to walk at least one to two hours a day, with walking tours in Berlin and Krakow and two days walking through the Auschwitz Memorial Museum; longer distances, such as the House of the Wannsee Conference and travel between Krakow and OΕwiΔcim, are made by bus
π Travel: Fellows travel as a group from Berlin to Krakow halfway through the program
π₯ Health policy: FASPE requires all faculty members, Fellows and staff to be fully vaccinated
π Visas: visa arrangements must be made by the Fellows themselves; FASPE provides documentation to support visa applications but cannot arrange visas
What Is Required of Fellows
π Before the program: Fellows receive a packet of required readings (articles, original source documents and book excerpts) and recommended background books, all provided by FASPE, and must complete one or two short writing assignments, handed in on time as a prerequisite for joining
π― During the program: Fellows attend from start to finish and take part in all seminars, walking tours, site visits, group meals and group activities, plus some small-group projects
π After the program: Fellows complete a capstone project on a question of historical or contemporary ethics in their field, such as a final paper, news article, sermon, case study or blog post(s); several are selected for the annual FASPE Journal, and some Fellows have published theirs in academic journals or general media
π« Academic schedules: FASPE has consistently worked with schools to let Fellows adjust academic and exam schedules, including taking an exam during the program
π Credit: FASPE does not grant academic credit, but some institutions do; ask your school
The FASPE Alumni Network
Fellows join a lifetime network of alumni. FASPE curates continuing conversations and learning, including in-person gatherings, online education, writing, lecturing and symposia, and social and professional networking, hosts an annual reunion and regular regional events, and offers continued professional development. An Alumni Steering Committee helps initiate and coordinate activities.
Who FASPE Wants
FASPE seeks Fellows at a formative stage of their professional lives who are open-minded and self-reflective, show leadership capabilities and have the potential to influence their fields. Selection is based on academic background, personal and professional experiences, capacity for leadership and ability to contribute to the program and the alumni community. FASPE welcomes applicants of all religious, political and socioeconomic backgrounds and gender identities, and looks for people interested in discussing difficult and controversial issues responsibly and respectfully in small groups. There are no religious, racial, ideological, political, gender or socioeconomic preferences.
How to Apply
FASPE uses an online application system through Submittable, and all applications must be submitted through the FASPE Submittable portal. Read all instructions carefully first. The application has five components:
π Online form: basic information, including contact details, schools attended and the names and contact details of those writing letters of recommendation and serving as references
π Resume or CV: education and employment history, plus any honours, awards and publications
π Transcripts: from all institutions of higher education where you spent significant time (no need for a semester abroad or a single summer course); electronic transcripts or scans are fine, screenshots of online transcripts are not accepted, and unofficial transcripts are accepted
βοΈ Short essay questions: the questions vary by program, with the requested length shown next to each question; this is usually the most time-consuming part, so give yourself enough time
π Two letters of recommendation: from academic faculty or professional references, due 10 January 2027
If you are in the first year of a program and cannot submit a transcript because grades are not yet reported, submit a letter from your dean confirming your enrolment, that you are a student in good standing and, ideally, listing your current classes. A school admissions letter or a registrar letter that does not include your degree program is not acceptable.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters must come directly from the recommenders. For students, FASPE prefers academic faculty who have taught you in your current or most recent graduate program, but also accepts faculty from previous graduate or undergraduate education. Early-career professionals can use a supervisor or other employer. After you submit your application, an email is sent automatically to your recommenders with instructions to upload their letter through the portal, so tell them in advance. Recommenders are asked to cover:
π Academic work and/or work or other experiences that would enrich a program focused on contemporary professional ethics
π£οΈ How actively you take part in class discussions, and an assessment of your verbal and written expression
π₯ How you have reacted in emotionally and intellectually intense classroom exchanges or work experiences, especially when confronted with a diversity of world views and political orientations
𧳠Your ability to work and travel in small groups
π Your potential to be a leader in your field, compared with others who have followed similar paths
β Any other information they find relevant
When You Will Hear Back
FASPE aims to inform all Fellows of their acceptance by early-to-mid March.
Why Apply
For graduate students and early-career professionals who want to examine their own professional responsibility in a fully funded, small-group setting, FASPE offers two weeks across Berlin, Krakow and OΕwiΔcim with colleagues from other professions. This fellowship is not part of Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps. Find more programs like this in the Fellowships category on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to the FASPE 2027 Fellowships?
Graduate students and early-career professionals in Business, Clergy & Religious Leaders, Design & Technology, Journalism, Law or Medical fields who meet the guidelines for their program. Total professional experience generally should not exceed 10 years in Business, Journalism and Design & Technology.
Do I need to be American or live in the US to apply?
No. All eligible candidates are welcome to apply regardless of citizenship or residency.
Is FASPE only for Jewish applicants?
No. FASPE seeks future leaders and thoughtful thinkers, with no religious, racial, ideological, political, gender or socioeconomic preferences.
I am no longer in school. Can I still apply?
Yes. All FASPE programs also accept early-career professionals, and eligibility guidelines differ by program.
Is the fellowship really fully funded?
Yes. FASPE covers airfare, group transport, admission fees, program materials, hotels, group meals and pocket money for non-group meals, so that financial ability does not affect participation.
Which language do I need?
Programming is in English. You do not need German or Polish, but a high level of English fluency, written and spoken, is necessary.
When do I find out whether I was selected?
FASPE aims to inform Fellows by early-to-mid March.
Can I skip part of the program?
No. All Fellows are required to attend from start to finish.
What is the deadline?
The 2027 application is open through 3 January 2027, at 11:59 PM ET. Letters of recommendation are due 10 January 2027.
Deadline
β³ 03 January 2027
Links
π Application (Submittable): https://faspe2.submittable.com/submit
π How to apply: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/how-to-apply/
β FAQs: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/faqs/
π Fellowships overview: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/fellowships/
βοΈ Law: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/law/
πΌ Business: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/business/
π©Ί Medical: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/medical/
π° Journalism: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/journalism/
ποΈ Clergy & Religious Leaders: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/clergy/
π» Design & Technology: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/design-technology/
βοΈ Questions: applications@faspe-ethics.org
