FASPE Fellowship / Ethics Program — How to Apply & What to Know

FASPE (Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics) offers unique ethics education programs for early- to mid-career professionals in fields such as journalism, law, business, medicine, and seminary. Participants explore the moral choices professionals made in Nazi Germany to illuminate ethical challenges in modern professional life. The program combines seminars, site visits, and reflection.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility depends on the specific professional track (Law, Medicine, Journalism, Business & Finance, Seminary). In general:

• Must be an early- to mid-career professional in one of the disciplines above
• Demonstrated interest in ethics, professional responsibility, social justice
• For disciplines like journalism, business, medicine, etc., relevant work or academic experience helps
• Strong academic record, references, and writing skills

For full eligibility details, consult the FASPE site especially under the track relevant to your profession.

What Materials Are Required?

When applying to FASPE, you’ll typically need:

1. Application form: Basic personal info, education, professional background
2. Statement of purpose / essay: Why you want to join FASPE, how it fits your career, and what you hope to gain
3. Writing sample: An essay or professional work showing your analytical and ethical reasoning
4. Resume / CV — including education, work experience, relevant memberships
5. Letters of recommendation / references — often from academic mentors or supervisors who can speak to your professionalism and ethical commitment
6. Transcripts / academic records
7. Possibly interview or additional screening in later stages

Each track might have slight variations, so be sure to check the “How to Apply” page for your discipline.

Application Timeline & Deadlines

• FASPE publishes calls for application annually (usually in the preceding months)
• Deadlines often fall several months before the fellowship program starts
• Applicants should prepare well in advance to get their essays, references, and writing samples ready
• After submission, FASPE reviews applications and invites finalists for interviews

Check the FASPE “How to Apply” page regularly for updated dates.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Be authentic and reflective: Show real ethical dilemmas you have grappled with or observed
• Connect past experience to future goals: How will FASPE help you in your professional journey?
• Choose references wisely: Select people who have seen your integrity, ethical awareness, and growth potential
• Polish your writing sample: It should demonstrate clarity, nuanced thinking, and intellectual maturity
• Plan early: Give yourself time to revise, gather feedback, and ensure all components (recommendations, transcripts) are timely

Why FASPE Matters

• It gives you an ethical lens on your profession through a comparative historical framework
• Exposure to intense, reflective seminars and site visits adds depth to your understanding of professional ethics
• Connecting with peers in different fields strengthens your network and cross-disciplinary insight
• The experience can strengthen your credibility and leadership in ethics in your profession