USAID’s contractor, World Learning, will be recruiting for Community Connections exchanges throughout Serbia. The goal of recruiting is to assemble a team of professionals active in a specific field who can work together across sectors to improve the work being done in that field, especially in their home country when they return. The recruitment process is done in the following way:

Promotion and Community Presentation: Community Connections staff provide specific information about the program and the application process both nationwide and regionally.
Consultations: During the application process, Community Connections staff are available to discuss the program with potential candidates, answer questions and provide advice on how to complete the application.

Application Review: Every received application will be reviewed by an impartial, independent committee of experts and professionals. Short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview.
Interviews and Selection: Short-listed candidates are interviewed
by a committee of U.S. and Serbian citizens designated by USAID and finalists are selected by USAID.

Orientations: Community Connections staff provides two orientations to prepare participants for travel to the United States and for their professional programs. Both orientations focus on concepts of community, setting goals, strategic planning and team-building. Orientations also address aspects of U.S. culture, coping with culture shock, and information about life in an American family and in the workplace.

Alumni Activities: Community Connections staff continues to work closely with program participants once they have returned to Serbia through a variety of alumni activities, including meetings, professional training sessions and small grants for alumni projects.

Ten participants will be chosen for each program in each field. While at least a minimal knowledge of English would be helpful, interpreters will be provided for the professional meetings in this program.

Ideal candidates should:
- Be interested in new ideas and knowledge
- Be flexible and motivated
- Be open minded and communicative
- Demonstrate a strong dedication and commitment to making a difference