Last Updated 06/28/24
Building on the success of the China Intern-Pilot Program in 2004, the NAIC developed a formal International Internship Program in 2005 to advance working relations with foreign markets, emphasizing the exchange of regulatory techniques and technology. The program was formally renamed the International Fellows Program in 2010 and is conducted twice a year — spring and fall.
The NAIC International Fellows Program is offered in two formats, virtually every Spring and in person every Fall. Prior to the global pandemic, the program was held in person during both sessions; however, operating the program virtually during the pandemic was successful and demonstrated a number of benefits. The Spring session provides the opportunity to international regulators that may not have the financial backing of their respective jurisdictions to attend the full program in person and allows for the accommodation of state legislative activities. The Fall session continues the hands-on engagement that is a hallmark for the program, during a time when more States have better capacity to serve as hosts. This hybrid model allows for the NAIC to reach a wider group of international regulators, while maintaining the focused and detailed outreach and in-depth experience that the program is highly regarded for globally.
Since its inception, the International Fellows Program has hosted over 300 participants in person and another 400 virtually from over 50 countries. Forty-three U.S. jurisdictions have hosted fellows. In addition, since 2006, nine secondees from Korea have been hosted by either California or Hawaii. Forty-three U.S. jurisdictions have hosted these non-U.S. regulators, including: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. We look forward to additional jurisdictions joining this growing list.
More information and sample program timelines: NAIC International Fellows Program Handout
Additional Resources
Applications Now Open: Fall 2024 In-Person International Fellows Program, September 30 - November 12
The NAIC invites international insurance regulatory bodies to nominate exceptional individuals in your agency for the upcoming Fall 2024 In-Person International Fellows Program. The virtual program consists of over twenty pre-recorded lectures led by NAIC technical experts. Note that candidates must be well-qualified professionals, possess English proficiency, and agree to return to their home agencies to work for at least three years following their fellowship. The NAIC and host state regulators will provide training materials. All other costs (airfare, lodging, meals, etc.) are the responsibility of the fellow's home agency and/or the fellow.
The program includes:
- Training at the NAIC Central Office in Kansas City, Missouri, to learn how insurance regulation works in the U.S. and how the NAIC supports state-based regulation.
- Working for five weeks at a state insurance department to see firsthand how states approach financial regulation, market conduct, licensing, and many other aspects of insurance regulation.
- Spending two days at the NAIC's Capital Markets & Investment Analysis Office in New York City to learn how the NAIC keeps state regulators informed regarding investment risks and market trends.
- NOTE: Before applying, applicants MUST receive their supervisor's approval.
Key Dates
- July 26: Fall 2024 NAIC International Fellows Program Application Deadline
- Sept. 28: Fellows arrive in Kansas City, Missouri
- Sept. 30–Oct. 4: NAIC Central Office, Kansas City, Missouri
- Oct. 5: Fellows travel to host states
- Oct. 7–Nov. 8: Host State Insurance Department Training
- Nov. 9: Fellows travel to New York City
- Nov. 11–12: NAIC Capital Markets & Investment Analysis Office, New York City, NY
- Nov. 13: Fellows return home
Candidates fully intending to participate in the Fall 2024 program can email Nikhail Nigam at nnigam@naic.org to obtain the application. All applications must be returned by Friday, July 26, 2024.
Contacts
Media queries should be directed to the NAIC Communications Division at 816-783-8909 or news@naic.org.
Nikhail Nigam
International Relations Policy Advisor
nnigam@naic.org