Humphrey Fellows are assigned in geographically diverse groups of seven to fifteen to the most appropriate host institution based on area of interest and field. The university serves as the Fellows’ academic and professional base. The Humphrey Program is hosted by an academic unit based in the predominant field, but Fellows have access to a broad spectrum of resources throughout the university. Each university designates a Campus Coordinator, usually a member or the faculty or administration, to oversee the Humphrey Program at the university.

Since the inception of the Humphrey Fellowship Program in 1978, IIE has worked in partnership with nearly 40 universities in the United States. U.S. host universities are selected through a competitive bidding process. Selection is based on the institution’s ability to develop specialized non-degree programs for a diverse group of Fellows in one or more of the program’s professional fields.