The interview is your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to think on your feet, show your grasp of current events and the latest developments in your field, and impress the committee with your warm personality. Generally, the interview will be scheduled to take place within a week or two of notification, so it is important to begin preparing even before you know that you are a finalist. If you are invited to an interview, look into transportation and housing arrangements. This information is often in the application materials or in the letter inviting you to the interview. When making travel arrangements, allow yourself plenty of time.
Planes are delayed, trains run late and there are traffic jams.
If you will be crossing time zones, do what you can to avoid the problems of jet lag. Make sure that you have accurate directions to the interview site, or know who will pick you up from the airport or train station. Ask the fellowship sponsors for an itinerary of the interview day or weekend. Some fellowships have all the candidates attend a small social event before the interviews begin, or after they have all concluded. It is nice to know what to expect.