The Fulbright Study/Research Grant is the most typical student opportunity. Candidates design a research proposal for a specific country. The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program places grantees in schools overseas to supplement local English instruction and share their expertise as native speakers. The J. William Fulbright-Hillary Rodham Clinton Fellowship selects fellows to serve in professional public-policy related roles in foreign government ministries or institutions. Grantees also undertake an academic research project. The Fulbright mtvU Awards are granted for research into an aspect of international musical culture, focusing especially upon contemporary or popular music as a form of cultural expression. The Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship guides grantees in using new media platforms to build ties across cultures and enhance mutual understanding. Grantees work with National Geographic Society mentors. Fulbright Business Grants are available for study in Finland, Mexico, and Spain. Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships are intended to promote the expansion of research in public health and clinical research in resource-limited environments. Fulbright Graduate Degree Grants are available for study in specific fields in Australia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Fulbright Journalism and Communication Grants are available for study in Germany, Ireland, Spain, and Taiwan. Fulbright Grants in Science and Public Health are available for study in countries including Canada, Indonesia, and the Netherlands. [5] X Research source
U. S. Scholars can apply to Core Fulbright U. S. Scholar Programs, the NEXUS Regional Scholar Program, Distinguished Chair Awards, Specialist Programs, the International Education Administrators Program, the Fulbright-Fogarty Postdoctoral Awards Program, the Fulbright Arctic Initiative, Postdoctoral Scholar Awards, and the Global Flex Award. International scholars seeking to visit the U. S. can apply for the NEXUS Regional Scholar Program, the Core Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, the Outreach Lecturing Fund, Visiting Scholar Enrichment Programs, and the Fulbright Arctic Initiative. The stable of Fulbright programs also includes a collection of programs geared toward institutions rather than individuals. These include the Outreach Lecturing Fund, the Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program, and Junior Faculty Development Programs for Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, and Tunisia. [6] X Research source
Which region(s) of the world do you find especially engaging or inspiring? What moves you? How do your educational background and research interests intersect with the previous two questions? Picture yourself in-country. What would you like to be spending your time doing? Careful consideration of this question will help you determine what type of fellowship is right for you.
If you are a student, take challenging classes in the field you intend to pursue. If you are a professional, maintain active involvement in your field of research interest. If you anticipate applying as a teaching fellow, ensure your record demonstrates your enthusiasm for cross-cultural education.
The Fulbright Study/Research Grants that form the core of the U. S. Student Program require you to find an in-country mentor with whom you’ll work. This can be a lengthy process, so plan to start your search as soon as you’ve determined your geographic area and your general research topic.
Biographical data and a project title. A Statement of Purpose outlining the who, what, when, where, why, and how of your grant proposal. Familiarize yourself with your chosen country’s program summary to ensure your proposal is relevant. Length requirements for this statement are quite specific: two pages, single-spaced, in Times New Roman font, with one-inch margins. You can access samples of winning statements from Brown University. [12] X Research source An affiliation letter from the institution or individual in the host country with whom you plan to work. This letter should be written in (or translated to) English, on official letterhead, and signed by the author. Emailed correspondence is not acceptable. A Personal Statement introducing yourself to the selection committee and explaining how your background has led you to this point in your academic journey. Again, length requirements are specific: one page, single-spaced, in Times New Roman font, with one-inch margins. Foreign language forms – if a language is among the requirements for an application to your chosen country. If needed, you’ll submit a Language Self Evaluation and a Foreign Language Evaluation Form. The latter is completed by a professional language instructor. Three reference letters. These letters should be professional rather than simply character references. Provide your referees with a copy of your Statement of Purpose so they are prepared to speak to your fitness to undertake this specific project. If not originally composed in English, a translation must be provided. Reference letters are uploaded directly by the referees so they remain confidential. This means you will not personally be able to provide any needed translations. Transcripts from all institutions of higher education that you have attended. [13] X Research source
The thesis paragraph. This paragraph explains where and what you wish to study, along with your methodology (how) and your objectives (why). Think of this as a “preview” for your larger project: what do readers need to know to get a clear, general sense of your goal? Background and contextual information. This is similar to a literature review in a research essay, but much shorter. You need to give the sense that you know how your project fits into the larger field in which you wish to study. You should also present a compelling case for why your project is important and deserves study – consider it the answer to the “So what?” question. Methodology. This provides the specific nitty-gritty on how you will conduct your project. What will you do? How will you measure it? What is your timeline? How will you know whether you have succeeded in your aims? What will you take away from this project, and why will it be valuable? Even if you are applying as a creative student or scholar, you should have a clear idea of the “takeaway. " Defense. This is where you can address potential trouble sources or questions your reviewers might have. What issues might arise during your study? Will you be able to access the resources you need? What will you do if you run into problems? How flexible is your approach? This is where you target your weak spots and provide a sense of how you will address them.
Use concrete examples rather than generalities. Do not say “I enjoy interacting with people from other cultures. " Instead, say “I actively seek out cultural experiences different from my own, such as going to Diwali celebrations with my friend Kavya and learning how to make authentic Chinese dumplings from my friend Shao. " If you have study abroad or travel experience, talk about it. However, be wary of discussing high school mission trips, which have an unfortunate reputation as “charity tourism” among many reviewers. Do not focus on religious experiences or themes. While these may or may not be important to you, the Fulbright Commission is a government agency and thus cannot use religious information in their decision-making process. Illustrate leadership experience. Emphasize qualities and experiences that show you are self-motivated, flexible, and capable of leadership. Explain how this experience will prepare you for graduate school and your future career.
Avoid overly complicated sentence structures. Use the free Hemingway app if you know you have a tendency toward verbosity. Be declarative and assertive. Do not say things like “I will attempt to examine. . . " or “I hope to find. . . . " Instead, say “I will study. . . " or “I expect to find. . . " Avoid the cliche. Don’t use statements such as “I have known since I was 6 that I wanted to be a scientist. " Many applicants will use such statements, and they will not distinguish you. If you have the space, use a meaningful example or anecdote to explain your passion instead.
If you are a student, attend any fellowship-writing workshops your college might offer. Paying a visit to your college scholarship office is also a good idea. Don’t be shy about asking for help. Consult colleagues, professors, and friends for editing feedback and guidance on refining your project proposal. Outside readers are especially helpful in letting you know whether you have clearly explained your project and its aims. Many universities post examples of successful Fulbright fellowship essays for student reference. Perform a quick Web search and spend some time reading essays written by successful candidates. Pay special attention to projects or geographic regions that are relevant to your own project proposal.
