Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Information Session:  Fulbright Week Feb 20-24, 2023

Campus Deadline: August 17, 2023

Fields of Study: Open

Begin Application: Junior or senior year, recent grad or graduate student (applications are started approx 15 months in advance of the grant period)

Funding for: Travel abroad to conduct independent research in academics or the arts, pursue study, or serve as an English teaching assistant

Program Website: us.fulbrightonline.org

Description

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides post-baccalaureate funding for 8-12 months for individuals to study, research, or teach abroad while promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Eligible applicants include undergraduates entering their senior year, alumni who earned a bachelor's or master's degree from Purdue as their most recent degree, and current Purdue graduate students who will not have completed a Ph.D prior to the beginning of their grant year.

There are two major types of Fulbright awards for U.S. students:

1) Study/Research grants, for conducting independent research or study in over 140 countries. Applicants develop an independent project proposal, which may include university coursework, independent library, lab, or field research, or special projects in the social sciences, life sciences, or visual and performing arts. Applicants must identify a contact in their host country and procure a letter stating that he or she will serve as the applicant's institutional affiliation during the student's stay.

In the majority of cases, students applying for study/research grants do so to fund a research experience. Students applying for study/research grants in the creative and performing arts must submit supplementary materials in addition to their application.

2) English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) grants are available in select countries and provide recipients with the opportunity to teach English as a second language to students from elementary school through the university level, depending on the country. ETAs serve as supplemental instructors in a classroom, generally providing conversation practice and teaching American culture for approximately 20 hours per week. Unlike research/study grants, for which an applicant must identify a specific location within the host country, ETAs simply apply to a country and those awarded grants are assigned a location based on need. Applicants cannot request specific assignments.

Fulbright Grantees receive non-competitive eligibility (NCE) for future employment. This is a special hiring authority granted by the U.S. government.

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. citizen
• Bachelor's degree but not a Ph.D. by the beginning date of the grant
• Language proficiency, in non-English-speaking countries, commensurate with the proposed project (varies by country and grant type)
• Four years training (for those applying for grants in the creative or performing arts)

Candidate Profile

General

• Strong academic record (GPA of at least a 3.0)
• Compelling rationale for study, research, or teaching in your chosen country
• Demonstrated ability and desire to foster mutual understanding and cultural exchange
• Explanation of how the Fulbright experience will support your future goals
• Demonstrated preparation, maturity, and adaptability
• Kowledge of your host country, including its language and culture

Relative to Study/Research Grants

• Feasible project proposal with clear purpose, methodology, and timeline
• Previous research experience and demonstrated preparation for proposed project
• Description of the significance and/or innovation of your research/study

Relative to ETAs

• Previous teaching/instruction experience (e.g., mentoring, tutoring, classroom teaching, or related experiences)
• Description of the pedagogical theory and/or practices you will bring to a classroom in your host country
• Well-developed, specific ideas for engaging second-language learners

Application Components

• Online application
• Statement of Grant Purpose essay (1-2 pages)
• Personal Statement (1 page)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Certified transcript (or transcripts)
• Letter of affiliation (for study/research grant applicants) from an appropriate contact in your host country (e.g., professor, lab or archive director, etc.)
• Foreign language assessment (when specified on your host country's profile page)
• Supplementary materials (for research/study grant applicants in the creative and performing arts)

Helpful Resources

• Country summaries
• Types of Fulbright grants

Application Procedure

All applicants currently enrolled at a university MUST be reviewed and certified by their college or university. As such, Purdue applicants are reviewed by an internal committee who provides support and helpful feedback. Recent alums may apply at-large, but we recommend applying through our process to receive the most guidance as well as to allow participation in the committee review process.

Detailed campus application information is provided directly to applicants once they declare their intention to apply.