Overview
The U.S. Congress created the Fulbright Program in 1946, immediately after World War II, to foster mutual understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchanges. Senator J. William Fulbright, sponsor of the legislation, saw it as a step toward building an alternative to armed conflict. Today the Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering students and recent graduates international opportunities to study, conduct research and teach. Each year, approximately 1,600 Americans study or conduct research in over 140 nations with the support of the Fulbright.
Types of Grants
The U.S. Student Fulbright Program is designed to give recent college graduates, graduate students, and young professionals, opportunities for personal and career development and international experience. Most awards are for one academic year. There are two types of grants — Full Grants for Study and Research and Full Grants for English Teaching Assistantships.
Full Grants for Study & Research
These grants are provided for an individual to conduct or study in a host country of their choice for one academic year. Applicants for the Study & Research Grants plan their own programs. Projects may include university coursework, independent research, special projects in the creative or performing arts, or a combination thereof.
Full Grants for English Teaching Assistantships (ETAs)
ETAs are offered in many countries worldwide. Each ETA Program is designed by the host country. ETAs differ from Study & Research grants in that their primary purpose is to engage students in the classroom. ETAs may, however, propose small research projects or community engagement activities that complement their ETA award and fulfills the purpose of the Fulbright program.