Fulbright Tips

Source: David Adams, campus visit 4/08/2008

Fulbright Workshop Powerpoint Presentation

Faculty Applications:

Generally must have three years post Ph.D. teaching experience; some programs require five years

Can only apply for awards listed in the online program or printed catalog; programs not listed do not exist or have been suspended.

Submit a CV no more than six pages long

Not all regions require or want a letter of invitation; however, if you have one, or are in the process of getting one, do submit that information

Letters of invitation should come from as high an administrator as possible because the letters promise university support in the form of research/lab access; teaching assistants; office space and technology, etc.

Write the proposal for an educated but general audience. The proposal must be clear and interesting to scholars outside your field.

Include in your letters of recommendation one from your immediate supervisor and at least one from someone off campus. Letters from politicians are generally not appreciated unless you actually worked with that politician.

Work to make all the pieces of your application connect: abbreviated CV; proposal; bibliography; letters.

In your proposal explain why you want to go to this particular place. Show evidence that you will benefit, personally or professionally, from being in this specific location. Show evidence that you are capable of adapting to another culture, have flexibility, and are equipped to live abroad in whatever physical and economic circumstances you expect to find in your country of choice.

Shape the tone of your application to reflect your achievements without arrogance.

Be sure to explain why and how you are particularly well suited to do the work you propose.

For a research proposal include:

• Why the research is needed
• Why the research is enhanced by being in country
• What the research will produce (article, book, etc.)
• How the research will be received in the host country

For a lecture/teaching proposal include:

• Specifics concerning how you will adapt your teaching methodology and style to fit the culture you are visiting
• What you will learn while you are teaching in this particular location
• What your course and expertise offer the culture you are visiting

Collaborative projects are more compelling

Match your proposal to the particular award for which you are applying. For example, if you are applying to a program that is 80% teaching and 20% research, make your proposal show that you will divide your work in that manner.

How Proposals are Reviewed:

1. Eligibility Review
2. Arts and hard science proposals are assigned to specialists in the appropriate academic discipline; other proposals are assigned to a general peer review committee
3. Peer Review Committee is composed of 5 scholars in varying disciplines. They will recommend select proposals to the host country between October and December.
4. From November to January applicants are notified as to whether or not their proposals were recommended to the host countries.
5. Host countries make decisions and announcements of those decisions between February and May.

Awards:

Fulbright Scholar Award Catalog

Award amounts and types vary greatly. They are usually set by the host country. Do examine the awards package before you apply to make sure you can afford to accept this award.

Notify your Chair and Dean of your intent to apply and discuss options for release time from teaching and committee duties.

You can view additional information about the Fulbright program at:
http://fda.fsu.acsitefactory.com/sites/g/files/upcbnu636/files/10_things.pdf