Fulbright U.S. Student Program

WHO  Fulbright scholarships are available to US citizens who are seniors, recent BA graduates, current graduate students or artists.

WHAT   Grants for opportunities abroad include:

• English Teaching Assistantships (ETA):  recipients assist in the teaching of English and a complementary project.
• Full Grants:  students may 1) conduct research, whether in an academic or institutional setting 2) pursue study with a complementary project. Recipients will need a host country affiliation with the institution or organization.

WHY  The Fulbright program provides an unparalleled opportunity to teach, study and conduct research in 150 countries worldwide in order to increase mutual understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchange.  Grants normally provide round-trip travel; book and research allowances; a living stipend; supplemental health and accident insurance; tuition if applicable; language or orientation courses if applicable.  

WHERE  More than 150 countries participate in the Fulbright program.  Read the site, beginning with the country specifics, as language requirements and project preferences vary.

WHEN  The Carnegie Mellon campus deadline is 18 September 2008.  We cannot nominate applicants who are unable to meet this deadline.  Students currently enrolled at Carnegie Mellon must apply through the Fellowships & Scholarships Office (alumni may apply through FSO or at large). We will upload the final online submission to the Fulbright Commission whose deadline is 20 October 2008.

HOW  The Carnegie Mellon campus process involves the following preliminary steps:

• read the website for programs, tips, resources and applicant newsletters.
• meet with CMU campus Fulbright Program Advisors Judy Zang jzang@cmu.edu and Anne Scott  ascott@andrew.cmu.edu to discuss your project ideas and application details.
• return the Fulbright Registration form to Judy Zang or Anne Scott
• create a research project statement following Fulbright proposal guidelines. Consult faculty, at least one with discipline-specific expertise and one with country-specific knowledge. Whether applying for an ETA or full grant, create a plan for culturally engaging with your host country.  
• develop a personal statement.  What in your personal and academic life has led you to your proposed plan of study in your proposed country?
• choose your host country carefully after reading the country specifics and preferred candidate profiles online.
• identify three faculty members for letters of  recommendation, including one who knows you and one who knows your research area.  All three should be able to address your project.  
• obtain letters of affiliation if required for your project.  Start your search now.
• test your language proficiency.  Upgrade your proficiency level as much as possible before your departure.