Fulbright-Hays Seminars

Abroad Program

International and Foreign Language Education

Office of Postsecondary Education

U.S. Department of Education
P R O G R A M P U R P O S E

The Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad (SA) program provides shortterm study abroad opportunities for groups of U.S. educators in the

arts, social sciences, and humanities for the purpose of improving

their understanding and knowledge of the peoples and cultures of

other countries. The program is open to educators and

administrators who have teaching, administrative, information

resource, or curriculum development responsibilities at their

respective schools and desire to enhance their expertise by

engaging in overseas study and exploration. All seminars focus on

the humanities, area studies, and foreign languages related to a

given country or countries. Participants engage in broad but indepth experiences, beginning with well-planned and informative

pre-departure orientations.

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A B O U T T H E P R O G R A M

W H O

K-12 educators, administrators,

librarians, museum educators, and

faculty/ administrators from institutions

of higher learning who work in the fields

of the arts, humanities, and social

sciences, including foreign languages,

are eligible to apply.

W H E R E

The host countries of the seminars and

the topics vary from year to year. For

2024, seminars will be hosted in Finland,

Thailand and Colombia.

W H E N

Seminars run for four weeks over the

summer.

H O W

Applications must be submitted online

through g5.gov. For more information,

please visit

https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpssap/

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F I S C A L Y E A R 2 0 2 4 S E M I N A R S

Open to elementary and middle school educators and administrators

Examines how education, nature and sustainable development, and functionality

contribute to Finland’s overall ‘happiness’

Participants will explore phenomenon-based learning at a nature school in a

national park, explore the history and culture of the sauna , experience the Baltic

Sea, and visit organizations involved in environmental protection

Demystifying the Infrastructure of Happiness in Finnish Society

Transformational Thailand: Toward a Sustainable and Inclusive Economy

and Society

Open to secondary school educators and administrators

Promotes an understanding of how government initiatives are driving innovation in

the private, public, and educational sectors

Participants will connect with with the next generation of leaders while exploring

different regions of Thailand, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Songkhla

Open to faculty and administrators from higher education institutions

Examines the work being done in this geographically diverse nation to provide for a

more sustainable future

Participants will travel to Bogotá, Leticia, Cali, Medellín, and Barranquilla to meet

with university leaders and to participate in knowledge exchange

Climate Change and Sustainability in Colombia

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Professional

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

At least three years of full-time K-12 or

postsecondary experience by the time of

seminar departure

Currently employed full-time through a K-12

school/U.S. accredited institution of higher

education, educational agency, library, or

museum

An educator in the arts, humanities, or social

sciences. Educators in the sciences, technology,

engineering, mathematics, and computer

sciences are welcome to apply if their proposed

curriculum projects integrate arts, humanities,

or social sciences content related to the

seminar

E L I G I B I L I T Y R E Q U I R E M E N T S

Other

Qualifications

U.S. citizen or permanent

resident

Psychologically and

physically fit to take part in

all activities

Able to adapt to other

cultures and experiences

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T E S T I M O N I A L S

J O H N G I V E N S

T A I W A N

The Fulbright-Hays Seminar Abroad trip not only broadened my horizons

academically but also emotionally. The warmth and hospitality of the

Taiwanese people left an indelible mark on my heart. Their genuine

interest in sharing their culture and learning from us reaffirmed the value

of international educational exchanges in fostering mutual understanding

and goodwill between nations. As an educator in international studies, I

am excited to share my newfound knowledge and experiences with my

students, colleagues, and peers. The first hand exposure to Taiwan's

democratic values and achievements in areas like gender equality and

LGBTQ+ rights will serve as a potent non-Western example for our students

to contemplate and learn from.

Beyond the academic and cultural aspects, the camaraderie formed

among the participants was exceptional. The vibrant exchanges of ideas

and perspectives from participants coming from diverse backgrounds

(particularly with so many faculty from HBCUs) further enriched the

learning process, fostering a network of scholars and educators from across

the US.

The Fulbright-Hays Seminar Abroad trip has undoubtedly been a lifechanging experience, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. I am

confident that the lessons learned, and the connections made during this

trip will continue to shape my perspective as an educator and researcher

in the field of international studies at Spelman College.

A M Y P E R K I N S

A R G R E N T I N A & B R A Z I L

In Brazil we met with teachers who serve marginalized communities from the remote

regions of the Amazon to the densely populated favelas of Rio de Janeiro. I was inspired by

each one of these educators. The challenges they face, be they political, social, economic, or

a mix of all three, seem insurmountable to an outside observer. And yet these educators keep

showing up for their students. Meeting with them and witnessing firsthand their

commitment to their students reinvigorated my own dedication to the profession and my

long-standing faith in the ability to inspire change through quality education. Our experience

in Latin America helped me see how the challenges I face in the classroom are not unique

and how a global community of educators can collaborate to empower students, safeguard

democracy, and inspire the next generation of global citizens.

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T E S T I M O N I A L S

A N G E L A A N T R I M

J O R D A N

The Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad program was fun, challenging, tiring,

exciting, interesting, AND so worth it! Not only did I learn so much, I made

friendships to last a lifetime with other Fulbrighters. It was exhilarating to

experience so much, but it was made more special experiencing it with a like

minded group who shares the same values. I would definitely encourage anyone

thinking about participating to go for it.

The Fulbright-Hays Seminar was the opportunity of a lifetime. We

gained firsthand experiences learning about each country's culture and

history by interacting with incredibly qualified and dedicated people.

We made contacts with public ministers, tour guides, school officials,

and most importantly, other teachers. With these contacts, I have been

able to pursue deeper investigations into the history, literature, and

culture, from people with rich knowledge of context and resources. In

addition, these contacts allowed me to set up cultural exchanges

between students from schools in both countries and my own students

to engage in online and virtual discussions about civics, history, and

literature.

Words cannot describe how inspiring it is to meet and share ideas with

so many amazing educators who sacrifice and dedicate their lives to

making real change against incredible adversity. From the FulbrightHays experience, I have been able to enrich my classes' readings,

histories, and methodologies to include more diverse and marginalized

voices, more subtle and intersectional contexts, and more activities

that connect to my students' families and communities. From the five

week program I gained years worth of professional development and a

lifetime of personal growth. 

E R I K S Z A B A D O S

A R G R E N T I N A &

B R A Z I L

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S E M I N A R S A B R O A D F A C T S A N D F I G U R E S

60 Seminars

since 2008 42 Countries since

2008

950 Seminars

participants

since 2008

Seminar locations by world region since 2008

5 Near East

8 Europe

13 Western

Hemisphere

5 Africa 4

Southeast Asia

and the Pacific

3

South

Asia

3 East Asia

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A P P L I C A T I O N C O M P O N E N T S

Competitive preference priorities

Applicants from any of the following

categories can receive extra points on

their application:

K-12 faculty at Title I schools

and faculty at minority-serving

institutions

Faculty members at

community colleges

New applicants

Curriculum Vitae

International/Intercultural Experience Essay

Applicants discuss previous intercultural or travel

experiences, including how those experiences

influenced their teaching, curriculum, or professional

development, and also prepared them to participate in

the program.

Demonstrated Need Essay

Applicants discuss the needs of their students, school,

and community, highlight gaps in curricula or

professional development, and discuss the potential

benefits of their participation in the seminar.

Project Plan and Implementation Essay

Applicants discuss their project plan, which will be the

outcome of attending the seminar. They outline the

curricula they will develop, as well as dissemination

activities they will implement in their classroom, school,

or community.

Each applicant must submit two letters of support in

their applications.

1.

2.

3.

4.

 5. Letters of Support

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F R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D

Q U E S T I O N S

How will applicants be selected?

Applicants will be selected based on their responses to the selection

criteria described in the application package. Preference may be given to

applicants who have not already received a Fulbright-Hays award.

Applications will be evaluated and scored by a technical review panel of

international education experts and former Seminars Abroad participants.

Final selection for the program is made by the J. William Fulbright Foreign

Scholarship Board, which takes into account the recommendations of the

U.S. Department of Education, availability of funds, and other program

requirements.

What expenses will the program pay for and what will

I be expected to provide?

The program will pay for airfare, room and board, and program-related

travel within the host country or countries. Participants should be prepared

to pay $750 for orientation costs, passport/visa fees, inoculations, and other

personal expenses.

What are my responsibilities as a Seminars Abroad

participant?

Participants must read, sign, and agree to the "Terms and Conditions of the Award"

contained in the application. They must complete and submit a curriculum project

90 days after their seminar ends. Participants are required to share their curriculum

projects and experiences with their students, colleagues, and communities upon

return to the United States.

Where will I stay during the seminar?

Accommodations will be provided by the administering agency (often the host

country's Fulbright Commission) at mid-range hotels for most of the seminar. In

some cases, university housing or 1-3 day home stays will be arranged. Participants

should be prepared to share a room throughout the seminar.

Can I participate in just part of the seminar, extend my stay,

or take independent side trips?

No. Seminars are short-term group trips in which participants must travel together

to and from the host country and fully engage in the planned itinerary of

educational, social, and cultural activities as a group.

For more frequently asked questions, visit

https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpssap/faq.html.

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C O N T A C T U S

Website: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpssap/

Email: seminarsabroad@ed.gov

International and

Foreign Language

Education (IFLE) Office

@GoGlobalEd

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