The Fulbright Grant is awarded annually to more than 850 Americans to study or conduct research in more than 100 nations on a post-graduate level in a foreign university. The Fulbright Program was created by the U.S. Congress in 1946 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. The Grant provides round-trip transportation, tuition, books, and living expenses for one academic year in one foreign country. Travel grants are available in a few countries to supplement other awards.
Grantees plan their own programs.
Projects may include university course work, independent library or field research, classes in a musical conservatory or art school, special projects in the social or life sciences, or a combination of these. The candidate may apply for one country only. Considerable weight is given to this statement in the selection of candidates. A one-page curriculum vitae. Three letters of recommendation, at least two of which should be from professors in the applicant s major field.