UTSA Research recently hosted Athena Fulay, Senior Manager of Institutional Engagements for the Fulbright Scholar Program at the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES).
The Fulbright not only provides funding for students, but also for scholars, artists, teachers, and professionals to engage in graduate study, research, and teaching, from Kindergarten to the University level.
The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Fulbright Program awards approximately 8,000 grants annually. Roughly 1,600 U.S. students, 4,000 foreign students, 1,200 U.S. scholars, and 900 visiting scholars receive awards, in addition to several hundred teachers and professionals. Approximately 370,000 “Fulbrighters” have participated in the Program since its inception in 1946, including UTSA faculty.
One recent example is Dr. Lucila Ek from the Department of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies at the College of Education and Human Development. Dr. Ek received a two-year Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad grant of $87,3000. She will bring 20 teachers to study the linguistic, cultural and educational spaces of Oaxaca, Mexico, expanding their worldview by immersing them in a four-week practicum in Oaxacan public schools with local mentor teachers and staying with the local population. They will also collaborate with the Universidad Autonoma Benito Juarez de Oaxaca (UABJO).
There are opportunities in over 160 countries worldwide. Peruse the Fulbright Scholar Directory to see what’s available as each country has different criteria. During the application process, keep in mind the program would like researchers to choose countries in which they don’t have pre-established ties as the goal is to forge new collaborations with new partners.
Applications open February 1 of each year, and are due August 1 of the same year. Right now, up until August 1st, you may contact a Fulbright program officer or coordinator (assigned regionally) with any questions you may have up until the deadline.
>> Opportunities for U.S. Scholars and Opportunities for Visiting (Non-U.S.) Scholars: http://www.cies.org/applicants
>> Fulbright Scholar Directory: http://www.cies.org/fulbright-scholars
>> U.S. Scholar Programs: http://www.cies.org/us-scholar-programs
Please note all Fulbright applications should be routed through your Research Service Center. If you have any questions about the Fulbright, please contact the UTSA Research Office, your designated Research Service Center or CIES directly. We are here to help!
**
