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OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS |
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Common Questions
on Applying for Fulbright Previous Experience Abroad 1. If I have already spent time living and studying in my chosen host country Do you still recommend that students submit proposals? In my case, my project for my dissertation research would be very different from the work I was doing a few years ago. I would greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you! A: Depends on the country. However, in most cases time spent living and working in the host country would make you uncompetitive for that country's competition. I recommend that you contact the appropriate program manager for more guidance. 2. I studied abroad as an undergrad for five months in 1998. Does this disqualify me from receiving a grant in the same country? A. No. Nothing under six months is seen as a disadvantage. Also, any period of undergraduate study abroad to the host country is also not a disadvantage.
Project Proposals/Personal Statements/CV 1. I would like to propose a project involving research in more than one country, can I propose a multi-country grant. A: In many cases the answer is Yes, but you should pay close attention to where multi-country proposals are allowed. Also, each country that is part of a multi-country proposal must be within the same world region (i.e. Near East, Western Hemisphere, East Europe etc.) You cannot propose multi-country grants across regions. Multi-country proposals can include up to 3 countries within the same region. Unfortunately, absolutely NO multi-country proposals are allowed in Western Europe. There are other countries where multi-country projects are prohibited so please be sure that any countries that you include are open to such proposals. 2. The country that I wish to apply to is not listed. Can I still apply for this country? A: In most cases, the answer is NO. Many countries do not participate in the Fulbright program so it is not possible to accept an application for one of these countries. However, if you are a PhD candidate we may be able to consider your application to a non-listed countries in some rare instances. You are welcome to contact the Program Manager in charge of the appropriate region to enquire about the possibility of proposing a project to a non-listed country. Again, this is open to PhD candidates proposing advanced research only. 3. My project doesn't really offer anything in the way of promoting cultural understanding (ex. hard science projects). Am I still a competitive candidate?
Host Affiliation 1. What exactly should the letter of affiliation include? Is there anything required beyond a letter indicating support of our proposed project and willingness to work together? A: The letter may suggest ways that they will lend support to your project, why the project is important to the discipline or field, how and to what extent they know you, and/or anything else that is relevant to your specific proposal.
1. Is it possible to submit an electronic letter of reference? If so, how does one do this through the IIE system. A: No, this is not possible. Letters of reference can only be submitted in hard copy form.
A: He can write the letter in Arabic, but he must have the letter translated into English and include the translation with his original letter when he sends it to you.
Language 1. If I am a native English speaker and I am applying to an English Speaking country, do I need to submit the language form? I was a bit confused by your last issue where a similar question was asked. A: If you are applying to an English speaking country then you do not need to submit a language evaluation. However, if your project to this country requires knowledge of a foreign language (i.e., Latin, Welsh, etc.) then you should submit a language evaluation.
Others 1. I am a full-time, tenure-track faculty member at a University, but I have not yet completed my doctorate. I plan on applying to the Fulbright program in order to fund the research for my dissertation. Since I am enrolled as a graduate student, am I still eligible for the student Fulbright?
A: Since you do not yet have the PhD (and, presumably, don't yet have extensive teaching experience as a lecturer/professor), you would be eligible to apply for a US Student Fulbright grant.
2. I noticed on your site that all the appointees to the Fulbright committee were made by the current president. Does political affiliation have any impact on acceptance into the program?
A: Your political affiliation will have no bearing at all in terms of how your application is reviewed. In fact, we have no way of knowing what your political affiliation might be.
3. Do you recommend that an applicant contact the Fulbright commission in the host country? Also, in the "Future Plans" section, should one specifically allude to the applicability of the Fulbright grant to their future goals?
A: If a commission's contact information is provided in the US Student Fulbright program literature, then you should feel free to get in touch with them. However, the IIE program manager for your country should be your first point of contact for most questions. As for the "Future Plans" section, you should feel free to mention whatever your academic and/or professional aspirations are. (Ideally, your Fulbright grant should tie in with them in some way.)
4. Do you have any scholarships for permanent residents?
A: I'm afraid not. All applicants for US Student Fulbright grants must be US citizens at the time of application, or have their US citizenship by December 15, 2004 at the latest.
5. Is there a difference in the two questions on page 2 and 3, respectively, asking you to relate your fellowships, honors, publications, etc.?
A: There really is no difference between the two sections, except that they serve different purposes. The first section with the limitation of 10 lines is for your highlighted activities. As you have more room on Page 3, you can list more of these activities and honors here, and elaborate on them when necessary.
6. Question 15 asks about military service. Does this also apply to volunteer service in the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps?
A: NO, this does not apply to Peace Corps or AmeriCorps volunteers.
7. Can I receive a hard copy of the application forms through my mailing address so that i can complete and return to your office? if so tell me so that i supply you with my postal address. you can contact me at [e-mail ommitted].
A: All candidates are required to use the online application this year. The US Student Fulbright program therefore will NOT mail out hard copies of applications to anyone unless their Internet access is poor or non-existent.
8. Am I still competitive as a graduating senior or at-large candidate?
A; Although, some countries state a preference for graduate students graduating seniors and at-large candidates are welcome to apply and are usually very competitive. What these countries really want are candidates who are capable of working independently, regardless of academic level, who require little hand holding from the in-country supervising agency. If you fit this category then you are certainly encouraged to apply.
9. Can I apply as an At-Large candidate from the state where I presently reside (so long as the address is good through February 2006)? My drivers license is for the state of my permanent address. Thanks.
A: Yes. This would be fine.
10. If I am an at-large candidate, can I set up an interview with the IIE office near me? If not, am I at a disadvantage for not having done an interview?
A: While many enrolled applicants have campus interviews, at-large applicants are not expected to have them at the national level, and therefore won't be at a disadvantage for not having done so. (Please know that IIE staff do not conduct interviews with applicants.)
11. Is it possible to apply for two Fulbrights in one year? I would like to submit two applications, one in Europe and the other in Asia.
A: NO, you cannot submit two applications. You must choose one country and apply to only this country.
12. I have triple citizenship but the online application only has two input fields for the question regarding citizenships. To my understanding, it is necessary to list all my citizenships so how do you suggest I fit all of them in? A: You should list all three. Please try to fit two onto one line. You can also hand write the third in on the paper app that you will mail to IIE if need be.
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