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Who Are Fulbrighters?
There is no one single profile of a typical Fulbrighter. In order for the Fulbright Program to be successful in its goal to promote mutual understanding, Fulbrighters must represent the richness and diversity of their home countries. Fulbrighters come from small villages to huge cities. They range from recent university graduates to established experts in their fields. They are students, researchers, and teachers at all types of public and private educational institutions including primary and secondary schools, community colleges, small liberal arts colleges, and large research universities. They are also visual and performing artists, journalists, and professionals. Fulbrighters come from a wide range of socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. Many are seasoned travelers, yet for some, the Fulbright grant will be their first experience abroad. The U.S. Department of State strives to ensure that the Fulbright Program represents diversity. To this end, the Department of State actively encourages participation by traditionally under-represented groups in the United States. These efforts include reaching out to community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, small liberal arts colleges, tribal colleges, and Hispanic-serving Institutions. Efforts are also made to promote diversity among Fulbright grantees from the approximately 150 other countries where the program is active. This endeavor begins with a commitment to open and merit-based competition, which gives all applicants an equal opportunity.
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