How Does the Fulbright Program Work?
Fulbright is not a single entity, but rather a partnership of government agencies, private organizations, academic institutions, grantees, alumni and volunteers throughout the world. Funding The U.S. Congress, through an annual appropriation to the Department of State, has provided the authority and resources that have allowed the Fulbright Program to flourish. In 2006, the U.S. Government appropriation was $184.6 million. Foreign governments contributed an additional $50.4 million each year in direct and in-kind support, typically through binational Fulbright Commissions, which also help to administer the program in countries where they are present. Universities, foundations, and corporations in the U.S. and abroad contribute to the program through direct funding and indirect support such as salary supplements, tuition waivers and provision of university housing. Program Sponsorship and Management Overall supervision is entrusted to the twelve-member J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FSB), a body of distinguished private citizens appointed by the President of the United States. The Board is responsible for ensuring that the program remains independent, impartial, and worthy of the respect and cooperation of prominent institutions of learning, the arts and public affairs throughout the world. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State serves as the administrative and executive arm of the program. U.S. Embassies serve as a resource for applicants in countries without Fulbright Commissions. ECA is assisted by several private U.S. organizations in the implementation of the Fulbright Program in the U.S. and abroad, including the Institute of International Education (IIE), which conducts the U.S. student program and oversees most foreign Fulbright students in the U.S., and the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES), an affiliate of IIE, which administers the exchanges of scholars and professionals. America Middle East Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST) administers exchanges of foreign students from the Middle East and North Africa. LASPAU: Academic and Professional Programs for the Americas, a nonprofit organization affiliated with Harvard University, works with Fulbright exchanges with Latin America. The Academy for Educational Development (AED) provides administrative services to the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program. | | Preparation and Support | | | Many resources are available, both before you apply and during your Fulbright grant. | | | Learn More |
| | Program Policies | | | The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board sets the policies of the Fulbright Program. | | | Learn More |
| | The Fulbright Process | | | Coming soon. | | | |
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