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Whether you dream of studying anthropology in Ghana or business in Germany, one scholarship can make it possible. Recent college graduates, graduate students and doctoral candidates with an interest in international travel and a passion for a field of study should take a look at the Fulbright Student Scholarship.

Supported by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute for International Education (IIE), the Fulbright Student Scholarship is the largest international exchange program for U.S. students. Awards are available in 45 disciplines although most countries also have grants that allow applicants to shape their own projects. Projects may include university coursework, field and library research, teaching English, or a combination of these areas.

The Fulbright began in 1946 from a proposal by Sen. J. William Fulbright to promote “mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries around the world.” Since its founding, more than 250,000 participants have received support to study in over 140 countries.

To be eligible for the Fulbright Student Scholarship:

• Students must be U.S. citizens and in good health.
• Applicants must be a graduating college senior, BS/BA degree holder, or a master’s or doctoral degree candidate.
• Some Fulbright positions also require proficiency in the language of the country where the proposed project will take place.
• Preference is given to students who have not resided or studied for longer than six months in the country to which they are applying.

Five different types of awards are available:

• Full Grant: Covers round-trip travel expenses, full funding for one academic year, and books and research allowances.
• Travel Grant: Pays for round-trip travel to study in Germany, Hungary and Italy.
• Business Grant: Funds projects in business, law and international relations in Germany, Mexico and Spain.
• English Teaching Assistantships: Sponsors English language teachers in select countries.
• Islamic Civilization Initiative Award: Awarded for study in countries with a significant Muslim population.

Typically, graduating college seniors and recent graduates supplement their independent work with regular university lectures. Graduate students usually work independently on theses and dissertations without close supervision. Projects may focus on most fields of study, although some countries limit eligible subjects. No matter what your field of study, you must be self motivated and have a strong interest in your project topic. “The Fulbright is among the more autonomous programs, in that it allows absolute freedom to pursue knowledge,” says Adam Ellick, a Fulbright Scholar who studied journalism in Indonesia.

Fulbright offers the opportunity to pursue academic interests outside the classroom. The extended time abroad allows a focus on a single projects and gives a perspective on a different culture. “I also gained the chance to understand my profession in another culture in which the climate differed tremendously,” Ellick says.

With more than 1,000 applicants each year, the Fulbright is a competitive award. If you are serious about winning, get started on your application early. “The application is demanding, and it’s highly selective, so don’t waste your time unless you are going to do it right,” Ellick says. For application advice, attend an IIE guidance session, which are held around the country. Talk with a local Fulbright program advisor and your academic advisor as you work on your proposal.

The application period opens in the spring and has a fall deadline. Often colleges will set their own Fulbright deadline prior to the IIE deadline, so check with your campus advisor. Start your application at least six weeks before your campus or IIE deadline to give yourself plenty of time to clarify the goals and objectives of your project.

When preparing your Fulbright proposal, consider:

• With whom do you propose to work?
• What is unique, new or exciting about your project?
• Where will you study or research? Why is it important to go abroad to carry out your project?
• Why do you want to do it?
• How will your project help further your academic or professional development?

The Fulbright program selects winners based on: academic/professional record, language preparation, feasibility of the proposed project, personal qualifications, and extent to which the project will further the Fulbright aim of promoting mutual understanding among nations.

Some countries receive more project proposals than others. The number of available positions for Fulbright scholars varies from country to country. Last year, for example, 182 students applied to undertake projects in Argentina where only 24 positions were open. In contrast, eight students applied for seven open positions in Bulgaria. If the country where you hope to study with your Fulbright is very competitive, consider selecting another country where your odds of being accepted are higher.

Fulbright scholars aren’t abroad on a paid vacation. You must be passionate about a field of study and motivated to work independently in a foreign environment to win a Fulbright.

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