The 2011-2012 Fulbright competition opens on May 1, 2010.  I would like to ask your help in encouraging students interested in conducting research, studying, or teaching abroad to consider applying for a Fulbright.  I have included information below on the purpose of the program, eligibility, and the application and selection process. The deadline for apply for a 2010 Fulbright Scholarship is noon, Friday, Sept. 3rd.  Submissions should be brought to the Provost Office in MAI 201.

Purpose:The Fulbright program for U.S. Students is meant to foster international cooperation in education, research, and cultural exchange.  The program supports a student’s work abroad for one academic year (typically nine months). The program operates in more than 140 countries.  Scholarships are available to support research and training in nearly all disciplines, including sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, professional fields, and performing and creative arts.  There are also English Teaching Assistant (ETA) grants that allow students to work with English teachers in a number of different countries.  The program provides funds for travel to and from the host country, a stipend sufficient to cover living expenses, and administrative support.

Graduate students usually pursue independent research related to their dissertation topic, or, in the case of creative or performing artists, pursue training, performing, or engage in their studio practice.  Graduating seniors (undergraduates who will complete their degree prior to going abroad) may also conduct research, but are required to be enrolled in courses at an institute of higher education in the host country during the grant period.

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. They must have a completed a bachelor’s degree by the beginning of the grant period, or in the case of graduate students, they must not have completed a doctorate degree as of October 18, 2010.

Application and Selection:

These items to be submitted on line:
· completed application form
· three letters of reference (usually from faculty, though in some cases a letter from a non-faculty expert in the proposed field of study is acceptable).  Instructions on completing references found at: http://us.fulbrightonline.org/preparing_completingreferences.html
· language evaluation form (for most non-Anglophone countries).  Consists of a form completed by a college-level language instructor.  Specific instructions on completing language forms available at: http://us.fulbrightonline.org/preparing_completinglanguage.html

A digital cd copy as well as hard copies of the items listed below are to be submitted to the Provost Office (MAI 201) by noon, Friday, Sept. 3rd. Submissions should be addressed to the Fulbright Scholarship Committee:

· completed application form
· statement of purpose (two pages, typed, single spaced)*
· personal statement (one page, typed, single spaced)
· letter(s) of affiliation with an institution in the host country
· Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended by the applicant

*(Creative and performing artists also provide samples of their work)

In mid to late September, applicants are interviewed, given feedback on their proposal and personal statement, and assigned a mentor.  The applicants are allowed several days to make revisions. The revised applications, along with the Committee’s evaluations, are forwarded to the National Committee, which determines which applications are to be forwarded to the Host Country Committees for consideration.  The latter committees, consisting of scholars and representatives of the host country governments and the U.S. Department of State, make the final selections.  Successful applicants will be notified by June, 2011.

Fulbright IIE is an invaluable opportunity for our students, whether they are conducting research, getting teaching experience, developing their artistic skills, or receiving advanced training.  As a Fulbright-Hays scholar (1990-91, Brazil) I can attest that it is truly a life-changing experience.  The University of Texas at Austin has a long track record of success in Fulbright competition, placing it among the elite institutions on the country.  I ask for your help in urging your potential Fulbright grantees to look into applying.  Detailed information about the program can be found online at http://us.fulbrightonline.org/overview.htmlhttp://us.fulbrightonline.org/overview.html .   Applicants are welcome to contact me directly at lindsayhale@mail.utexas.edumailto:lindsayhale@mail.utexas.edu , or (512) 565-6222.  I will be happy to meet with students and assist them as they prepare their applications.

Thank you,

Lindsay Hale, Ph.D.
Chair, Campus Fulbright IIE Committee