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Fulbright Program History

In September 1945, the freshman senator from Arkansas, , introduced a bill in the U.S. Congress that called for the use of proceeds from the sales of surplus war property to fund the "promotion of international good will through the exchange of students in the fields of education, culture and science." One year later, President Harry S. Truman signed the Fulbright Act into law.

Today, Fulbright is the most widely recognized and prestigious international exchange program in the world, supported for more than half a century by the American people through an annual appropriation from the U.S. Congress and by the people of partner nations. The program-working with universities, schools, binational Fulbright commissions, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations and the private sector-actively seeks out individuals of achievement and potential who represent the full diversity of their respective societies and selects nominees through open, merit-based competitions

What is the Fulbright Program?

The Fulbright Program promotes educational exchanges, primarily for university faculty and students that involve lecturing, research and graduate study. Over 40,000 US faculty have taken up positions abroad for a semester or longer, and an equal number have come to the US. The mission of the program is to promote worldwide understanding. 

Types of Outbound Fulbright Programs

Scholar Program (includes Core and Distinguished Chairs): Each year, 800 scholars and professionals from U.S. universities go to more than 140 countries to lecture or conduct research.

Specialist Program: US academics receive short-term grants of two to six weeks to collaborate with overseas colleagues on curriculum and faculty development and other consulting needs. Deadline: Rolling

International Education Administrators (IEA) seminars: Two week cohort-based program for international educators to learn about the culture and educational system of a particular country and to network. 

Alumni Initiative Award: Provides grants to Fulbright alumni to develop projects which will increase linkages between their home and host institutions. Deadline: Mid-February

U.S. Student Fulbright Program: U.S. graduate students and graduating seniors provided grants to conduct research, study,  or teach English abroad in over 140 countries. Similar awards are offered to foreign graduate students to attend U.S. universities. Deadline: Ï㽶¸£ÀûÖ±²¥ internal deadline September 15

Foreign Area and Language Training Program: Fosters research and training endeavors focused on non-western languages and area studies through a number of programs. Administered by the Department of Education's Office of International Education and Graduate Programs See: