The program

The Fulbright scholarship was introduced by Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas in 1946. This program aims at improving the understanding between the US and the other nations of the world by way of student exchange programs, thereby knowledge, skill and talent. It provides funds for undertaking study and research to professionals, students and scholars. It also supports university teachings and other elementary and secondary teaching programs in schools abroad. Fulbright program operates in 155 countries through out the world.

Funding

The source of funding for the Fulbright scholarship comes from the annual appropriation to the Department of State by the United States congress. Apart from this, participating nations and the host institutions also provide their contribution to the fund by way tution waiver, salary supplements, sharing cost and university housing. This program is administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State. It’s been over sixty years since its inception and around 7,000 grants are awarded every year.

Fulbrighters

The Fulbright program is an integral part of the US foreign relations. This exchange program helps in building relationship between nations. It helps in transforming a conflict into a cordial relationship. The beneficiaries of this program who are called the Fulbrighters are more than students or professionals or scholars. They are a step ahead in contributing towards knowledge, skill, talent and mutual understanding. The scholarship extends across a variety of disciplines providing an excellent base for a complete support and extensive coverage. Being a part of the community, these Fulbrighters create waves in their home countries thereby spreading the knowledge and message of an international union for healthy development.

Several binational commissions are set up in collaboration with several countries that operate the Fulbright program in respective countries. Every foreign student interested in the Fulbright Scholarship program should contact the Fulbright commission constituted in their respective countries.

Uniqueness

This program instills the thought to act globally. It operates in collaboration with the participating countries across the world by forming of bi national commissions. The program is about exchange of students and professionals thereby sharing the knowledge, skill and talent and also offering recognition and support for the professional and research work performed by students across nations.