Fulbright Student Information Guide

The United States Congress created the Fulbright Program in 1946, immediately after World War II, to foster mutual understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchange. The U.S. Student Program awards approximately 1,800 grants annually and currently operates in over 155 countries worldwide. Students also may choose to teach English in one of 70countries. These grants generally provide round-trip transportation; language or orientation courses, where appropriate; tuition, in some cases; book and research allowances; maintenance for the academic year, based on living costs in the host country; and supplemental health and accident insurance.

Applicants must be US citizens who hold a bachelor's degree by the beginning of the grant period (usually one year). Applicants must also have sufficient proficiency in the written and spoken language of the host country in order to carry out the proposed study.

Prior to the national competition, a UIC committee evaluates Fulbright applications. This evaluation will take place in October.

For more detailed information on eligibility, qualified countries, or to download an application, visit the Fulbright website at http://us.fulbrightonline.org/.

If you want to apply for the Fulbright Fellowship:

1. Download the application instructions and follow them accordingly
2. Go to the Fulbright website to set up an online application: https://apply.embark.com/student/fulbright/usa/24/
3. Decide what type of project/degree you would like to pursue abroad
4. For a full grant: begin researching potential host countries and institutions- do more than just get a name- develop a research plan, discuss options, develop a relationship and contact Beth Powers to schedule an appointment to talk about your options. Students in the Graduate College - please contact Marie Khan to schedule an appointment
5. For an English Teaching Assistantship: begin to research countries in which you would like to teach English, discover their requirements, and make an appointment with Amanda Harrison to discuss your options. Students in the Graduate College - please contact Marie Khan to schedule an appointment
6. Contact faculty members to write letters of recommendation for you
7. Begin drafting project proposals and personal statements; begin to meet with advisors to discuss drafts of each

Important Dates for Fulbright Applicants:

UIC Preferred Application Deadline: April 13, 2012
UIC Final Application Deadline: September 11, 2012
National Application Deadline: October 17, 2012

For more information contact:

The Office of Special Scholarship Programs
The University of Illinois at Chicago
2506 University Hall, (312) 355-2477