Join the ranks of other Marywood students who have earned the status of Fulbright scholar! If you are a student who has a GPA of 3.2 or higher, has an interest in learning about people in other parts of the world, and welcomes opportunities for hands-on learning, you are encouraged to consider applying for the Fulbright program.
It’s never too soon to inquire about the Fulbright program. Your Marywood support team will guide you based on your status. Freshmen are encouraged to become familiar with the application itself, consider what programs/countries are of interest to them, and begin taking steps to best position themselves as a candidate. Sophomores will be given similar guidance, along with advice on how to effectively round out your qualifications. Juniors will receive hands-on support as well, working with members of the Fulbright Committee to review materials and prepare for interviews. The Marywood Fulbright Committee will be with you every step of the way.
What is the Fulbright U.S. Student Program?
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs. A candidate will submit a Statement of Grant Purpose defining activities to take place during one academic year in a participating country outside the U.S.
Fulbright Grants fund 8-12 months of international experience in 155 countries. While Fulbright Grants are offered in various forms and are country-specific, they fall into three broad categories (most countries offer more than one option):
- Research grants offer applicants the opportunity to design and define their own programs. Projects may include independent research, field work, or a combination of activities.
- English Teaching Assistantships (ETAs), which may or may not require knowledge of the host country language and include time for additional activities. Interest in engagement with the host country is particularly sought.
- Some countries support applicants to pursue a degree, complete university courses, or take classes in a music conservatory or art school.
The Fulbright Grant desires applications from candidates who seek to engage with the people of the country in which they seek to study or work. Candidates interested in the Fulbright should explore the extremely informative Fulbright website (http://us.fulbrightonline.org/) to learn more about Application Components, receive valuable tips on applying, determine which countries they might wish to consider, and decide which program within a country might be right for them.
Fulbright also has a number of special programs:
- Fulbright National Geographic Digital Storytelling (NGS)
- Fulbright mtvU (has its own application timetable)
- Fulbright-Clinton (for young professionals in public policy)
- Fulbright Fogarty (for young professionals in public health)
Some countries also have special opportunities in journalism and business.
The Critical Language Enhancement Awards are available for additional time to learn languages of interest to US national security.
What are the benefits of being a Fulbright Scholar?
Fulbrighters have the opportunity through their daily experiences to meet, work, live with, and learn from the people of the host country. The program facilitates cultural exchange through direct interaction in the classroom, field, home, and in everyday life, allowing Fulbrighters to gain an appreciation of other cultures and belief systems. Through engagement in the community, Fulbrighters interact with their hosts on a one-to-one basis in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity, and intellectual freedom, thereby promoting mutual understanding.
The Fulbright experience stays with participants for life, providing opportunities through networking, and adds rich experience to participants’ resumes.
As part of the award, Fulbright provides a number of benefits:
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant numbers are subject to the availability of federally appropriated funds. The United States Department of State reserves the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, numbers of awards, terms of agreement, and allowances.
Grant benefits for all Fulbright U.S. Student grants include:
- round-trip transportation to the host country
- funding to cover room, board, and incidental costs, based on the cost of living in the host country
- Accident & sickness health benefits
In some countries, grants may also include:
- book and research allowances*
- mid-term enrichment activities
- full or partial tuition
- language study programs
- pre-departure and in-country orientations.
*Grantees with projects that require extensive research support, in-country travel, study materials, or equipment should explore additional funding from other sources to supplement the Fulbright funding.