Writing a Winning Fulbright Application

The Fulbright U.S. Scholars Program offers over 800 awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research, and carry out their professional projects overseas. So how can you snag one of these coveted awards? Below is advice from Fulbright alumni and the Director of Faculty Recognition, Maria Almanza, aimed at helping you submit the strongest application possible.  

With over 800 openings each year, it is important to start the process of identifying an award early with the help of the Fulbright awards catalog. The catalog can help you find what countries and institutions are the best fit for you and your research. For instance, often award calls in the catalog will note preferred disciplines, preferences for placement, as well as needed courses, activities, etc. In addition, consider searching the Fulbright scholar directory to see who else has been placed in a given country. Are there scholars in your discipline and, if so, who were their hosts? While this can provide insights into possible locations/institutions, these folks can likewise serve as a useful point of contact.

The most important contact of all, are those at the host university. Many Fulbright alumni stress the need to make connections and reach out early to the host institutions for a number of reasons: 1) to gauge the interest of the host in your project 2) to develop champions for your application 3) and many awards require a letter of invitation. Two-time Fulbright recipient, Dr. Erik Seeman notes that, “Anything you can do to get a strong letter of invitation, including building connections at the host institution, will improve your chances of success.” SUNY Distinguished Professor and Fulbright recipient, James Gardner shared, “In my case, it helped tremendously to have a contact at the host university.  Before applying, I contacted a colleague there who was in charge of selection for the position and inquired whether I would be a competitive candidate.  I got an enthusiastic reply, and indeed I had the impression throughout that the host university would recommend to Fulbright Canada that I be awarded the grant.” Similarly, Associate Professor of Finance Dr. Sahn Wook Huh suggests that all applications, “contact a faculty member(s) at the potential host institution/university in advance to check the feasibility before applying for the Fulbright Program.”

Demonstrate in detail what you are willing to do for the host institution. Even if yours is a research appointment, your sponsors will be enthused about contributions you want to make outside the immediate context of your research. Lectures? Public talks?  Mentoring students in your field? – David Gerber

As far as I can tell, the most important criterion is the extent to which the project is a collaboration between the applicant and faculty (and/or students) at the host institution.  That is, the selection committee is interested in how the project will be mutually beneficial, not just good for your career.  Anything you can do to get a strong letter of invitation, including building connections at the host institution, will improve your chances of success. – Erik Seeman

If you are successful, be aware from the time of your arrival that the host country is likely to have strict requirements for reporting details of your residency and be sure to conform to them. – Errol Meidinger

Demonstrate in detail how the opportunity fits into not only your career development, but aspirations for personal development. Living abroad is different than attending a meeting abroad. Why do you want to leave your comfort zone? – David Gerber

Emphasize how your project contributes to cultural and scholarly exchange: What interests/expertise will you bring to the country?; What do you hope to learn from your host country and bring home with you? – Sasha Pack

Be passionate of the project – Jessy Alexander

If you are traveling away from family be sure to have candid discussions in advance about what this will be like. – Peter Pfordresher