Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers opportunities for recent graduates, postgraduate candidates, and developing professionals and artists to conduct career-launching study and research abroad in approximately 140 countries.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Preference will usually be given to candidates who have not resided or studied in the country to which they are applying for more than six months.
- Applicants must hold a BA degree or the equivalent.
- Applicants usually must have sufficient proficiency in the written and spoken language of the host country, especially for projects in the social sciences and the humanities.
- Applicants must be in good health.
- Applicants should have a strong record of academic and professional achievement, demonstrated leadership potential, and community involvement.
How to apply
- Candidates should carefully review the list of participating countries, competition statistics, types of grants, application instructions, and tips for completing the application before beginning the process.
- Complete the online application. Most recipients are expected to design their own program of study, but teaching assistantships are available in more than two dozen selected countries, along with other specific grants that are offered on a limited basis.
- Applicants must submit a completed application form, a personal statement, a proposed program of study, three letters of reference, transcripts, and, if applicable, a foreign language report. Candidates in the creative and performing arts must submit supplemental materials (slides, photographs, recordings, etc.).
- Current students cannot apply directly to the Fulbright program but must work with the Center for International Programs and undergo an on-campus interview. (Applicants who have already graduated from Ball State may apply through the university or as at-large candidates.)
- Applicants should contact Dom Caristi, Ball State’s representative for Fulbright applications, to begin the application process at least two months before the campus deadline. Applicants are strongly encouraged to work with Barb Stedman, director of national and international scholarships, in drafting and revising their personal statement and proposed program of study.
Deadlines
- Applications must be received by October 20, 2008.
- The campus deadline is September 15, 2008. All materials must be submitted by this date to Dom Caristi.
Duration and amount
- Fulbright grants generally span a full academic year; the specific span of such a year varies by country.
- Comprehensive (full) Fulbright grants generally provide round-trip transportation; book and research allowances; maintenance for the academic year, based on living costs in the host country; supplemental health and accident insurance; tuition, in some cases; and language or orientation courses, where appropriate.
- Other grants, such as the teaching assistantships, offer varying kinds of support.