Faculty Fulbright Program

What is Fulbright?

The Fulbright Scholars Program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs section of the U.S. State Department. The program provides funding for scholars, teachers, and professionals to undertake advanced research and teaching activities around the world. Penn State supports the efforts of its faculty to participate in the Program through the Office of Global Programs.

Fulbright is not just an opportunity to travel; a Fulbright grant is a life transforming event which will enhance your career and reputation.

In addition, Fulbright can assist you with:

  1. Broadening your horizons in teaching, research and scholarship
  2. Add international dimensions to teaching and curriculum choices
  3. Connect you with international colleagues, adding depth and new perspectives to your work
  4. Enhance your research
  5. Help fund your sabbatical
  6. Form lasting bonds with colleagues from other nations

New: This awards cycle, Global Programs has assembled a team of former Fulbright recipients to be reviewers of completed award applications in 6 disciplines. The Faculty Fulbright Review Panels, are a way for current faculty to get feedback on their project statements and materials.

Creating, and Perfecting, the Project Statement

Tips and Tricks for Project Statements

  1. This statement is where you make the case for you and your project. Think ‘Job Interview’.
  2. Take it seriously and make sure you do all the research on the host institution you wish to work with.
  3. Your statement can be NO LONGER than 5 pages.
  4. Make sure the content is: Clear, Concise, and Organized; do not be afraid if you have to use a few headers and bullet points.
  5. Tone: Too many ‘I’ statements  can put off your peer reviewers. At the same time using too much scientific 3rd person will not give the reviewers a sense of who you are.
  6. Answer these questions: Why this institution? What will you bring to the institution? What do you expect to be the outcome of this Fulbright? And what will this experience mean to you?
  7. Know how to spell the name of your host institution name, country, and city. Apparently, misspelling these names has happened quite a bit.
  8. Avoid being time rigid if possible. Showing flexibility means you are open to learning and working with your host institution.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Sylvester Osagie, Director of Campus Engagement, and Penn State Fulbright Adviser (fulbright@psu.edu) with questions.