UGA Students/Alumni receive fulbright offers

The University of Georgia’s record-breaking number of acceptances for the Fulbright U.S. student program this year earned the university its highest ranking yet on the student list of Fulbright Top Producers. The university tied for 16th—along with Stanford University, University of Virginia, University of Texas at Austin, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Villanova University—in its third time on the student list.

Sixteen UGA students and recent graduates are participating in the 2018-2019 Fulbright U.S. student program. They are teaching English, conducting research and studying in countries spread around the globe.

UGA previously made the top student list in 2012-2013 and 2016-2017, with 13 students accepting Fulbright awards in both of those competitions.

UGA Fulbright students and interested applicants are supported by Maria de Rocher.

the Fulbright opportunity

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers research, study, and teaching opportunities to recent graduates and graduate students. The program currently awards approximately 1,900 grants annually in all fields of study.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide. Grantees spend eight to 12 months (typically one academic year) in one of over 140 countries around the world where Fulbright operates.

The primary aim of the Fulbright program is to further mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. Grantees promote this mission by pursuing research, study, or creative projects, teaching English to non-native speakers, or gaining international professional experience in public health or policy fields. The Fulbright program typically covers all costs for the year.

Applications are due in early fall for the following academic year. The campus deadline is usually in early September, and the national deadline is in early October.

types of grants

Study/Research/Creative Fulbright Grants (also called Open Grants)

Applicants propose a self-designed academic, research, or artistic project to pursue in their country of interest. These projects may include university coursework, independent library or field research, classes in an art school or music conservatory, special projects in the social or life sciences, or a combination of these.

Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships (ETAs)

English Teaching Assistants teach English to students of all ages in classrooms around the world. Most ETAs are placed in schools or universities outside of capital cities and are assigned various activities designed to improve their students' language abilities and knowledge of the United States. ETA grants currently are offered in about 65 countries. While ETAs typically spend between 20 to 30 hours in the classroom each week, many countries also encourage grantees to engage in side research or community engagement projects.

how to apply

• Visit the U.S. Student Fulbright homepage. Be sure to explore the individual country summaries for detailed information about candidate profiles and country-specific requirements.

• Eligibility: Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens holding a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent by the beginning of the grant period. Prospective applicants should check host country summaries on the Fulbright website for additional requirements such as language proficiency.  Individuals who have obtained a Ph.D. are no longer eligible for the U.S. Student Program. UGA faculty and administrators interested in the Fulbright Scholars Program should contact Brian Watkins, director for international partnerships, Office of International Education.

• Competitive Applicants: The Fulbright program is prestigious. There is no minimum GPA, but most successful applicants have excellent academic records and stellar letters of recommendation from professors and/or professionals in their field. Leadership, community service, demonstrated interest in the host country, and background in proposed subject area are also important. For information on competition statistics, disaggregated by country/ region and grant type, see the Applicants tab on the Fulbright program website.

• Schedule a meeting with UGA’s on-campus Fulbright Program Adviser, Maria de Rocher. She can help you decide whether to apply, discuss proposals, and assist in the development of application essays. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact her as early as possible, preferably before the spring term ends for grants due in the fall. Due to the highly selective nature of the Fulbright competition, applicants need to start their applications early.