10 Hidden Gems of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program

“Which award should I apply for?”  This is one of the most common questions Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program staff hears. An applicant should consider many factors to determine which opportunity is the best fit, including eligibility, language skills, host country priorities, and potential impact.  Due to the breadth of program options, it can be hard to give them all adequate consideration.  There are many programs that fly under the radar of most applicants and deserve your consideration! Inspired by your questions, Fulbright Program staff has put together the following list of 10 overlooked, “hidden gem” awards around the world:

• Israel: Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Haifa
  Located in a northern Israeli port city, the University of Haifa is a comprehensive research university that boasts a diverse and multicultural faculty and student population—Jews, Arabs, Druze, Haredi and secular students, new immigrants, and government personnel all come together to study, teach, and learn on this beautiful campus adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea. Israel also offers postdoctoral fellowships at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and the Weizmann Institute for Science. Israel’s generous postdoctoral fellowships are the only multi-year Scholar Program awards—Fulbrighters can conduct research for up to two academic years.
   
• Mauritius: All Disciplines
  Mark Twain said it all: “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius.” Surrounded by stunning coral reefs, this tropical island 2,000 miles off the southeast coast of Africa is justly famous for its beautiful beaches and mountain trekking. Fulbrighters selected for this award are placed at the University of Mauritius, the country’s oldest and largest university, located only a short 15-kilometer drive from the coast. A welcome bonus: the host institution provides Fulbrighters with office space, as well as a generous dependent allowance for accompanying children!   While all disciplines are welcome, the U.S. Embassy is actively seeking applications in economic transparency, good governance, entrepreneurship, transparency in the financial sector, Artificial Intelligence, women in STEM, civic and political engagement and gender equality. 
   
• Spain: Marine Sciences at Universidad de las Palmas de Gran Canaria
  This noteworthy award places grantees at the Universidad de las Palmas in the Canary Islands (ULPGC), a breathtaking archipelago off the coast of western Africa. The university, consistently proven to be an exceptional host of visiting Fulbrighters, is also home to notable research centers and an impressive scientific and technological park. ULPGC generously helps locate and secure housing and schools for Fulbrighters with children in tow.
   
• France: Grand Est Regional Award
  World-famous wines, charming villages, natural wonders, unique gastronomy—the Grand Est region has much to offer Fulbrighters lucky enough to teach and conduct research in this beautiful part of France. A unification of the eastern regions of Alsace, Champagne-Ardenne, and Lorraine, Grande Est is strategically located in the heart of Europe, sharing a border with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland. Best of all, this award is open to scholars in all disciplines and at all career levels—including postdocs!
   
• Poland: Media Literacy and Cybersecurity
  Poland, leading the way in advancing media literacy, features cutting-edge cybersecurity studies programs, including this new research/teaching award at New Research on Digital Society (NERDS) at Kozminsky University in Warsaw. This top university, known for its study of open collaboration communities, such as Wikipedia and Couchsurfing, also provides generous support for dependents. It even includes a private health insurance package!
   
• Brazil: Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Public Policy at the Joaquim Nabuco Foundation
  Don't overlook this great opportunity to conduct research at the Joaquim Nabuco Foundation in Recife, Brazil. Working under the Brazilian Ministry of Education, the foundation connects libraries, museums, and other institutions. Fulbrighters can also enhance their experience in Brazil by applying for a short-term regional travel grant, enabling them to visit another country for a workshop, seminar, lecture, or performance.
   
• Canada: Research Chairs in North American Studies
  Did you know that Canada is considered the world’s most educated country? As a Fulbright Canada Chair, you have the option at teach and conduct research at Ontario-based Brock University, the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve-located Canadian university, or Carleton University, a former evening college serving World War II veterans. In addition to the main grant, this award offers a short-term travel grant for activities such as workshops, seminars, lectures, and performances in a Latin American or Caribbean country.
   
• India: Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Award
  India is a large and diverse country that has drawn travelers for thousands of years, offering a mix of the modern and ancient. With more than 50 grants available for scholars and professionals, India also happens to house one of the world’s largest Fulbright programs! This flexible opportunity is unique in that it funds many types of Fulbrighters, including independent scholars, community college faculty, artists, journalists, lawyers, filmmakers, and musicians.
   
• China: Study of the United States
  This award offers experts in American studies, politics, or higher education the opportunity to share knowledge about the United States in the world’s most populous country. During your grant, on-campus housing is often provided, and a generous tuition allowance is available for scholars with children. Fulbrighters also receive an in-country travel allowance to guest lecture at other universities in China, expanding your reach to new audiences.
   
• Korea: Peace Studies (Teaching)
  Scholars with a background in peace and conflict resolution, armed conflict, human rights, or diplomacy are encouraged to explore this award, based at the Graduate Institute of Peace Studies at Kyung Hee University. The Graduate Institute of Peace Studies was established in 1984 to train future world leaders to promote peace and human welfare, and you’ll continue this mission through public talks, mentoring students, and engaging with the host community. In 1993, the Institute was awarded the UNESCO Prize for Peace Education for its contribution to international peace efforts.

To learn more about these and other gems of the Fulbright Scholar Program, tune in to our Global Hidden Gems webinar on August 15th. We hope to see you there!