Fulbright Scholar Award

All Disciplines

Cabo Verde

Application Deadline
Monday, September 16, 2024
Award Code
25018-CV
Activity Type
Teaching
Teaching includes classroom teaching, as well as giving guest lectures, workshops, and seminars, and engaging in other related activities. Classroom teaching is typically at the undergraduate and graduate level, and courses may be designed by the scholar or prescribed by the host institution and may be taught or co-taught by the scholar. The teaching load varies by award, as well as the host institution. Scholars may also consult on building research capacity, advise graduate students, and assist with thesis advising.
Teaching/Research
A combination of teaching and research as described above. Refer to the award description for any specifications on percentages of time that should be devoted to teaching vs research.
Degree Requirements
Ph.D. (or other terminal degree) not required
Career Profile
Early Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for no more than seven years.
Mid-Career Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than seven, and less than 13, years.
Senior Academics
Awards are open to those who have been working in the capacity of a teacher or scholar for more than 13 years.

Number of recipients

Up To
2
Award Start Period
September 2025
Award Length
6 months - 10 months
Flex Option
No
Multi-Country/Area Award
No
Disciplines
Projects are sought in all disciplines
Scholars selected for this award can choose to
Advise and/or mentor students
Assist in faculty, curriculum, and/or program development
Conduct a research project designated by the host institution
Conduct a research project of the applicant’s choosing
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses designated by the host institution
Teach graduate and/or undergraduate courses of the applicant’s choosing

In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities‎.

Award Activity

We are looking for innovative academics who can think creatively and make a contribution to the nation's goals of renewable energy independence, maritime wildlife protection, water resources management, and environmental tourism. We are also open to academics in other fields who are interested and intrigued by the opportunity to contribute to the fields of environmentalism and renewable energy in this remote, island nation. The University of Cabo Verde campus is brand new, well equipped, welcoming and beautiful. The opportunity to interact with, lead seminars for, and teach truly energetic university students is compelling. Because the university itself is new, and the university system is expanding, scholars have nearly unlimited opportunities to contribute to faculty, curriculum and program development in a wide range of environment/renewable energy/environmental tourism fields. Depending on the research field, interisland travel and research should be possible (research-only proposals are not accepted for this award).

Locations
Location Selection: Award is hosted by the institution listed below
Locations Detail

The University of Cabo Verde has an outstanding new facility, including new housing for visiting researchers and academics. The university system on Cabo Verde is in a vibrant and expanding mode. However, the opportunity for the infusion of Fulbright energy and international perspective is welcome and the university leadership is overjoyed about the possibility of hosting Fulbright academics. On campus, we support a vibrant and active American Corner. The university's website is: https://www.unicv.edu.cv/pt/.

Areas of Interest

While all disciplines will be considered, there is a strong interest in the following fields

  • Renewable Energy
  • Environmental Protection 
  • Maritime Wildlife Protection 
  • Environmental Tourism
Special Features

Cabo Verde is an energetic, thriving and vibrant democracy. There is a true passion for innovation in the renewable energy/environmental/environmental tourism fields, which can be found in the environmental sciences department of the University of Cabo Verde. We can practically guarantee a rewarding and vibrant experience in this "off the beaten path" location.

All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).

Citizenship/Residency Requirement
Applicants residing in the award country at the time of application or thereafter are not eligible to apply for this award.
Dual citizens of the award country are not eligible to apply for this award.
Invitation Requirement
A letter of invitation is preferred.
Invitation Requirement Additional Information

Post can assist applicants to get letters of invitation from the University of Cabo Verde. Recently, the university leadership stressed a great sense of importance in getting the Fulbright Program launched in Cabo Verde.

Please reach out to Maria Brito Frederico (BritoMT@state.gov) and Margaret McElligott (McElligottM@state.gov) for assistance.

 

Language Proficiency Requirements
Recommended (Intermediate): Portuguese
Recommended (Intermediate): Creole
Required Proficiency

Applicants are encouraged to register qualified language evaluator, such as a language instructor or a translator, to conduct the external assessment in the application. Being a native speaker alone does not qualify an individual to conduct the assessment.

Applicants who are native speakers do not need to complete an external evaluation.

Level of Proficiency
Intermediate
Required Languages
Portuguese
Creole
Additional Language Requirement

Portuguese is the official language of Cabo Verde and the language of instruction for all educational institutions. Professors may teach in English if the course(s) provides the opportunity. It is recommended that professors have a working knowledge of Portuguese or Kriolu.

Non-native speakers must submit a language proficiency evaluation if the language of instruction will not be in English.

Researcher and Professional Project Monthly Allowances
$6070
$6070
Teaching or Teaching/Research Award Monthly Allowances
$6840
$7060
Estimated Travel and Relocation Allowance for Grantee

Round-trip, economy-class, international travel arranged by travel agent designated by IIE, for scholar and up to two accompanying dependents. A $2,850 allowance will be provided to cover the costs associated with relocation and excess baggage.

Estimated Book and Research Allowance

$1,000 books and educational materials allowance; if possible, educational materials should be donated to the host institution (or other entity) upon grantee's departure. (For Teaching and Teaching/Research awards only.) 

Do you offer additional dependent benefits
Yes

Additional living and housing allowance is provided for grantees with one accompanying dependent or two or more accompanying dependent. These amounts range from $400/month to $600/month. 

In addition, round-trip, economy class travel is provided for up to two dependents. 

Dependent educational allowance of up to $12,500 per child or $25,000 per family for accompanying dependents in grades K-12 is reimbursed for a full academic year, upon submission of receipts, and depending on funding availability. Amount may be adjusted for shorter grant periods. Reimbursement is based on actual cost of tuition and fees only.

Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.

Special Award Benefits

When university housing is provided to Fulbright Scholars, grantees will receive a supplemental housing allowance in lieu of a full housing allowance for refurbishments, utilities, and other miscellaneous expenses that arise. The full housing allowance will not be provided to grantees if they elect to decline on-campus or university housing.

Please refer to the figures above for an estimate of total monthly Fulbright award benefits. Benefits may include a monthly base stipend, living and housing allowances, and additional one-time allowances. Benefits may vary based on a scholar's current academic rank (or professional equivalent), the city of placement, the type of award (teaching, teaching/research, or research), and the number of and duration of stay of accompanying dependents. Research-only or Professional Project grantees receive a standard stipend that is not adjusted for academic rank. In most cases, dependent benefits will not be provided to Flex grantees, or to grantees pursuing grants less than four months (or a semester) in length.

Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State reserves the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.

Cabo Verde

What is life like for Fulbrighters in your country?

Cabo Verde is a hidden gem in West Africa for a Fulbright tour. The population is just under 500,000, distributed across nine inhabited islands. The country has been a stable democracy with regular elections and peaceful transfers of power since 1991.  It ranks high on every human development and democracy index.  

Infrastructure is close to a developed country standard.  Traffic flows and driver respect for pedestrians surpass most developed countries.  Wonderful beachfront restaurants with high quality seafood are ubiquitous.  The rocky coastline provides outstanding nightly sunsets.  The population is Western oriented and anxious to continue its focus on green technologies and environmentally friendly economic development practices.   

Cabo Verde has ten universities, including the public University of Cabo Verde (UniCV), with a major satellite campus on the island of São Vicente. There are a number of private universities. American private universities, such as Penn State, Wellesley College, MIT, and Bridgewater State University have exchange programs and partnerships with UniCV.  The academic year generally starts in early October and runs into early July.  Portuguese language is required to facilitate interaction with most students and for use in daily life.  The use of English is growing, and English is required for most BA and MA programs.

The University of Cabo Verde (Uni-CV) is the largest state-run university in the country. It offers 41 bachelor's degrees, 19 master's degrees (including a medical degree), 20 associate's (technical) degrees, and 4 doctoral degrees. Uni-CV has been committed to the improvement of English language teaching and learning in Cabo Verde. Currently, 95% of the English teachers are trained at the university. 

The U.S. Embassy in the capital city of Praia, Cabo Verde offers guidance on visa, housing and security issues. English language schools are not available for dependent children in grades K-12 who accompany scholars. The U.S. Embassy in Praia is committed to support Cabo Verde achieve its own sustainable development, most notably its goal of reaching 50% of renewable energy by 2045 and the promotion of environmental tourism, which constitutes 30% of GDP.  Socially, the embassy has hiking and eating clubs, which exchange grantees regularly join.

Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.