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About Luxembourg

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is located in the heart of Europe, bordered by France, Germany, and Belgium. At only 999 square miles, the country is only about 80% the size of Rhode Island with a population of just over 640,000. Despite a strong national identity (its national motto, "Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sinn," translates as "We want to remain what we are"), the country's history as a founding member of the European Union can still be felt today in the small state's cosmopolitan outlook - not least thanks to the European Institutions, a remarkably diverse, multicultural population (nearly half of which are foreign!) and the multitude of European and international political and financial institutions it hosts.

Even with this international mindset, it is easier to get around the capital (114,000 inhabitants) than it is in Berlin or Paris. The distances are short. There is a lively nightlife scene around the fashionable bars of Hollerich, Grund and Clausen in the capital, or in the "Rockhal" and the "Kulturfabrik" at Esch/Alzette. Luxembourg's modern importance on the international scale lives hand in hand with history that dots its cities and countryside. The capital's Old Quarters and Fortifications have been designated a UNESCO world heritage site since 1994, and there are over 100 castles sprinkled across the countryside.

Luxembourg is a trilingual country -- its official languages are French, German, and Luxembourgish -- and while most citizens speak all three languages fluently, there is no shortage of resources available in English for Fulbright grantees and their dependents. During your period in the country, the Fulbright Commission in Brussels and the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg will provide support to help you get settled in your host country and experience the richness that Luxembourg has to offer. Throughout the year, we hold different events for Fulbright grantees, including an orientation meeting in the fall, a mid-year meeting in February, and other informal events such as a Thanksgiving dinner or visits to cultural events around Belgium and Luxembourg. Individual appointments with Fulbright staff are always possible to discuss issues as they come up throughout the year, or to provide key information before your arrival in Luxembourg.

The Fulbright Commission offers an award for a semester of research, teaching and combinations of teaching/research that are available for applicants in any academic field who are interested in joining a Fulbright program that prides itself on the research and cultural programming it provides. Scholars may present their research or give guest lectures throughout Europe via Europe's inter-country lecturer program, and they are often encouraged to assist the U.S. Embassy in Brussels with cultural lecturer requests. Applicants proposing research or teaching stays at a university should note that the academic calendar runs from mid-September through the end of January, and from February through mid-June. Applicants wishing to learn more about the Fulbright grantee experience in Luxembourg can read blog posts by previous grantees on the website of the Fulbright Commission in Brussels.

Overview of Visa Requirements

If staying in the Schengen Area for longer than 90 days, grantees to Luxembourg must apply for a Temporary Stay Authorization (AST) prior to departure from the U.S. and for a residence permit after arrival. Please note that although the Fulbright Commission provides assistance with the AST application process, the responsibility for obtaining the necessary travel documents lies with the applicant.