Fulbright-Charles University Distinguished Scholar at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics
Number of recipients
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.
Teach one or two courses (maximum three hours) per week at advanced undergraduate and graduate levels. Consult on curriculum development and discuss topic of specialization with faculty. Conduct research in area of specialization.
Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Prague
Three to ten months
One-semester grants must begin in either September or late January/ early February; two-semester grants must begin in September.
The award is open to any specialization in all the fields offered at the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, including, but not limited to, computer science, mathematics and physics.
Host institutions can provide assistance with locating housing and schooling for dependents (English language pre-school, elementary, and secondary schools are available in Prague).
Letter of invitation should state the dates of grant, name of the host contact person/supervisor, accessibility of research facilities, and extent of other support provided.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the Czech Fulbright Commission (fulbright@fulbright.cz) to explore possibilities of affiliation if needed.
All teaching will be in English.
Czech language fluency is also not required for research activities.
Senior Scholar with at least seven years relevant experience sought.
$6,000 per month
$1,500 travel grant
Dependent allowance of $300 per month for one dependent, $500 per month for two dependents and $700 per month for three or more dependents.
Dependent travel allowance of $700 per dependent.
(Dependent allowances are paid only for those dependents who accompany the grantee for at least 80 percent of the grant period.)
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.
For estimates of cost of living visit for example https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Prague Family of four estimated monthly costs are 51,298.60Kč without rent . A single person estimated monthly costs are 15,185.67Kč without rent. Prague is 50.73% less expensive than New York. Rent in Prague is, on average, 75.11% lower than in New York.
September Orientation and Mid-year conference: Orientation brings new U.S. Fulbright scholars in the Czech Republic together for a four-day program in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Local costs (accommodations, meals, activities, local travel) are paid for by Fulbright Commission. The same model applies for the Mid-year Conference held at the end of January. The Mid-year conference serves also as Orientation for grantees coming for Spring semester and brings together all grantees present in the country.
In-country and Inter-country lecturing program: The Fulbright Commission reimburses in-country travel costs for lecturing at Czech academic institutions and enables access to Fulbright inter-country lecturing program within Europe.
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 and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Czech Republic
Situated in the very heart of the European continent, the Czech Republic boasts a rich history and proud people. From Bohemia in the west to Moravia in the east, ancient castles and monasteries grace the landscape, together with beautiful forests and mountains. Yet the Czech Republic’s true dynamism comes as much from its modern people and culture as from its historical features. The Czech Republic is one of the most prosperous of the former communist states, having privatized much of the economy since becoming a democracy under Vaclav Havel in 1989. Its education system is of world-class quality. The country’s higher education system consists of over 25 public and more than 40 private universities and colleges placed in Prague and other major cities of the Czech Republic.
The academic year is from mid-September through May or June, scholars coming for the first semester or whole academic year are expected to participate in the in-country orientation in September. The length of the fall semester for teachers is three to four months. Second semester begins in February and usually lasts four months, the scholars coming for the second semester are expected to participate in the mid-year conference at the very end of January. Applications are welcome in all disciplines. For lecturing, preference may be given to subjects related to the United States, and to applicants who will assist with curriculum and program development at their host institutions. Affiliations are possible with a variety of academic institutions, but opportunities also exist for collaboration with public officials and professionals at other institutions.
Housing opportunities differ in various places. Grantees are encouraged to ask their hosts for assistance while searching for suitable accommodation. There is no special housing allowance, nevertheless the monthly stipend easily covers adequate housing options. Local resources are available in the Handbook for US grantees on our website https://www.fulbright.cz/en/grantees-and-alumni/current-grantees/
Medical care provided in the CR is of high quality and the insurance provided by ASPE covers almost any treatment needed. Most physicians are competent and are able to communicate in English. Expats ocassionally use services of private clinics, where all the staff is completely fluent in English. Private insurance may be accepted at these clinics. If you have U.S. medical insurance, call your insurer and ask about overseas coverage and requirements.
Generally, the Czech Republic is counted among 10 safest countries in the world. The Fulbright Commission encourages families to participate in the program. Numerous private (relatively costly) international schools and kindergardens are available in major cities. The Fulbright Commission does not provide any tuition allowance. Local schools (free of charge) can be an option especially for grantees coming for the whole academic year.
Applicants are encouraged to view the Fulbright Commission's website for current information about programs and practicalities of living in the Czech Republic. Consultations are welcome at kloubova@fulbright.cz.
Booklets of current and former US grantees are available on our website https://www.fulbright.cz/en/grantees-and-alumni/current-grantees/ For their shared experiences and reflections see our blog http://czechfulbright.blogspot.com/ To stay updated about activities of our grantees join the community of Czech Fulbright on facebook https://www.facebook.com/czechfulbright and instagram https://www.instagram.com/czechfulbright/
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
For more information, please contact:
The Fulbright Commission (Hana Ripkova, Executive Director, ripkova@fulbright.cz)
or
The Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University (Zdenek Dolezal, Vice-Dean for Foreign Relations, Zdenek.Dolezal@mff.cuni.cz)