Journalism/Media

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program strengthens partnerships between U.S. and Palestinian universities and allows students and faculty members to share expertise and enhance local education. The academic calendar runs from mid-August to mid-June. The Office of Palestinian Affairs in Jerusalem and host institutions can assist Fulbright scholars to find appropriate housing as well as schools for dependents.   

Affiliation for U.S. Scholars to the West Bank is limited to Al-Quds University (Abu Deis Campus, Beit Hanina Campus, Old City Center), Al-Quds Open University (Ramallah), Arab American University of Palestine (Jenin and Rihan Campuses), Bethlehem University (Bethlehem), Dar Al Kalima University College of Arts and Culture (Bethlehem), Birzeit University (Birzeit), Palestine Ahliyeh University College (Bethlehem), Najah University (Nablus), Palestine Polytechnic University (Hebron), and Hebron University (Hebron).

Residency: All American grantees must initially enter Israel via Ben Gurion Airport (American grantees with Palestinian identity cards must coordinate their travel plans with OPA prior to departure to ensure smooth arrival to their post.). All grantees must enter and exit the West Bank using their U.S. passports via checkpoints approved by the Regional Security Office (RSO). RSO will provide a list of these approved checkpoints that is commensurate with the local security environment. RSO will provide a security briefing to review travel in and out of the West Bank. Although the Office of Palestinian Affairs in Jerusalem will make every effort to assist with long-term visas, grantees and their accompanying dependents may need to renew their visas every three months. All expenses associated with visa renewals and the exit/re-entry costs associated with the renewal process are the responsibility of the grantees, in accordance with their grant terms and conditions. Grantees must recognize the possibility that visa renewal requests may be denied.

All American grantees researching, studying, or teaching in Jerusalem and the West Bank must live within the municipal boundaries of Jerusalem (including East Jerusalem) or any major city in Zone A of the West Bank (Jericho, Ramallah, Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Tul Karem, Jenin, etc., subject to change due to prevailing security conditions.).  Post recommends that grantees find lodging in the above mentioned locations. The location of all proposed residences must be individually reviewed by the U.S. Embassy's RSO and approved by the Office of Palestinian Affairs. The grantee must share their contact information and their home address as soon as they obtain it. Furthermore, RSO will provide grantees with emergency contact information for the U.S. Embassy (Post One) and local emergency services.

Travel: Due to security concerns, grantees are strongly advised against hitchhiking and caution is advised when using public buses. Renting a car is allowed, as is the use of private and service taxi cabs and the light rail in Jerusalem, depending on local security conditions. Grantees must obtain a cell phone and register their cell phone number with the Office of Palestinian Affairs. While in the West Bank and Jerusalem, grantees must be reachable by U.S government officials at all times. Grantees who are traveling outside of Jerusalem, the West Bank, or Israel must notify Embassy officials in advance of their trip. It is suggested that grantees obtain an additional phone/SIM card dedicated for West Bank travel such as Jawwal, as some Israeli carriers are unreliable in the Palestinian territories. Grantees must agree to refrain from or modify their travel to certain parts of the West Bank, or the West Bank in its entirety, if the U.S. Embassy Emergency Action Committee determines that such travel is unsafe. If there are changes to the Post travel policy, the Office of Palestinian Affairs  will coordinate notification to the grantees and notify RSO. Grantees may not travel to the Gaza Strip under any conditions. Grantees should avoid refugee camps and all demonstrations.

Contact Policy: Current U.S. policy prohibits recipients of U.S. government funding from having contact with members of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). A list of such organizations is available on the internet at the Bureau of Counterterrorism's website. If you have any doubt about whether you may contact a specific individual or institution, please contact the Office of Palestinian Affairs in Jerusalem.

Security: Grantees must receive a security briefing from the RSO after arriving in Jerusalem and before beginning their program in the West Bank. Grantees must register through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive security updates for the American community. Grantees are advised to read the Travel Warning and Country Specific Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza prior to arrival. Failure to comply with the above rules is grounds for immediate termination of the grant.