Morocco-Spain Joint Teaching/Research Award
Multi-Country
Morocco
Multi-country
Spain
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.
Award sponsored by Fulbright Commissions in Madrid and Rabat
- Scholars may teach, conduct research or pursue a combination of teaching/research activities at Spanish and Moroccan academic and research institution
- Projects that are comparative in nature and address issues linking Spain & Morocco are strongly encouraged
- Activities may include presenting lectures, seminars and workshops as arranged by host institutions or the Fulbright Commissions
- No less than 40% of the grant period may be spent in either country.
Spanish and Moroccan universities, institutions of higher education, cultural, or research centers.
Six to 10 months
Grants may begin anytime after September 1, 2024 and must be completed by July 31, 2025.
A letter of invitation is required from a host institution in each country.
- Applicants must arrange affiliation with a host institution in both Spain and Morocco.
- Letters must indicate the names and positions of the academic advisers from the host institutions with whom the scholar will collaborate.
- The letters should also specify the teaching programs, workloads, and availability of research resources.
- The letters of affiliation should indicate that authors understand the proposed project or teaching and/or research.
- Host institutions are encouraged to note direct and in-kind contributions (such as facilities) in the letter of invitation/affiliation. These contributions help maximize the benefits provided by the Fulbright Program and can serve as a sign of the host institution’s commitment to the particular project.
The Fulbright Commission in Spain cannot assist in establishing contacts at prospective host institutions.
The Fulbright Commission in Morocco can offer suggestions and propose institutions and contacts but securing an affiliate is the applicant's responsibility.
Language proficiency should be commensurate with the project scope. Spanish, Arabic, or French proficiency is not required as long as it is not necessary to complete the teaching or research project.
- Some study of Spanish and Arabic or French prior to arrival is encouraged in order to promote deeper engagement with the host community. Please discuss this point with your host institutions beforehand.
- In Spain, ask specifically whether a language other than Spanish is widely used in the area (Catalan, Basque, or Galician).
Open to mid-career and senior scholars in all relevant disciplines at all academic ranks and professional equivalents.
Research centers and universities in Spain:
Research centers and universities in Morocco:
The lists are not exhaustive. Institutions not listed here can be considered as potential hosts.
Spain:
- Scholar: € 3,200 per month
- Dependents: a monthly allowance of €150 for one dependent or €300 for two or more dependents.
These amounts cover the monthly stipend, housing and living allowances and will be paid as a lump sum once the Grant is formalized (in Euros or in Dollars, at a conversion rate to be determined on April 15th, 2024. View conversion rates).
Morocco:
-
Base: $2,000-$2,300 per month, depending on grant type and seniority
- Housing: $700-$900 per month, depending on number of dependents
- Monthly subsistence: $900-$1,500 per month, depending on number of dependents
Allowances identified above for dependents apply only to those accompanying the Scholar for at least 80 percent of the grant period in each country. Funds will be distributed 100% in U.S. Dollars.
One-time travel allowance for round-trip travel from/to the U.S. and travel from the first country (Morocco or Spain) to the second country (Morocco or Spain) as follows:
$2,400 for the scholar, plus $1200 per dependent for up to two dependents.
This allowance is provided by funding from both the U.S.-Morocco and U.S.-Spain Fulbright Commissions. Grantees must then book their own travel in accordance with the Fly America Act requirements (economy class, US-Airline only, etc.)
Spain: N/A
Morocco: $500 if the scholar will reside in Morocco for more than five months, $250 if less than five months.
Spain: A monthly allowance of €150 for one dependent or €300 for two or more dependents. No tuition allowance will be provided. Both public and private schools in Spain have bilingual or English language instruction available.
Morocco: Monthly housing and subsistence rates increase depending on number of dependents. See above. No tuition allowance will be provided. English-language schooling is available. An alliance of American schools in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech and Tangier follow a regular U.S. curriculum. For Department of State information on K-12 schools in general, visit the Office of Overseas Schools website. Information is also available about Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier.
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.
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.
Spain and Morocco share environmental, historical, and cultural links at all levels back through time. These range from their shared geology and climate in the western Mediterranean to the kingdoms of Al-Andalus and the Sephardic Jewish community and more modern times with the establishment of the Spanish Protectorate over northern Morocco and the presence of Spanish cities, Ceuta and Melilla, along the southern shores of the Mediterranean on the African continent. Nearly a half million Moroccans have migrated to Spain in the last generation and Spanish investment in Morocco is strong and widespread. Deep artistic and architectural influences are shared between the two countries.
Morocco offers much to the talented researcher, teacher, or scholar. With its three major languages—Arabic, Berber (Amazigh), and French—Morocco’s past is reflected in every aspect of its present. American grantees in Morocco have lived in environments ranging from big-city Casablanca to nomadic encampments in the Sahara. The Moroccan university year begins in late September and runs through late June to early July. University breaks depend on Islamic holidays, fall in the latter half of January following fall semester exams, and there is a spring break in mid-March. More information on Moroccan institutions of higher education may be found at the 2018 University Web Ranking website for Morocco. The Moroccan-American Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange (MACECE) in Rabat, the Fulbright Commission for Morocco, can help you make contact with Moroccan universities, professors, professionals, and NGOs. All Fulbright programs for Morocco are available at the MACECE website. If seeking support for a possible host institution affiliate, please send your CV and proposal abstract to US Programs Officer, Ikram Boukhari at i.boukhari@fulbright.ma with your inquiry.
Grantees and their accompanying dependents may need to renew their tourist visas every three months. While MACECE will make every effort to assist grantees and their dependents in requesting visa extensions from the Moroccan government, grantees must recognize the possibility that visa renewal requests may be denied. In some cases, there may be a need to exit Morocco to another country and re-enter to obtain a new tourist visa entry stamp. 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.
Spain is one of the most multi-ethnic nations in Europe, both today and in its past. Spain's universities are increasingly focused on internationalization. By offering degree programs taught partially or entirely in English, they are attracting students from a wide variety of other countries, providing viewpoints in studies and discussions that are often unique and enriching for U.S. Scholars. Scholars will be afforded the opportunity to both teach (undergraduate and/or graduate students, depending on award) and research at their host institutions, and are often invited to work with faculty on curriculum development. Research groups are usually multicultural and English is predominantly the working language. Research/teaching proposals will be evaluated not only for their excellence, but also for their potential to increase mutual understanding and future collaboration between Spain and the United States. The academic year in Spain broadly runs from September to June, with breaks during the Winter and Spring holidays (approximately December 22-January 8 and coinciding with the weeks surrounding and including the Catholic Holy Week). Research activity continues in July, whereas August is a very quiet month and most institutions are closed. For more detailed information about Spain, please see the OECD's Spain profile. Prospective applicants may contact the Spanish Fulbright Commission for further information at informacion@fulbright.es or www.fulbright.es.
Research/teaching proposals will be evaluated not only for their excellence but also for their potential to increase mutual understanding and future collaboration between Spain, Morocco, and the United States. Spain and Morocco share environmental, historical, and cultural links at all levels back through time and the aim of this award is to heighten awareness of those links.
Morocco
American grantees in Morocco have lived in environments ranging from big-city Casablanca to nomadic encampments in the Sahara. With its three major languages—Arabic, Amazigh, and French—Morocco’s past is reflected in every aspect of its present. As Moroccans live out the reality of their rapidly changing country, as questions of language, education, gender equality, industrialization, and infrastructure dominate the human landscape, Fulbrighters come to Morocco to teach, study, research, and engage with everyday life. Morocco offers much to the talented researcher, teacher, or scholar, and the Commission is your guide to becoming a grantee in Morocco.
The Moroccan university year begins in late September or early October and runs through late June to early July. University breaks depend on Islamic holidays, come in the latter half of January following fall semester exams, and there is a spring break in mid-March. More information, in French, on Moroccan institutions of higher education may be found at the 2022 University Web Ranking website for Morocco.
The Moroccan-American Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange (MACECE) in Rabat can help make contact with Moroccan universities, professors, professionals, and NGOs. All of MACECE's programs are detailed on the Commission website.
Grantees and their accompanying dependents need to renew their tourist visas every 90 days. Grantees need to exit Morocco to another country and re-enter to obtain a new tourist visa entry stamp. A small allowance may be provided to help cover the expenses associated with visa renewals and the exit/re-entry costs by MACECE to the grantees, in accordance with their grant terms and conditions.
Spain
To learn more about Fulbright U.S. Scholar awards in Spain for 2024-25, please view our archived webinar and slides to hear directly from the Fulbright Commission, IIE staff and U.S. Scholar alums regarding award details, the scholar experience, and application guidance.
Summary
Contingent upon availability of funds, up to 11 All Discipline awards for Postdoctoral Researchers and a variety of co-sponsored awards for Senior Research, Teaching or Teaching/Research are available. The co-sponsored awards have unique scopes and features, and detailed information can be found in each individual award description.
The U.S.-Spain Fulbright Commission provides extensive support to selected candidates regarding administrative issues, such as the visa and documentation processes, and ample pre-departure and arrival information. However, assistance in establishing contacts at prospective host institutions cannot be provided.
Please note that candidates with dual U.S./Spanish citizenship, or candidates who are residing in Spain at the time of application or anytime thereafter, are not eligible for the Fulbright Program in Spain.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in Spain?
Although Spain may be known for its nice weather and beautiful beaches, there are many other reasons why Spain has long been held as one of the most desirable destinations for Fulbright grantees. Spain’s higher education and research institutions, technological advancement, cultural opportunities, and modern infrastructure add to the country’s appeal as one of the most popular tourist destinations. Additionally, Spain’s relatively low cost of living makes it very affordable when compared to most other countries in the EU.
According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Spain has the fifth highest life expectancy among EU countries, at just above 80 years, and is ranked as the 8th safest country in which to live. In fact, 82% of Spanish citizens report that they feel safe walking alone at night.
Spain has an excellent public transportation system. With its large-city public transport systems including metro networks, buses, and trains, it is very easy to get around cities in Spain or even across the country.
If you plan to come to Spain with your family, you will love the child-friendly environment. Although the Commission cannot provide assistance with school placements, rest assured that there are many options for high-quality and bilingual education. In Spain there are public schools, private schools (religious and international), and semi-private (concertados).
For more detailed information about Spain, please see the OECD's Spain profile.
General Information about Spanish Universities and Research in Spain
There are 76 universities in Spain, 20 of which are private. Spain's universities are increasingly focused on internationalization. By offering degree programs taught partially or entirely in English, they are attracting students from a wide variety of other countries, providing viewpoints in studies and discussions that are often unique and enriching for U.S. Scholars. Depending on the award, Scholars will be afforded the opportunity to teach both undergraduate and/or graduate students and/or carry out research, and are often invited to work with faculty on curriculum development. Research groups are usually multicultural and English is the language predominantly used in lab settings.
The academic year in Spain broadly runs from September to June, with breaks during the Winter and Spring holidays (approximately December 22-January 6 and coinciding with the weeks surrounding and including Easter). Research activity continues in July, whereas August is a very quiet month, and many academic and research institutions are closed for all or part of the month.
Additionally, there are various national and public research institutions that, together with universities, form the basic core of the Spanish public system of scientific research and technological development in Spain. These include:
The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)
The Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT)
The Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII),
The Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC)
The National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA).
Researchers are usually fluent in English, although there may be wide differences in the student's English proficiency. For day-to-day life, a working knowledge of Spanish is useful, especially in smaller cities and towns. Language proficiency should be commensurate with the project's scope. Please discuss this point with your host institution in advance.
The friendly and open nature of most Spaniards will make it easy for you to engage in multidisciplinary research groups and collaborate with your host institution much more than you initially expected. Many former Fulbright Scholars to Spain maintain and nurture the mutual engagement and joint research they initiated with their Spanish hosts while they enjoyed their Fulbright grant.
Prospective applicants may contact the Spanish Fulbright Commission for further information at:
informacion@fulbright.es or www.fulbright.es.
Fulbright Spain Scholar Alumni Voices
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
For Research in Morocco:
Moroccan government clearance is required for all research projects and this may take three or four months to obtain once submitted by the Commission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Fulbright Commission in Rabat requests clearance on behalf of all American Fulbrighters. The project statement in your application must include a detailed plan of research. A one-page summary of proposed activities in Arabic or French is also required for research clearance. This summary can be added in the letter of invitation section of the application. If the applicant is not proficient in one of these two languages, it is recommended that the applicant get the summary translated. The Commission will forward this summary along with the clearance request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
While awaiting official clearance, research may be done on the basis of a "lettre d'attestation" (letter of credence) which will be provided by the Commission. Subsequent changes to the research topic, host institution, or research sites are not recommended, as a second research clearance may have to be initiated, which will take additional time. With some exceptions, notably research in political affairs, research may begin with the lettre d'attestation, which is delivered to grantees during in-country orientation. Applicants should be aware of their on-line presence, since negative remarks concerning Morocco may surface during the official clearance process, resulting in denial of clearance.
Additional information for Moroccan research clearance will be requested at the semi-final (or final) selection stage.