U.S. Fulbright Applicant
Newsletter

Tips for Letters of Reference and Language Evaluation

Letters of Reference/Recommendation

1. Applicants should ask for references from people who have some knowledge of their field and the proposed host country and who can speak intelligently about the applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed project. They should also comment specifically on the feasibility of the applicant’s project in terms of resources available in the country of application, linguistic preparation of the applicant to carry out the proposed project, and the candidate’s knowledge of and ability to adapt to the cultural environment in which they will find themselves. They are free to comment on any other factors that they believe may have a bearing on the applicant’s successful overseas experience. They should also indicate their judgment as to the merit or validity of the project itself. For arts candidates, letter writers should discuss the applicant’s potential for professional growth.

2. Applicants should not use reference letters from university placement services for their Fulbright applications since Fulbright recommendation writers must address the specific issues that we ask about on our Letter of Recommendation form. These issues are specific to the goals of the Fulbright program and reference letters that address them will be more beneficial to an application. Letters from a service will be general and will not be an asset to an application.

3. Applicants may request that their referees submit the letter of reference electronically. In the online application, go to Step 5: References/Report. From there, you can register up to three referees and up to two Foreign Language Evaluators. Once registered, the referee/evaluator will receive an email with login and form completion instructions. Be sure to:

a) Let your referees/evaluator(s) know in advance that you are requesting an electronic reference/report.

b) Provide them with a copy or summary of your Proposal.

c) Remind them that they need to print out the PDF version of the reference/evaluation, sign it, and give it to you in a sealed envelope. Once the referee/evaluator submits the letter electronically, they can still access it to print it out, but they cannot edit it.

4. In general, as stated above, it is best to ask for references from people who have knowledge of your field of study, project and host country. However, some applicants may find it difficult to obtain all three letters of recommendation from people who can fulfill these guidelines. It may not always be possible to include references from professors or other field specialists. You will need to use your best judgment as to who can provide the most relevant reference for your application. These letters can come from supervisors or employers. We recommend trying to obtain as many letters as possible from people who meet our guidelines, but you can submit a reference letter from anyone that you wish.

Language Evaluation

1. One of the biggest myths about the Fulbright program is that applicants must be proficient in the host country’s language to even consider applying to a particular country. Although, language proficiency may be a factor in competitiveness, it does not mean that a candidate is ineligible to apply. In general, an applicant should have the necessary language skills to complete the project that they design using whatever language skills they have. Therefore, the onus is on the applicant to design their projects so that they are feasible.

2. If English is not the official language of the country to which you are applying, then you must submit the Foreign Language Evaluation form, even if English is an acceptable substitute. This is true even if:

a) You have no language skills in the host country's official language.

b) Your project does not require that you use (speak, read, or write) the host country language.

If you have absolutely no language skills in the host country language, then you may indicate this on the Language Evaluation Form and attach a statement outlining what you will do over the course of the next year to obtain a hospitality/survival level of the host country’s language. You would not, in this case, need to have your language skills evaluated. The Fulbright program is a mutual understanding program, so learning some of the language before going shows a commitment to the cultural exchange aspect of the program and demonstrates your sincere interest in learning about the host culture. Those applicants who have some knowledge of the host language are advised to have their skill level evaluated, even if they do not need the language for the project.

3. Foreign language evaluations should come from an instructor in the language. For widely spoken languages (i.e., Spanish, French, German, etc.) there really is no reason why any candidate cannot find a language teacher to evaluate them. However, for less commonly taught languages, it is fine for applicants to have an evaluation done by a native speaker of this language. If possible, we would recommend obtaining an evaluation from a native speaker who is also a college professor, but, if that is not feasible then any native speaker, except a family member, may complete the form. Some recommendations for finding a native speaker include: host country’s embassy, cultural center, international students/faculty.

4. Some projects require an applicant to have knowledge of more than one foreign language. In this circumstance, it is required that you submit a language evaluation for each of the languages that you will need for your project.

5. Creative and Performing Arts candidates, and those proposing projects in the hard sciences, often do not need to speak the host language for their projects. In general, the language expectations for these candidates are more relaxed than for academic projects. However, given the cultural understanding aspect of this program, we recommend that these candidates make an effort to learn at least a hospitality level of the host language before taking up the grant.

Critical Language Enhancement Award

The Critical Language Enhancement Award, sponsored by the Department of State is a supplement to the Fulbright Program and is open to students who have been awarded a Fulbright U.S. student grant and must use one of the eligible languages for their Fulbright project. Application for a Critical Language Enhancement Award is made in conjunction with the Fulbright Program application.

The purpose of the Critical Language Enhancement Award is to cultivate language learning prior to and during the Fulbright grant period and beyond. Ultimately, critical language enhancement awardees will achieve a high level of proficiency in a targeted language and will go on to careers or further study which will incorporate the use of this and/or related languages.

In 2009-10, up to 150 Critical Language Enhancement Awards will be available for grantees to pursue in-country training for between three and six months.

The Critical Language Enhancement Award is part of the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI), designed to dramatically increase the number of Americans learning critical need foreign languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, Farsi, and others through new and expanded programs from kindergarten through university and into the workforce. Foreign language skills are essential to engaging foreign governments and peoples, especially in critical world regions, to encourage reform, promote understanding and convey respect for other cultures. The NSLI initiative is a coordinated federal government effort that includes the Department of State, Department of Education, Department of Defense, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

The languages available for the Critical Language Enhancement Award are: Arabic, Azeri, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin only), Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Marathi, Pashto, Punjabi, Russian, Tajik, Turkish, Urdu, and Uzbek. For full of details of the award, please see Critical Language Enhancement Award.

Requesting Letters of Recommendation

Frequently, students are not aware of the conventions they should adhere to when asking for a letter of recommendation, and they approach faculty members either too nervously or in too pushy a manner. To be sure you are approaching the process professionally, follow these seven principles:

1. Think Through the Application Process First

Before you approach anyone for a letter of reference, identify the number of people that you will need and the type of materials that you have to prepare. Many references will expect you to know this before they agree to write a letter.

2. Use the Application Materials to Help You Choose Letter Writers

Application materials are your best ally in choosing the best letter writers. Some applications, for instance, encourage you to choose individuals who can speak to your teaching ability or character rather than those with the highest stature. Take this advice seriously and follow it, seeking a best fit rather than a big name.

3. Choose People Who Know You Well and Help Them to Know You Better

Avoid abruptly asking someone for a recommendation letter after class, in the hallway, or via e-mail. Instead, make an appointment to discuss your needs. Offer the letter writer any materials that might help him or her write a more detailed letter, such as your resume or a draft of a research proposal that you prepared.

4. Respect a “No”

If someone you ask for a letter seems to be saying “no” to you, seek someone else. The person may be too busy or may not write you a positive letter.

5. Waive Your Access Rights and Invite the Letter Writer to Discuss Your Grades

On an application form, you will usually be asked if you wish to waive, ­i.e., give up ­your right to see the letter of reference. Do so. The letter writer will then be more comfortable and probably more genuine too, and the selection committee will expect and respect this. Also, invite the professor to discuss your grades, either to applaud them or to help explain any inconsistencies.

6. Provide the Letter Writer with a Deadline and a Stamped Addressed Envelope

Be sure you know to whom the letter is to be addressed, and give the writer a stamped addressed envelope to mail it in. Provide an exact deadline for the letter’s completion and gently remind the letter writer of it later, if necessary.

The above is adapted from Joe Schall's Writing Recommendation Letters: A Faculty Handbook, with the author's permission. Questions and detailed ordering information requests can be directed to Joe Schall (schall@ems.psu.edu).