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LETTERS
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Q &A: Country Questions Answered
by Publicity and Program Managers
East Asia & Pacific Area
Q 1: I have a question specifically regarding affiliation for students intending study in China - the Fulbright website specifies that students will receive affiliation FOLLOWING selection. Are students therefore not required to specify in their applications an institution or university with which they would like to be affiliated, but rather a more generalized program of study? I am particularly interested in graduating undergraduate senior applicants. Thank you for your assistance.
A: Applicants to China should try to identify their preferred institution of affiliation and indicate the choice in their project proposals (although it is not required, it does help the application). If possible, each applicant should try to obtain a letter of support from the professor or advisor with whom he or she seeks to work. When an applicant receives a Fulbright Award to China, IIE and the U.S. Embassy in Beijing will work together to formalize the affiliation arrangement.
Q 2: I am applying for a Fulbright to the University of Melbourne, Australia for a project in Gender Studies. The program is for two years, and their academic year begins in February, so I would be beginning in Feb. 2005. Would I still be eligible to receive a Fulbright under these special circumstances--beginning earlier than normal?
A: You are not eligible for the Fulbright Award if you are planning to begin the project in February 2005.
Q 3: I am a U.S. citizen born abroad in the Philippines, a country that recognizes dual citizenship. And, the country where I would like to conduct my research. Although, I was born abroad, I believe I am not qualified for dual-citizenship. In any event, with having the notion of possibly being eligible for dual-citizenship disqualify me to study in the Philippines?
A: If you are a U.S. citizen, you are eligible to apply for a Fulbright U.S. Student Award.
Q 4: I am formulating my study plan around Film/Media Studies in New Zealand. I want to earn a master's in this field by creating a thesis project. Here's the tentative outline: study how the medium promotes community and civic involvement (comparatively between the US and NZ), write an abbreviated thesis, and create an accompanying documentary. Should I apply in the Creative and Performing Arts category? (I have significant production experience and could submit a demo reel.) Considering the country and the idea, in which category will my application be more competitive?
A: Your competitiveness completely depends on your skill set. If you apply in filmmaking then you will be screened by a committee of filmmakers who will be judging you first and foremost on your skills with the camera. You have to judge for yourself which Field of Study is more appropriate for you.
Q 5: My question is regarding when a potentional Fulbright would be dispersed. Because the Thai semester begins in June, for the 2005-2006 year, would the fellowship be dispersed in June of 2005 and run through the following academic year?
A: Fulbright grants do not have to correspond exactly to the academic year in the host country. June 2005 is too early for a Fulbright grant to begin, and you should adjust your research proposal accordingly, depending on your academic needs.
Q 6: The previous newsletter stated that an undergraduate study abroad experience does not having any effect on a Fulbright application to that same country. Is this still true for India, where the country description states that preference is given to candidates who have not visited in the last 3 years?
A: You'll need to go with the information given in the India country summary. Do keep in mind, though, that this is only a preference factor-which means that you would not automatically be disqualified if you've been to India in the past three years. In short, you should not let this dissuade you from applying if this is what you want to do.
Q 7: I am applying for a Fulbright grant to begin graduate study in the U.K. (first year of a two-year program). My father and several of my half-siblings live in the U.K., though I have never spent more than 3 months there. Would it be helpful, hindering, or indifferent to mention in my application that I have family in the country to which I am applying?
A: This fact will not be a disadvantage to your application, but you should mention it in the section that asks about your international travel experience. It will explain why you have had frequent short-term visits to the UK.
Q 8: I would like to study environmental engineering issues in Poland, but noticed most of the past Fulbright recipients there have been related to arts and social issues. Are science projects harder to place? What steps should I take increase my chances of being able to study there?
A: Science projects are absolutely welcome to Poland. It is true that most of the past projects have involved the humanities and history, but this just means that we haven't received many applications in other fields (not that there is any prejudice against the sciences). To strengthen your application I can recommend two things. 1. Begin learning Polish if you don't know it already to show that you are also interested in the culture and society of Poland. 2. Find a host institution/supervisor in Poland supportive of your project and ask that they write a letter of support to include in your application.
Q 9: In the description for the TA grant in Hungary it states that TAs will be "teaching six 90 minute classes a week". Does this mean that TAs will be expected to develop six classes, complete with reading lists or are they expected to assistant teach these six classes?
A: They are expected to assist in the teaching of these six classes as conversational coaches. Although, some lesson planning may be necessary as well.
Q 10: I'm not clear on what type of research proposal I should develop to accompany a proposal for an English Teaching Assistantship in Argentina. Does it have to be a research project about education, or can it be about anything? Also, do I need to establish university contacts for my project ahead of time?
A: Research topic can be about anything. ETA's are placed at universities by the Fulbright program.
Q 11: If I'm applying to a country in the Southern Hemisphere and will be affiliated with a university is it possible to start in their second semester, and finish in their first (assuming this is approved by the University)?
A: Yes, if it is approved by the host university, then you may start in the second semester. However, be aware that most grants are 8-10 months in duration, so you will not be able to complete more than one semester under the auspices of the Fulbright grant.
Q 12: I am a US citizen who grew up in Europe, attended a US University (undergraduate studies) and then joined the Peace Corps/ El Salvador. I want to do research in Argentina and Brazil. Can I apply for the Fulbright grant opportunities? Am I at a disadvantage due to my already vast international experience? Thank you for your response.
A: Of course you can. Prior experience refers to experience in the host country, not international experience.
Q 13: My project will address the relationship between public health and indigenous cultures in Panama. I've found that the University of Panama would be a great academic affiliate institution for my project. Do I have to apply there simultaneously? What sort of written support would I need from them? I already have support from an NGO in Panama but since I'm graduating in May I was looking for an academic institution to affiliate with.
A: During the application stage, you need to contact the appropriate academic department and discuss your research/study interest to determine their interest in having you as a student. A letter of support could include a statement of departmental interest in your project, a statement indicating access to research materials and facilities, a statement outlining mentoring or supervisory support, a statement indicating appropriate coursework, and so on. These are individualized depending on the nature of the relationship that the applicant is seeking with the affiliate.
Q 14: Panama's academic year is from March until December. I don't graduate until May. Is it possible (assuming approval of the University there) to start in their second semester in August and finish the following June after their official 'first semester'?
A: If the university concurs, then yes you may begin in August. However, Fulbright grants to Panama are for 10 months and you may have to fund yourself for several weeks at the end of the first semester.
Q 15: I am applying for my Research Project in Trinidad and Tobago, but I noticed that there was no specific number of openings for that country. Does this mean there is only one or does it mean that the number of openings has not been determined?
A: All Central America and the Caribbean form a regional grant program. This means that there are designated number of dollars to be allocated among recommended applicants to the region. There are no country quotas; the strongest applications from the regional pool are selected. Having said that, each country is generally allocated at least one grant.
Q 16: Are students allowed to apply for more than one program? For instance, I'm interested in the Mercosur multi-country program. However, I would also like to apply to study in Argentina.
A: No, you must select one and only one program to which to apply.
[PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION]
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Guidance Sessions For Students
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The U.S. Student Program holds guidance sessions for candidates interested in applying for a Fulbright grant. Below are session schedules. For more information . |
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Aug. 11 |
1 ñ 3 PM Eastern Time |
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Sept. 22 |
1 ñ 3 PM Eastern Time
6 ñ 8 PM Eastern Time |
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Have a Question about Fulbright Application?
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This Newsletter aims to help you throughout the Fulbright application process. Each issue will be sent to your email account every two weeks until the application deadlineóOct. 21st. |
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