Fulbright U.S. Student Program Accepting Applications for 2021-2022
- Apr 24, 2020
- Jenan Taha
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the nation’s leading international exchange program for graduates and young professionals, is accepting applications for the 2021-2022 academic year. The program has awarded thousands of grants to students and alumni across the country each year to conduct research, study or teach English abroad in over 140 countries, providing them with the international experience and cross-cultural engagement skills to become leaders in their fields.
Funded by the U.S. State Department, Fulbright offers emerging American leaders unmatched global opportunities as part of an effort to build lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The University of Texas at Austin has been recognized as a top producer of Fulbright U.S. students for 11 consecutive years, with over 320 UT Fulbright recipients receiving more than $8 million to teach, research and study worldwide.
The program offers several types of awards open to any major or profession. Fulbright also provides scholarships and benefits to recipients, covering round-trip transportation to the host country, as well as room, board and healthcare.
2019-2020 Fulbright recipient Mariana Sabino-Salazar, a UT doctoral student in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, says the award will allow her to further immerse herself in Brazilian language and culture.
“I am an immigrant who was born in a country where opportunities to develop good ideas were scarce,” she said. “The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is a great opportunity to work alongside prominent scholars in the best international institutions while still being enrolled in a U.S. university. It is also an amazing recognition that I never imagined I would receive.”
In partnership with the Federal University of São Carlos, her work will focus on stereotypical representations of Romani communities in Brazilian literature and film, and will involve film presentations, discussions and workshops within various communities.
She says international opportunities like Fulbright are vital in her personal growth and career trajectory and hopes to bridge more connections between UT Austin and partners in Latin America in the future.
“I believe there is a kind of wisdom that can only be gained by leaving the [place] you know behind,” Sabino-Salazar said. “It is also a great opportunity to learn a new language and network. Many organizations and companies demand consultants who specialize in intercultural communication. The Fulbright grant is a jumping point for a career of engagement with Brazil.”
Fulbright awardee Mariana Sabino-Salazar
UT students and recent alumni interested in applying to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program can attend virtual information sessions to connect with Fulbright advisors and alumni for application guidance, country selection and more. Applicants can also strengthen their personal statements and proposals by participating in one of several online writing workshops. Dates for information sessions and writing workshops are listed below.
Virtual Information Sessions:
- Monday, April 27, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, April 29, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 5, 11:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.
- Last Call: Tuesday, May 26, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
English Teaching Assistant Grant Writing Workshops:
- Wednesday, April 29, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Monday, May 4, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Research/Study Grant Writing Workshops:
- Friday, May 1, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 6, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
To apply to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, students must be U.S. citizens and hold a bachelor’s degree (or the equivalent) by the beginning of the grant period. Early career professionals in a range of fields, including artists, are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Students currently enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin should contact the campus Fulbright Program Advisor at fulbright@austin.utexas.edu and visit the Fulbright U.S. Student Program web page for more information. The UT campus deadline to apply is Sept. 4, 2020.
