Faculty need funding and support to achieve their international research goals. The
Office for International Scholars coordinates aspects of the Fulbright Program and may help identify other funding sources available through organizations such
as World Learning Services and Rotary International.
Designed to increase mutual understanding between people of the United States and
people of other countries, theFulbright Programis the United States government's flagship international exchange program.
Our office coordinates information to assist UofSC departments host individuals from
abroad on the Fulbright Visiting Scholars Program and provides information on the
Fulbright Program for American Scholars. We work closely with the UofSC office for
National Fellowships and Scholar Programs assisting US students apply for a Fulbright grant, with International Student Services handling foreign students on a Fulbright grant at UofSC, and with the South Carolina Fulbright Association.
World Learning Services accepts applications year-round from American academics and professionals who are
US citizens with significant experience in an academic field sought by the Fulbright
Specialist Program, (see eligibility criteria including eligible fields). The award length is 14 – 42 days with the possibility
of multiple visits over a 3-year period depending upon the project. Two strong letters
of reference must accompany your application. Click below for information on how
to become a Fulbright Specialist.
Applications for the Fulbright Specialist Roster are evaluated every 8 weeks. We hope
you will consider how you can contribute your skill set to enhance the Fulbright goal
of mutual understanding through academic exchange.
TheCore Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program is accepting applications from American academics and professionals. There will be
numerous teaching and research awards available in more than 125 countries to be completed
in the 2022-2023 academic year. Applications must be complete by September 16, 2021.
Check theCatalog of Awardsto review the many award offerings. Eligibility criteria, application guidelines,
review criteria, as well as other resources are available on the IIE/CIES Fulbright website. There are also webinarsin a range of topics throughout the application season.
We hope you will consider how you can contribute your skill set to enhance the Fulbright
goal of mutual understanding through academic exchange. Good luck!
Based on your field of expertise and rank in the discipline, determine the primary
purpose for your application; (i.e., research related to sabbatical; to internationalize
your program; to engage with other countries where your area of specialized expertise
may be needed.)
How long can you reasonably be gone from your position? (Two weeks, two months, a
semester, or a full academic year). Note: Two week, multi-year grants are available
in the Fulbright Specialist Program whereas Fulbright Flex Awards allow multiple short-term stays over a 1 – 2 year period under the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.
Consider thought leaders/colleagues in your field based at institutions abroad, individuals
with whom you may have interacted at an international conference or symposium. Having
a contact in-country may strengthen your application.
If your research mandates a particular geographic region or type of geography (such
as coastal areas for marine science), screen by country and discipline.
Using the IIE/CIES awards link,select your discipline and the country of choice to determine if there is a grant
that may meet your needs.
Register to receive exclusive updates, application tips and information related to
specific countries atMy Fulbright.
You are limited to one application per year under the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program
administered by IIE/CIES.
However, the Fulbright Specialist Program is administered by a different organization, World Learning Services. Therefore,
you may apply for the Fulbright Specialist Roster in the same year you apply for a
U.S. Scholar Program grant.
For sabbatical leave, a UofSC faculty member should apply for a research-focused Fulbright
grant. Check the program award criteria carefully as research awards may require host
country language skills.
Consult with your department chair (and dean’s office as required) concerning leave
if needed.
Obtain an Approved Travel Authorization in PeopleSoft.
Consult with USC Benefits Office to ascertain what insurance benefits will be available to you during your leave and
whether or not there will be a cost to you to maintain it.
US Passport Best practice is a US passport valid at least 6 months beyond the ending date of the
grant. Allow adequate processing time to obtain or renew US passport and travel visa to host Fulbright country if needed. Visit embassy or consulate of
target Fulbright country to ascertain visa requirements which should also be provided
by your Fulbright Program Advisor.
Health Issues Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes medical evacuation and repatriation
coverage for you and any accompanying family members.
Tax Issues Your grant may be taxed as income. Consult with your tax advisor on possible consequences,
deductions and records/receipts you should retain.
Dependents If school-aged children will accompany you, research host country school year schedule
and matriculation requirements. (A private school option may be necessary in the host
country, the cost for which will need to be covered by the grantee).
Will research be mutually beneficial to my program/UofSC as well as the visiting scholar?
As a Faculty Associate am I able and willing to provide arrival support and be physically
present throughout the proposed grant period?
NOTE: Department is responsible for completing documents and background check necessary
to establish Visiting Fulbright Scholar as a University Affiliate. (OIS can provide
a template for a Fulbright application support letter, assist with completion of the
formal Fulbright Institutional Reply Form, provide the Fulbright scholar an arrival
orientation session and assistance in securing a UofSC ID card).
Dr. Addis Kidane (Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering) has been awarded
a Fulbright Grant to teach and conduct research at Addis Ababa Institute of Technology
in Ethiopia for the academic year beginning September 2019. He will conduct research
to ‘understand the damage in composites at the microstructural level’ and to teach
Fracture and Experimental Mechanics.
Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.