What Are Fulbright Programs?
"The Fulbright Program, the flagship international academic exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, has fostered mutual understanding between the United States and other countries since 1946. The program provides awards to approximately 8,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals each year from the United States and 160 countries." — Bureau of Educational And Cultural Affairs
In 1946, following the end of World War II, Senator J. William Fulbright introduced The Fulbright Program that was successfully passed through legislation. Operating through the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Fulbright grants are available to scholars and students alike in numerous countries. Selected recipients can anticipate several award benefits such as round-trip airfare, a monthly living stipend, and accident and sickness benefits/insurance. After completing one's Fulbright award, recipients are thereafter recognized as esteemed Fulbright alumna/us also known as "Fulbrighters" with various federal government opportunities.
The two main Fulbright Programs available to students, staff, and faculty at CSUB are the U.S. Fulbright Student Programs and the U.S. Fulbright Scholars Programs, respectively.
Fulbright By The Numbers
Upcoming Webinar! August 11, 2:00-3:00 PM ET!
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program is hosting an Application Writing Clinic for the 2027-2028 Competition. Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards give opportunities to U.S. citizens to teach, research and carry out professional projects around the world!
Register for Fulbright's Application Writing Clinic for the U.S. Scholar 2027-2028 Competition that will be held August 11, 2:00-3:00 PM ET. U.S. citizen attendees will meet members of the selection team, learn about the review criteria and committees, unpack application components, and hear tips on writing specifically for the Fulbright application.
U.S. Scholar applications are due to Fulbright by September 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.
U.S. Fulbright Student Programs
The U.S. Fulbright Student Program is a U.S. Department of State funded program that provides academic and professional advancement opportunities abroad to U.S. applicants. Administered through the Institute of International Education (IIE), there are two types of Fulbright awards: the English Teaching Assistant award and the Open Study/Research award.
Information from the U.S. Fulbright Program website:
"In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.
During their grants, Fulbrighters will meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences. The program facilitates cultural exchange through direct interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home, and in routine tasks, allowing the grantee to gain an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things, and the way they think. Through engagement in the community, individuals will interact with their hosts on a one-to-one basis in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity, and intellectual freedom, thereby promoting mutual understanding."
Learn more about the U.S. Fulbright Student Program.
A Look at Fulbright Student Programs
English Teaching Assistant Programs
The English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Programs place Fulbrighters in classrooms abroad to provide assistance to the local English teachers. ETAs help teach English language while serving as cultural ambassadors for the U.S. The age and academic level of the students varies by country, ranging from kindergarten to university level. Applicants for ETA Programs can apply to only one country.
Fulbright offers an extensive amount of ETA awards in various regions/countries.
| Regions | Countries |
|---|---|
| East Asia-Pacific | Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam |
| Europe | Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey (Türkiye), Ukraine |
| Middle East & North Africa | Algeria, Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Palestinian Territories (West Bank), Saudi Arabia |
| South & Central Asia | Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia |
| Western Hemisphere | Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay |
The amount of ETA grants per country differs (ex: 80 grants for South Korea, 6 grants for Belgium) and there are additional factors that fluctuate, such as:
- Placement Type (primary/elementary schools, secondary/middle schools, university level, vocational/technical schools, other educational/community institutions, or a combination)
- Host Placements (regional cities, capital city, rural areas, or a combination)
- Teaching Commitment per Week (anywhere between 10-38 hours per week; ETA average 20-25 hours)
- Host Country Language Requirements (none required, novice recommended, intermediate recommended, advanced recommended, intermediate required, and advanced required)
To learn more about the specific factors, expectations, and requirements for your country of interest, please visit Fulbright's English Teaching Assistant Programs award search.