FULBRIGHT AWARDS

Your Fulbright Year

As an American Fulbright Scholar, you will be invited to participate in a wide range of exciting events, and benefit from a variety of additional opportunities while you are in the UK. The Fulbright Commission works hard to open doors for its scholars and below is just a taster of what is typically on offer each year.

Preparing for Your Move
In the run-up to your arrival, Commission and host institution staff will be available to assist you with your relocation plans. The Commission offers help in opening a UK bank account up to six weeks before you arrive ensuring you hit the ground running.

Arrival Orientation
At the end of every summer we invite all American Fulbright Scholars in the UK to participate in a three-day arrival Orientation in London aimed at providing practical information and tips for their time as a student, researcher or lecturer here. ‘Nuts and bolts’ sessions on grant administration are complimented by interactive meetings on culture shock, upcoming events and alumni opportunities. Ultimately, the entire 72 hours are meant for scholars to ask questions and to get to know one another. A formal welcome reception, co-sponsored by the BFSA, caps off Orientation each year.

Institutional Memberships and Additional Opportunities
The Commission maintains strong relationships with many organizations throughout the UK and as a result Fulbright Scholars will have access to a number of facilities and events. American Fulbright Scholars receive free institutional memberships with: The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce (RSA), and The English-Speaking Union (ESU) and get involved in the outstanding events run by Common Purpose and the Institute of Ideas Debating Matters competition. In addition, London-based scholars may wish to apply for housing at the prestigious Goodenough College, or temporarily stay at the Goodenough Club, both within a three-minute walk of Fulbright House.

Your Fulbright Twin
By early summer, most scholars are paired a soon-to-depart British counterpart and sent an introductory email. Throughout the year, both are encouraged to exchange emails, asking practical questions or offering recommendations. Your Fulbright Twin can be a close confident, a professional pen pal, or the happy recipient of an infrequent friendly hello – the relationship is what you make of it.

Fulbright Forum
Scholars in Scotland for Forum 09Every January, all American Fulbright Scholars in the UK are invited to attend the Commission’s week-long cultural program. The first two days will take place in London with several sessions typically taking place at the Houses of Parliament, and the remaining three days will take place elsewhere (in 2009 the group travelled to Edinburgh and Glasgow). One of the highlights each year is the BFSA Panel Debate and Reception. Many Scholars describe Forum as the most memorable and enriching experience of their entire time in the UK. Not to be missed!

Interim and Final Reports
The Commission requires reports from all grantees, most of which can be completed online. Postgraduate Student Scholars will complete an interim report by the end of February and a final report by the end of July; Scholars, Fellows, and Chairs will complete only a final report. Special Programs participants will usually complete an evaluation form. Criminal Justice and Police Research reports will be permanently stored at the British National Police Library for the good of the wider community. All reports and evaluations help us account for the spending of UK and US government funds, and ensure quality control.

Annual Seminar in Berlin
For many years, the Fulbright Commission in Berlin has arranged a mid-year Seminar enabling American Fulbright Scholars from across Europe to get together, share their experiences, and discuss the achievements and problems they have encountered. The Seminar also allows the chance to experience the old and new Berlin. A variety of events, lectures, and discussions will focus on political, economic, and cultural topics and a special music gala with Fulbright musicians marks another highlight. Participation is optional and attendance is not covered by the US-UK Fulbright Commission.

Optional Cultural Events Series
Throughout the time you are in the UK, the Commission will let you know about additional events and activities you might be interested in, and bring your attention to local holidays and traditions so that you can get involved and experience as much as possible first-hand.  The Commission will also facilitate a number of optional events that you may choose to participate in.  These may be informal gatherings and meet-ups or more organized trips.

Volunteering and Outreach
The Commission's staff attends fairs and other outreach activities around the UK. To participate in these, please frequently check the Fulbright Calendar. To register your interest, please email us.

BFSA Mentor and Events
Prior to arrival and during the whole of an American scholar’s experience their BFSA Mentor is there to help.  BFSA Mentors welcome American Fulbright Scholars to the UK, providing hospitality and support during their stay. In addition, the BFSA arranges a number of gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and a concert and farewell garden party each spring.

Fulbright End-cap Events
Towards the end of the academic year, all remaining US Fulbright Scholars in the UK are invited to attend the Fulbright End-cap Weekend. Each year the group will visit cities and regions that they have not yet had the chance to see. In 2009 the group enjoyed a variety of sessions in and around Swansea, Wales. End-cap 2010 will take place in Scotland.

Fulbright Association
Your alumni organization, the Fulbright Association, has developed an international network enabling all Fulbright scholars to remain in contact and involved in the Fulbright Program after their initial project has ended. Remaining active with the Association continues to offer opportunities to you, and allows you the chance to ‘give back’ by assisting visiting British scholars through the many local capters.

Please note: depending on the award or programme category and the project start date, not all opportunities detailed above may be offered. In addition, the Commission does not endorse any particular product, university or service.