Fulbright in the World
Fulbright creates connections in a complex and changing world, offering programs for passionate and accomplished students, scholars, artists, teachers, and professionals of all backgrounds. These Fulbrighters enrich their educations, advance their careers—and make meaningful contributions abroad and at home. Upon returning to their home countries, institutions, or classrooms, they share their stories and often continue the work they started abroad—and join thousands of alumni serving as leaders across the globe.
For more than 77 years, we’ve believed that by living and learning together with people of different cultures we can shape a more positive vision of our communities and our world. Our mission is vital: to forge lasting connections, counter misunderstandings, and help people and nations work together toward common goals.
America’s flagship international exchange program, Fulbright is managed globally in collaboration with 49 unique binational Fulbright Commissions and 110+ U.S. embassies. Through our unique international educational and cultural exchange programs, Fulbright’s diverse and dynamic network of scholars, alumni, and globe partners fosters mutual understanding between the United States and partner nations, shares knowledge across communities, and improves lives around the world.
One connection at a time, Fulbright brings people closer together and moves nations closer to a more peaceful world.
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The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by former Senator from the state of Arkansas, J. William Fulbright.
Senator Fulbright’s vision was to use the military surplus of World War II to fund international educational and cultural exchanges for students and scholars.
The Fulbright Act of 1946, signed by President Harry Truman, established the Fulbright Program worldwide. In 1961 the Fulbright-Hays Act was signed by President John F. Kennedy.
The Fulbright Program is implemented under policies and guidelines established by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, which consists of 12 members appointed by the President of the United States.
The Fulbright Program is administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. State Department, with the assistance of Binational Commissions and Foundations, in 49 countries and through the US Embassies services around the world, in a total of more than 160 countries.
Day-to-day management of the program is provided by the Institute of International Education (IIE)
an agency that assists Fulbright Commissions and U.S. Embassies in the administration of the Fulbright Student and Scholar Programs.