FAQ about Fulbright at Texas State

Fulbright has noticed that it takes the average scholar about 3-5 years to prepare themselves for living, researching, and lecturing abroad for an academic year. But if you are ready now then the next deadline is August 1!  Go for it!

That is the first step: choose your country and then investigate the awards. If you are unsure, think about where you would like to research and lecture. The Global FLEX program offers visits to multiple countries.  For the Core Scholar Program, it is often said that the developing countries lend themselves to some of the most rewarding immersion experiences. 

The Core Scholar Program is typically 10-11 months. The Specialist Program is six weeks that can be separated into two visits. The FLEX program offers variations on the Core Scholar program and is great for those who cannot be away for a long time. It is also possible in some cases to extend a Fulbright award for another term or year.

Absolutely! In fact, working at Texas State allows a part-time faculty member (as well as all other faculty members) the terrific benefit of 50 percent salary while abroad. Investigate Texas State’s Academic Affairs PPS 7.17 so that you know the details of this very supportive policy.

Depends on which program and to which country you apply. English-speaking countries are more competitive. Countries in which there are new awards, or developing countries tend to have fewer applications, but it varies from year to year.

Well, it depends. Each award is slightly different, but many ask for a terminal degree. If you have a terminal degree, or an equivalency in experience to a doctorate, then you need to state that in your narrative/project statement. Make a strong case for yourself.

Though you have to craft this work of beauty all on on your own, you do have colleagues on a proposal reading committee that will be happy to offer suggestions. All of them are former Fulbrighters and many have served on the Fulbright Peer Review Committee. 

At Texas State you don’t have to use your developmental leave. In fact, it’s preferred  that you don’t use it.  Save it for before or after. 

Only some Fulbright Scholar awards require fluency in a foreign language. Most grants - especially lecturing grants - require English, although research awards may require knowledge of the host country language. Francophone Africa, however, generally requires French, and Latin American countries usually require Spanish or Portuguese.

Fulbright Scholar benefits often include maintenance and travel funds for accompanying dependents. In some parts of the world, a tuition allowance is available for the education of accompanying school-age children. Elementary aged children are ideal for a Fulbright experience. A Fulbright grant can provide unparalleled opportunities for the whole family, including spouses and life partners. Individual cases can be discussed with the program officer of the region for which you are applying.

Many faculty rent out their fully furnished house and make money on it while they are abroad. There are several websites that lend themselves specifically to this activity. 

There are no hard and fast rules about pets, but it is preferable that pets stay in the United States with an acquaintance. If that is not possible, you can consult the program officer and your vet about the possibility.  Remember there are some places that don’t welcome animals as we do here in the U.S.

If you currently have health care coverage through Texas State then this will continue while you are overseas.  Depending on where you travel you might also consider purchasing Medevac Insurance in case of emergency. It is relatively inexpensive.

The Core Scholar Program covers international school tuition for your children. Usually these schools are very good. If the price tag exceeds the allotment, just tell the program officer. If home schooling is your preference Fulbright will also cover that curriculum.