FULBRIGHT U.S. STUDENT PROGRAM GRANTS

Guidelines for your Statement of Purpose & Personal Statement

Once you have chosen the country and the type of grant (research or English Teaching Assistantship) for which

you will apply, drafting the two major essays is perhaps the most challenging part of the application process. The

two essays are the Statement of Purpose and the Personal Statement. They should be complementary and,

because they are both very short, you should avoid repeating yourself in them. There are several general factors

arts projects or ETAs one year but not the next.

2. What are the language requirements (if any) for the host country and will it help you learn on site or are you

expected to reach that level of fluency in advance?

3. Are you expected to work independently or in conjunction with an institution? Will you be placed in such an

institution or are you expected to identify it on your own?

Find a Mentor

Early on, find a faculty mentor who can help you develop your ideas – preferably one who knows your proposed

host country and/or your academic field. You are asking this faculty member to spend many hours over several

months assisting you, so choose someone with whom you know you can work comfortably and candidly, and

the United States and the host country. If your study interests have potentially controversial content, find an

optimistic, constructive, respectful, solutions-based way to address those issues. The Fulbright Committees in this

country and abroad will need to believe that you understand points of sensitivity and national dignity in the host

country. You will be representing the United States during your year of study, and you will be a life-long friend

and advocate of the host country when you return home and launch your career. Your statement must project a

genuinely friendly interest in the country where you will be a guest.

Be Honest!

Finally, present yourself honestly. The reviewers will want to see that your skills and past experiences are a

realistic match for your proposal. They are looking for logical coherence between who you are, what you propose

 Clear overview of project goals and how you will conduct your research

 Details and specifics – place, timeline, expected outcomes

 Why is the host country a suitable location? Why can it only be done in the proposed host country?

 Why is this research needed?

 What are the specific research goals and methodologies of your project?

 How feasible is your project in terms of time, resources, and outcomes? Show that the project can be

completed in one academic year and does not required additional funds or access.

 What contribution will the project make toward the Fulbright goal of promoting cultural exchange and mutual

understanding?

 Give the reviewers a picture of you as an individual. Provide evidence of your personal qualities as a diplomat,

self-starter, idealist, etc.

 Outline the trajectory you have followed, what plans you have for the future (professional, academic,

vocational), and how the Fulbright experience will enhance them.

 Describe past experiences that have instilled this interest and prepared you for this experience.

 Explain your interest in and knowledge of the host country.

 How has your background influenced your development and how does that relate to the Fulbright

opportunity?

 Explain your personal history, family background, intellectual development, and the educational, professional,

or cultural opportunities to which you have or have not been exposed. Explain their impact.

ENGLISH TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIP

This essay is similar to that for an academic grant, except that your teaching responsibilities will take up about half

of your time in country, so that the research component should in proportion to the reduced time you will have

for it. Your statement should also address your qualifications as a teacher, your past experience – especially if you

have taught English as a second language before – and your personal philosophy and style of teaching. If you do

not have extensive experience teaching, it is appropriate to emphasize relevant alternative experience:

volunteering, mentoring, tutoring, peer or youth leadership, etc.

As with the academic grant, you should also demonstrate that you are motivated to teach in this specific country,