Educational Exchange

This flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Government is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.  With this goal in mind, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 280,000 participants with the opportunity to exchange ideas and observe each other's cultures and political and economic institutions.  The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, and is administered by the Department of State and the Institute of International Education (IIE).

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The program operates on the principles of autonomy and open competition based on individual merit, without regard to the individual’s institutional affiliation, race, color or creed.  The objective of the grant is to enable the recipient to pursue a particular field of study, and to develop leaders who can contribute to promoting better understanding between the United States and Singapore.  We encourage grantees to participate and engage in non-academic activities within the community in which they are pursuing their studies.  Upon returning to Singapore, Fulbrighters are expected to continue their role in building bridges of understanding, directly or indirectly, between the two countries through their professional and personal activities.

FIELDS OF STUDY

Priority will be given to the social sciences and humanities as they relate to the United States and Singapore.  Within the natural and applied sciences only policy-oriented proposals related to project 3 below will be considered.

1. The United States – study of U.S. society and culture through such fields as history, government, law, literature and the arts, intellectual history, sociology, religious pluralism, and cultural anthropology.
2. Education – study related to the educational systems (all levels) of Singapore and the United States.  A comparative perspective is strongly encouraged.  Areas of study may include, but are not limited to, all aspects of internationalization (institutional, faculty, students), structural and curricular reform, and the role of education in society.
3. Challenges of Contemporary Society – comparative studies of contemporary civil society and social issues in Singapore and the United States.  Subjects of particular interest include risk or crisis management issues, life sciences, environmental pollution, urbanization, gerontology, finite resources, population, labor relations, the family, public law, and criminology.
4. International Relations – study of Pacific Rim issues, such as contemporary political and economic relations among countries in the Asia-Pacific, including Northeast and Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

All awards are subject to budget appropriations from the United States Government.  Grants are for the 2008-2009 academic year (September to May). Graduate study must begin Fall term 2008.  The award includes economy return airfare on an American carrier.

One-Year Graduate Study Grants

For the 2008-09 academic year, only a limited number of partial grants will be available (depending on funding availability).  These are offered for a one-year master’s degree program for individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship - Applicants must be Singapore citizens.
• Leadership potential with exceptional promise and demonstrated involvement in community outreach.
• Evidence of motivation and commitment to graduate study.
• Outstanding academic records and preparation in the chosen field.
• High level of English verbal and written fluency.
• Good health - While no written report is required to apply, a candidate is required to submit a health report and obtain medical clearance before becoming a grantee.
• Three years minimum of work experience.
• Applicants between 30 - 35 years of age at the time of application preferred.

Individuals who are not eligible for a Fulbright grant:

• Individuals who are currently studying, researching or lecturing at American universities.
• Individuals who have been back in Singapore from study or research in the United States or elsewhere for less than four years at the time of application (May 4, 2007).
• Individuals who intend to pursue an internship, residency or research at a U.S. school of medicine or dentistry.
• Individuals who are currently living and/or working in the United States.

Application Procedure and Competition Schedule

Preliminary Application - if you think you meet the above criteria, please mail a copy of your curriculum vitae and a one-page statement of interest in the Fulbright program as it relates to your proposed course of study to the Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy, 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508 or email to singaporefulbright@state.gov.  The deadline for the preliminary application is May 4, 2007.

After preliminary review, applicants who meet basic requirements and whose proposals are relevant to the programs outlined above will be sent detailed Fulbright application materials in June 2007.