THE FULBRIGHT PROGRAM

The Fulbright program of international exchange has inspired one of the largest movements of scholars across the globe in the six decades of its existence. Based on the unique vision of the late Senator Fulbright, the program seeks to promote mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States of America and other nations by a wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents through educational contacts.

More than 250,000 individuals from 140 countries have had the benefit of the "Fulbright Experience", forming a powerful community of peace and international understanding around the world. Many of them have returned to their countries to become prime ministers, cabinet ministers, diplomats, leading editors and intellectual leaders. Among the outstanding personalities of our time who have become icons of the programs success are economist Milton Friedman, politician Daniel Patrick Moynihan, authors Eudora Welty and John Updike. From India alone, there have been many outstanding scholars, administrators, educators and artists who have taken important positions after their Fulbright sojourn.

The J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, a presidentially appointed independent body, sets policies and procedures and makes the final selection of all Fulbright participants.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the Department of State is the principal administrator of the Fulbright program. It is assisted by the Public Affairs Offices in the U.S. Embassies abroad, by Fulbright binational commissions in some 50 countries, and by private cooperating agencies.