Discover Fulbright Opportunities: Buffett Institute for Global Affairs

Home
Programs
Discover Fulbright Opportunities

Discover Fulbright Opportunities

The Fulbright Program provides grants to thousands of students and scholars each year to travel abroad and conduct research, carry out professional projects, study or teach.

Funded by the U.S. government, Fulbright offers international education and cultural exchange programs to foster mutual understanding between U.S. citizens and those of other nations. For 20 years, Northwestern University has been recognized as a top producer of Fulbright student awardees. Additionally, in 2023, a Northwestern graduate student and faculty member received awards under the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.

Northwestern Fulbright Week

Northwestern’s Fulbright Week (April 8–12, 2024) offers faculty, students and staff opportunities to learn about Fulbright grants, make new connections and increase their chances of a successful application. Fulbright Week is organized by the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs and supported by the Office of Fellowships, Office of the Provost and Office of the Vice President for International Relations.


Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) Info Session with Current Fellows Susanna Kemp & Maayan Abouzaglo (Spain) for Northwestern students and alumni Tuesday, April 9 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Online via Zoom	This online information session will focus on the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program. Two recent Northwestern graduates now serving as ETAs, Susanna Kemp and Maayan Abouzaglo, will discuss their experiences applying for the program and teaching in Spain. Amy Kehoe, Northwestern's campus contact for Fulbright ETA applicants, will introduce the session and answer questions. REGISTER
Ask Us Anything: Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program 2025–26 Open Forum for Northwestern faculty Tuesday, April 9 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Online via Zoom	Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards give opportunities to U.S. citizens to teach, research and carry out professional projects around the world. As the Fulbright U.S. Scholar competition is now open, the Institute of International Education (IIE) invites prospective applicants for an open forum that will provide an overview of award options, eligibility requirements and the application process as well as the opportunity to ask questions live to IIE staff. Come prepared with your questions or simply listen along to learn from the conversation. REGISTER
Fulbright Week Opening Reception & Keynote Address for the Northwestern community and general public Tuesday, April 9 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Buffett Institute for Global Affairs 1800 Sherman Avenue, Suite 3-000, Evanston, IL	Join the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs for a reception celebrating Northwestern's Fulbright community and the transformative power of cultural exchange, marking the beginning of Northwestern's Fulbright Week. We are delighted to have as our keynote speaker Dr. Mary Pattillo, Harold Washington Professor of Sociology and Chair of Black Studies at Northwestern University. Welcome & Keynote \| 4:00–4:45 p.m. Projects, People, and Pivots: Fulbright and Personal Growth The Fulbright program is meant to increase knowledge and understanding across cultural and national contexts, but all Fulbright scholars know that we also learn an awful lot about ourselves. Professor Pattillo (Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, Colombia, 2019; Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program, Brazil, 2003) will discuss the insights she gained as her Fulbright project was transformed by the people she met and required many pivots. She will comment on the wonders of globalizing one’s scholarship and the joys and anxieties of shedding one’s professorial expertise to become a student again. Reception \| 4:45–6:00 p.m. Following the keynote, join us for a reception. It will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Fulbright grantees and advocates across campus. REGISTER
Fulbright Study/Research & Arts Awards Information Session for Northwestern students and alumni Wednesday, April 10 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Office of Fellowships 1940 Sheridan Road, Conference Room, Evanston, IL	Interested in Fulbright awards for study/research or the arts? Attend this information session to learn how Fulbright can transform your life and pursuits. The Office of Fellowships will provide an overview of the history of the Fulbright program, the core values that animate the Fulbright competition, the various types of Fulbright awards available and the Northwestern University application process and timeline. ADD TO CALENDAR
Fulbright ETA Info Session with Current Fellow Anor Chen, Cindy Mei & Sonia Peters (Taiwan) for Northwestern students and alumni Wednesday, April 10 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Online via Zoom	This online information session will focus on Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program. Recent Northwestern graduates now serving as ETAs, Anor Chen, Cindy Mei and Sonia Peters, will discuss their experiences applying for the program and teaching in Taiwan. Amy Kehoe, Northwestern's campus contact, will introduce the session and answer questions. REGISTER
Fulbright Visiting Scholar Lecture for the Northwestern community and general public Wednesday, April 10 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be served. School of Education & Social Policy (Annenberg Hall) 2120 Campus Drive, Room G02, Evanston, IL	School curricula are centrally important in framing children’s learning experiences and outcomes. But given how centralized and prescriptive school curricula have been historically, how can we now place greater emphasis on both child and teacher agency, and ensure curricula remain relevant and responsive? What impact and legacy do school systems and school cultures have on contemporary curriculum development and enactment efforts? Join the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs for a lecture from Dr. Tom Walsh, Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Northwestern University and Associate Professor in the Department of Education at Maynooth University in Ireland, on "Teacher and child agency in the elementary school curriculum in Ireland: Policy aspirations, progress and challenges." Dr. Walsh will be joined by his faculty host Dr. James P. Spillane, who will serve as a discussant. Dr. Spillane is Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Professor in Learning and Organizational Change at the Northwestern School of Education and Social Policy. This lecture is co-sponsored by the Northwestern School of Education & Social Policy. REGISTER
Staff Engagement Opportunities with Fulbright for Northwestern staff Wednesday, April 10 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. A reception will follow the program. Office of the Vice President for International Relations 1800 Sherman Avenue, 7th Floor, Room 7-600, Evanston, IL	This panel presentation focuses on opportunities for Northwestern staff members to get involved with the U.S. Fulbright program. Previous awardees of the International Education Administrators Program will share their experience applying to and participating in the program, and the impact of this Fulbright experience on their personal and professional lives. A staff community-building reception will follow the presentation. Northwestern staff members from any university department are welcome. This event is hosted by the Office of the Vice President for International Relations through its One World \ One Northwestern initiative. REGISTER
Fulbright ETA Info Session with Current Fellow Ella Bartt (Mexico) for Northwestern students and alumni Wednesday, April 10 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Online via Zoom	This online information session will focus on Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program. A recent Northwestern graduate now serving as an ETA, Ella Bartt, will discuss her experiences applying for the program and teaching in Mexico. Amy Kehoe, Northwestern's campus contact, will introduce the session and answer questions. REGISTER
Fulbright ETA Info Session with Current Fellow Sophi Pennex (Vietnam) for Northwestern students and alumni Thursday, April 11 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Online via Zoom	This online information session will focus on Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program. A recent Northwestern graduate now serving as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, Sophi Pennex, will discuss her experiences applying for the program and teaching in Vietnam. Amy Kehoe, Northwestern's campus contact, will introduce the session and answer questions. REGISTER
Fulbright U.S. Student Program Group Presentation Session for Northwestern students and alumni Thursday, April 11 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Online via Zoom	Fulbright U.S. Student Program group presentation sessions feature a general presentation from Fulbright staff and alumni ambassadors followed by campus-specific breakout groups. The general presentation will provide an overview of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program’s history, eligibility criteria, award types, award benefits and application components as well as application tips. A breakout group will be led by Amy Kehoe and Stephen Hill from the Office of Fellowships, and provide an overview of Northwestern’s campus resources, deadlines and next steps. REGISTER
Fulbright Application Workshop: Study/Research Awards for Northwestern students and alumni Thursday, April 11 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Office of Fellowships 1940 Sheridan Road, Conference Room, Evanston, IL	Are you interested in pursuing study, research or arts abroad through a Fulbright program? This workshop will provide information on the Fulbright application process at Northwestern, including application components and successful application strategies. You do not need to have a draft of your application essay to attend, but you will benefit most with a clear vision of your research project or desired area of study. Northwestern undergraduate and graduate alumni as well as current students are encouraged to join. ADD TO CALENDAR

Faculty and Administrators

The Buffett Institute serves as the Northwestern's Fulbright Scholar Liaison, facilitating increased participation in the Fulbright Scholar Program via institutional level support and peer-to-peer engagement.

Research and Professional Exchange

Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers over 800 awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world.

The Pre-Application Travel Grant for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offered by the Buffett Institute provides Northwestern faculty members funding to visit international partners and collaborators abroad in advance of applying for a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Award. The 2024 deadline to apply for this grant from Buffett was March 15.

Potential applicants to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program are encouraged to review Fulbright applicant resources. Faculty members may also schedule a meeting with Anahit Gomtsian in Northwestern’s Office of Administration and Planning. 

Fulbright Specialist Program

The Fulbright Specialist Program is an opportunity for U.S. academics and established professionals to engage in two- to six-week project-based exchanges at host institutions across the globe.

Fulbright International Education Administrators Program

The International Education Administrators (IEA) seminars program helps international education professionals and senior higher education officials from the United States create empowering connections with the societal, cultural and higher education systems of other countries.

The Office of the Vice President for International Relations offers One World \ One Northwestern Affinity Groups, which bring together staff members from across the university working in similar areas and facing similar challenges. Affinity groups include a writing circle for grants, conference sessions and articles. Please contact Kim Rapp, Assistant Vice President for International Relations, for more information including assistance with the IEA application.

Hosting International Scholars

Fulbright Visiting Scholars

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program provides grants to approximately 850 foreign scholars from over 100 countries to conduct post-doctoral research at U.S. institutions. These relationships between Northwestern faculty hosts and visiting scholars are typically organically developed. However, Northwestern Buffett serves as an Administrative Official for the program and offers guidance to faculty who wish to host Fulbright visiting scholars as well as resources and support for visitors. Please contact Samantha Nissen, Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives, for assistance with completing the Institutional Reply Form.

Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program

The Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program allows institutions to host a scholar from outside of the U.S. for a semester or full academic year to teach courses, assist in curriculum development, guest lecture, develop study abroad and/or exchange partnerships and engage with local communities. This institutionally driven program accepts a maximum of one application per university in non-consecutive years. Northwestern Buffett will send out a call when the application opens in a given academic year. Fulbright typically issues its call for applications approximately 15 months before the anticipated start of the grant, with deadlines 11–12 months ahead of a grant’s start date.

Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund

The Outreach Lecturing Fund (OLF) provides funding for campuses to host Fulbright Visiting Scholars, already in the United States, for short-term speaking engagements. The OLF award is designed to enrich both institutions and Visiting Scholars through lectures that will promote academic disciplines and cultural understanding. 

U.S. Students

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers students and recent alumni the opportunity to research, study or teach English abroad and is open to students of all disciplines.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

Learn more

Northwestern’s Office of Fellowships assists Northwestern students and alumni through the Fulbright application process. Contact Steve Hill if you are interested in applying for a Fulbright award to fund your research, study or a project in the creative or performing arts. Contact Amy Kehoe if you are interested in teaching English abroad. Undergraduates may schedule appointments with Steve and Amy through ConnectNU.

International Students and Scholars

Northwestern hosts numerous Fulbright student and scholar grantees each year. International students and scholars who are interested in pursuing a Fulbright opportunity at Northwestern should explore opportunities available to individuals from their home countries through the programs below:

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Learn more

Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program

Learn more

Fulbright international students and scholars who are already on campus, or who have been accepted to participate in their program, may contact their Fulbright adviser or Samantha Nissen, Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives, for assistance.