As an institution that has been named a Fulbright top producer for eight years, the University of Iowa (UI) has no shortage of advice for prospective applicants. Here are some Fulbright student award application tips from recent award winners and experienced faculty members.
1. Talk to your professors
“My problem was that I was interested in everything, and I couldn't pick a topic that I really wanted to focus on. I met with my professors in the Public Health Department. And one of them actually gave me really good advice to check out Google Scholar. So I was able to use keywords on Google Scholar to find research that was relevant to what I wanted to do, but also that was relevant to the country that I wanted to look into. So, I suggest meeting with those in fields that you're interested in.”
Tartil Ali, winner of a Fulbright Study/Research grant in public health to Morocco for 2022-23
2. Show your value
“In your application, always put yourself in the best position possible. Be sure to show what your value is to the particular country or the particular institution to which you are applying. Try to reiterate what it is that you're going to contribute; what you're going to bring to them.”
Russell Ganim, associate provost and dean of UI International Programs
3. Demonstrate your interest in the host country
“They want to know that you are a team player with a strong work ethic and that you have professional interest in the country you hope to go to. You will have to demonstrate that in your application. Don’t be intimidated by the application process, go for it.”
Ronald McMullen, ambassador in residence and associate professor of practice in the UI Department of Political Science
4. Use concise language
"Throughout the application process for my Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) grant, I learned how to highlight my most relevant qualities and achievements while still being true to my own experiences. Although there is only limited room on a page to express yourself to the reviewers, it is possible to find a balance between those two things. Concise language became my best friend during this process, and it's helped me beyond Fulbright, as well."
Sylvia Dean, winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Taiwan for 2019-20
5. Take advantage of the UI Center for Language and Culture Learning
“We have language learning resources for teaching English for those who are applying to English Teaching Assistant (ETA) programs. Additionally, we offer proficiency testing for the Global Seal of Biliteracy credential.”
Claire Frances, director, UI Center for Language and Culture Learning
6. Be able to communicate effectively
“Fulbright offers opportunities that allow you to do things that are relevant to public speaking and being in front of people. We saw from all our current and past student winners that they are really good at communicating about their projects, whether it's a research project or an English Teaching Assistantship. So being able to communicate effectively, being able to write well, and even using photos and other things across media to get your story across is incredibly valuable in your application."
Melissa Tully, director, UI School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Learn more about the U.S. Fulbright Student Program
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.