US Embassy in Dhaka has announced that it is accepting applications for the 2021 Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program (the academic year 2021-2022).
Experienced Bangladeshi professionals, university faculty members, and researchers at think-tanks and relevant governmental and non-governmental organisations (with 10 years or more professional experience) are requested to apply for the programme, according to a statement issued on Thursday.
The programme offers primarily six-to-nine-month research grants, beginning in September 2021. One- to two-semester lecturing grants are also available. A few short-term three-month grants will also be offered to scholars in all disciplines to conduct needs assessment and research related to institution or program development, consult with administrators and instructors of post-secondary institutions in faculty development, and develop and/or assess academic curricula or educational materials.
The Embassy has also sought proposals on a wide range of topics in all disciplines with a special focus on university administration and curriculum development, distance learning, education technology, public health, biological sciences, pharmacy, disaster management, and urban planning education and other education fields.
Candidates interested in lecturing grants must have extensive teaching experience and a confirmed invitation to lecture at a host institution in order to be considered for a Fulbright grant, as per the statement.
Candidates must have excellent English language skills to function professionally in an American university setting.
The application submission deadline is 16:30 BST Friday, January 15, 2021, the statement reads.
The Fulbright programme is competitive and is intended for highly motivated scholars with advanced degrees (Ph.D.), or equivalent professional experience, who propose to conduct research and/or teach their specialty.
This fellowship is meant for Bangladeshi citizens. Prospective applicants must reside in Bangladesh at the time of application. Applicants possessing US permanent residency or citizenship, or in the process of receiving US permanent residency are not eligible for the award.
Due to funding limitations, applicants who have recently received a major US government grant or have recent significant study abroad experience must wait five years before applying for a senior Fulbright award. Only in extremely rare circumstances will an applicant who has previously received a Fulbright Visiting Scholar grant be awarded a second grant.
Fulbright Visiting Scholar grants include all programme related expenses, a stipend, and cost of the grantee’s Bangladesh/USA/Bangladesh air tickets. Grants also include a monthly allowance for one dependent who will spend at least 80 per cent of the grant period with the grantee.
If a grantee receives a nine-month grant, a dependent may be eligible to receive an air ticket if she/he remains with the grantee at least 80 per cent of the time.
Applicants must return to Bangladesh immediately upon completion of their research or teaching assignments. Upon successful completion of the grant, all grantees are required to report to the American Center and submit their research findings in writing, it said.
Lecturing grant aspirants must have extensive teaching experience. Overseas teaching experience is considered as an added qualification. Candidates must submit course syllabi along with a curriculum vitae and a confirmed invitation to lecture at a host institution in order to be considered for a Fulbright grant.
For the short-term grants, in case a letter of invitation is not received, candidates are strongly encouraged to identify three institutions that have appropriate facilities for the kind of project they wish to undertake. Names of preferred colleges/universities should be mentioned in the applications in rank order, with an appropriate rationale for the preferences.
Prospective applicants must submit an online application through the online application system. All relevant documents in support of the application also need to be uploaded electronically to the online application system
After a review of proposals, the Embassy will set up interviews with short-listed candidates.
For further information, please contact Cultural Affairs Specialist, Ms. Raihana Sultana, at the American Center at SultanaR1@state.gov, the statement added.
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