Researching U.S. Universities Presented by Marisa Rivero

Why research U.S. institutions before applying for a Fulbright? To become more familiar with U.S. graduate education, programs, and scholars in your area of expertise To identify and contact U.S. institutions and faculty/scholars that match your research goals as a potential Fulbright scholar (if you do not already have contacts). To request and receive an official letter of invitation from a U.S. institution to be a visiting scholar

How will your research of U.S. institutions strengthen your application? Demonstrates that you have a concrete reason for going to the U.S. to conduct research. (Your research cannot be done elsewhere.) Proves that you are familiar with U.S. institutions, scholars, research facilities and resources, and scholarship. Indicates that you have a focused and in-depth research plan with a specific U.S. institution and scholar, and that you have access to the resources required to complete your research. Providing this information in your application will improve your chances of being selected for an interview.

Considerations for Selecting a U.S. University and Department Relevant (and available) research faculty Top-notch research facilities and access to these resources Department reputation Opportunities for professional development Department size Location

Finding the Best U.S. Institution If you do not already have U.S. contacts, online research of the following topics will help you identify institutions and faculty in your research field: U.S. professional associations Academic Databases University search engines and ranking websites

Professional Associations American Anthropological Association  American Association for the Advancement of Science  American Bar Association  American Chemical Society  ontent ontent American Economic Association  American Mathematical Society  American Political Science Association  American Psychological Association  American Society for Engineering Education  IEEE Computer Society  National Council of Teachers of English 

American Chemical Society

American Political Science Association

Academic Databases  Directory of Open Access Journals – open access to scholarly journals and articles   National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy - library electronic resources of online open access journals  General list of academic databases –open access and subscription resources 

Open Access Journals

National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy Library Electronic Resources

University search engines and ranking websites U.S. News and World Report PhDs.org Peterson’s Graduate Schools Princeton Review GradSchools.com University Library – graduate ranking directory

U.S. News and World Report

PhDs.org

Preparing a letter to U.S. institutions requesting an affiliation Before you contact a U.S. institution, prepare a detailed letter with the following information: Who you are, your research project, and your goal as a Fulbright Scholar; Why you would like to work with a specific scholar and department; What new ideas or research you can contribute to the U.S. institution. How you would conduct your research and explain the resources, materials, and interaction you would require for your research; When you would like to come to the U.S. institution and for how long. The more specific the information you provide, the better the response that you will receive from the U.S. institution.

Recommendations for Contacting U.S. Institutions Send the letter by to the attention of a specific faculty/scholar or the department chair. Attach your project objectives essay or summary of your proposed project. At the end of the letter, make sure you mention the Fulbright application deadline of October 15 so that the institution knows by when you hope to receive a response. Attach your CV in English. Attach any relevant examples of your work – i.e. a publication in English. Contact more than one institution. Even if an institution is interested in welcoming a Fulbright Scholar, they may not have the resources or time to accept a visiting scholar during your timeframe.

Getting a response from a U.S. institution Waiting for a response If it has been several weeks since you contacted a U.S. institution and the application deadline is fast approaching, be proactive and send a follow-up . If you have not received a response by the application deadline, be sure to explain in your application that you have contacted U.S. institutions (include the names of the institutions and scholars) and that you are still waiting for a response. When you get a response Include the or letter you receive with your application. (Original letter is best, but a scanned copy of the letter or can be included as well.)

Additional Resources Fulbright Ukraine Office Fulbright Scholars Program, Natalia Zalutska, Program Manager,  Can provide contact information of past or current Ukrainian and US Fulbright scholars working in your field. They may be able to provide recommendations of US institutions to contact. Education USA Advising Centers  Collections of handbooks and informational guides to U.S. universities, advisors to help answer your questions, and computers. US Embassy Information Resource Center  Research assistance to help Ukrainian academics access online U.S. scholarly journals and research articles (free service – must call or in advance for an appointment).

Fulbright Scholar Application Deadline October 15, 2011 Thank you! I am happy to answer questions.