1. Fulbright Grants for U.S. Citizens / 2015-2016 Presentation prepared by the Commission for Cultural, Educational and Scientific Exchange between the United States of America and Spain Orientation sessions at the Instituto Internacional en España Madrid, September 7-10, 2015

2. 2 The Commission in Spain Was established in 1958. Its programs are sponsored by the U.S. and Spanish governments, various Spanish regional governments, and the private sector. It is one of 53 in the world, the second largest in Europe, and the fifth in total number of grants. It handles Fulbright grant programs for both U.S. citizens coming to Spain and Spanish citizens going to the U.S. It provides information about study in the U.S. through the Academic Advising Office, part of the Education USA network. It houses the secretariat of the Associaton of American Programs in Spain.

3. 3 The Commission in Spain 18 people work full-time at the Commission, and your main contacts are: Day-to-day contact: Tory Leech / Clara Badimon, American Program Assistant Victoria Ruiz, American Program Officer Payments: Noemí Pons, Accounts Department (npons@...) Miguel López, Financial Manager (mlopez@...) Other issues: Alberto López San Miguel, Executive Director (alberto.lopez@...)

4. 4 The Commission in Spain During AY 2015-2016, the Commission receives 97 U.S. grantees: 2 Junior Postdoctoral Researchers, placed in Madrid and Valencia 24 Predoctoral Researchers, distributed between Madrid (9); Barcelona (7); Sevilla (2); Córdoba, Granada, La Coruña, Las Palmas, Mallorca and Valencia (1 each) 4 Masters’ candidates at the IE Business School, Madrid 51 Teaching Assistants in Madrid 16 Senior Lecturers / Researchers / Specialists, with short term grants. (Not participating in this orientation) There are 5 Teaching Assistants in Andorra

5. 5 The Commission in Spain Determines the number of grants and type of programs offered each year. Coordinates the final selection of grantees through independent committees. Gives guidelines to grantees regarding the visa process and other pre-departure issues. Prepares pre-departure information materials and grant documents. Informs grantees about all grant-related aspects. Handles grant payments (with a few exceptions). Keeps in close touch with grantees throughout their stay in Spain, supporting them in anything they may need. Organizes meetings with grantees, mainly Orientation and Mid-Year. Maintains contact with program sponsors.

6. The Fulbright Program The Fulbright Program aims to bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs and thereby increase the chance that nations will learn at last to live in peace and friendship. Senator J. William Fulbright 6

7. Cultural Ambassadors Public Diplomacy = Soft Power People to People Two-way communication & dialogue Accurate image of the U.S. & host country Change of perceptions First-hand knowledge Challenge prejudice & stereotypes Increase cultural awareness Community involvement Leaders: sharing of ideas & experiences 7

8. Cultural Ambassadors “The rapprochement of peoples is only possible when differences of culture and outlook are respected and appreciated rather than feared and condemned, when the common bond of human dignity is recognized as the essential bond for a peaceful world.” Senator J. William Fulbright 8

9. 9 The Commission @ Social Media Official website: www.fulbright.es Fulbright España Fulbright España Grupo Oficial @FulbrightSpain Fulbright España Canal Fulbright España www.elblogdefulbright.com

10. 10 The Commission @ Social Media

11. 11 The Commission @ Social Media