Writing Tips for the Fulbright- Hays Application Shelley Hawthorne Smith

Writing Tips Structure your narrative according to the following technical review criteria. – For the first section (“Quality of Proposed Project”), create brief subheadings for each of the six criteria. – For the second section (“Qualifications of Applicant”), you can create subheadings where you think necessary or address all of the criteria in one section.

Writing Tips Remember that you are writing for an educated audience who specializes in the particular geographic area in which you are proposing to do research. Remember that your audience may not be well acquainted with your field but they are well acquainted with your area. They want to fund projects that will contribute to their particular area studies.

Writing Tips Pay attention to the points allotted to each criterion. This does not mean that equal space should be dedicated to equal sections, but you should pay equal attention to equal sections as you write the draft.

Writing Tips an initial draft of the narrative to Shelley Hawthorne Smith and Georgia Ehlers by July

Quality of Proposed Project 1. The statement of the major hypotheses to be tested or questions to be examined and the description and justification of the research methods to be used. (10 points) – Make sure that your hypotheses and questions are succinctly and clearly stated near the beginning of this section. – Remember that these should be particular to the geographic area you are studying. If you could take your research and do it in another place, then try to reframe your questions.

Quality of Proposed Project 2. The relationship of the research to the literature on the topic and to major theoretical issues in the field, and the project's originality and importance in terms of the concerns of the discipline. (10 points) – Remember that your audience may not be familiar with your discipline. Make them aware that your research is a “cog in an important pattern” (response to Henson’s proposal). – If you are aware of research/literature with which you are not engaging, make a polite nod to it. – If possible, include at least some research/literature that is in the language of the area you are researching.

Quality of Proposed Project 3. The preliminary research already completed in the United States and overseas or plans for such research prior to going overseas, and the kinds, quality and availability of data for the research in the host country or countries. (10 points) – Be specific and realistic (show that you are aware of the opportunities and obstacles that exist).

Quality of Proposed Project 4. The justification for overseas field research, and preparations to establish appropriate and sufficient research contacts and affiliations abroad. (10 points) – Letters of support and recommendation should reflect these contacts.

Quality of Proposed Project 5. The applicant's plans to share the results of the research in progress and a copy of the dissertation with scholars and officials of the host country or countries. (10 points) – Mention invitations, if you have them. Or, if you don’t have them, suggest specific in-country conferences, etc, at which you may present.

Quality of Proposed Project 6. The guidance and supervision of the dissertation advisor or committee at all stages of the project, including guidance in developing the project, understanding research conditions abroad, and acquainting the applicant with research in the field. (10 points) – Show the quality of your past relationship with your advisor. – Give specific plans for staying in touch (i.e. “My advisor expects monthly updates on the data collection process. From past experience, I know that she will respond within a week of receiving my .”) – If relevant, explain how your research relates to the research that your advisor does or has done in your geographic area.

Qualifications of Applicant 1. The overall strength of the applicant's graduate academic record. (10 points) 2. The extent to which the applicant's academic record demonstrates a strength in area studies relevant to the proposed project. (10 points) 3. The applicant's proficiency in one or more of the languages (other than English and the applicant's native language) of the country or countries of research, and the specific measures to be taken to overcome any anticipated language barriers. (15 points) – Even if you are fluent in the language, explain anticipated barriers and how you will overcome them. 4. The applicant's ability to conduct research in a foreign cultural context, as evidenced by the applicant's references or previous overseas experiences, or both. (5 points)