The vision of Senator J. William Fulbright as a way to foster mutual understanding between nations, advance knowledge across communities, and improve lives around the world, the Fulbright Scholarship Program sponsors U.S. and foreign participants for exchanges in all areas of endeavor, including the sciences, business, academics, public service, government, and the arts. Since its start in 1946 exchanges have been arranged through binational partnerships with foreign governments, and the support of the U.S. government with scholarship opportunities in 160 countries. Information on the two largest programs is offered below.
Each year some 800 faculty and professionals from around the world receive Fulbright Scholar grants for advanced research and university lecturing. The Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES), the scholar division of the Institute of International Education (IIE), is well known for its expertise and extensive experience in conducting international exchange programs for scholars and university administrators. For nearly 70 years, CIES has administered the Fulbright Scholar Program, the United States flagship academic exchange effort, on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. Through this program Fulbright scholars can travel to other institutions to share their specific research interests, speak on the history and culture of their home country, exchange ideas with U.S. students, faculty and community organizations, become better acquainted with U.S. higher education, and create linkages between their home and host institutions and CIES.