Baza natječaja

2008-2009 Application for the Fulbright Scholar Program (post-doctoral)

The flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Government, widely known as the Fulbright Program, is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. With this goal as a starting point, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 234,000 participants, chosen for their leadership potential, with the opportunity to observe each others' political, economic and cultural institutions, exchange ideas, and embark on joint ventures of importance to the general welfare of the world's inhabitants. 

Grants are awarded for a period of one or two semesters (5 or 9 months) for post-doctoral applicants.

Preference is given to

• candidates without recent experience in the United States
• recipients of Fulbright Scholarships within the past 5 years will not be considered
• persons who are citizens of both Croatia and the United States are also ineligible.

Eligibility requirements

• Doctoral degree 
• Proficiency in English appropriate to the proposed research project to be carried out in the United States 
•  A detailed statement of proposed activity for research at a U.S. institution 
• Croatian citizenship and employment in Croatia 
•  Age limit: 55

Application and review process

A complete application includes:

• application form
• one photograph
• detailed statement of proposed activity 
• detailed curriculum vitae 
• three references 
• xerox copy of "domovnica" 
• xerox copy of doctoral degree 
• letter from employer confirming employment
• letter of invitation or appointment from U.S. institution

Application guidelines 

Complete the application form carefully after reading "Instructions for Completing the Application" on pages C and D of the actual application.

Make sure the reference reports are submitted promptly. Applicants must submit three references. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that reference reports are submitted by the deadline so that references accompany the application throughout the entire review process. References should be from persons qualified to evaluate your professional work and proposal. At least one of the references should be from a specialist outside your university. References should provide evidence of a scholar's reputation within his/her discipline and must be written in English. The Reference Report Form in the application packet suggests qualifications that the reference writer should address. The reference report is submitted directly to the American Embassy or Ministry of Science, Education and Sport.

Submit a detailed curriculum vitae. The curriculum vitae describes academic credentials and achievements.

When composing a curriculum vitae, it is important to include 

• education (universities attended, degrees held) 
• positions held 
• courses taught and other services provided to students and the home institution 
• publications 
• other professional activities, such as workshops, seminars and consultations 
• membership and activities in professional associations 
• professional honors, awards and fellowships 
• community service.

The application asks for similar information, but provides limited space for answers. In the curriculum vitae, the applicant should expand upon these topics to display more completely his/her accomplishments.

Preparing the Project Statement

The project statement is the most important aspect of preparing the Fulbright application. Scholars with the most compelling, theoretically sound, well-written, feasible proposals are generally recommended for awards. Sometimes those with outstanding professional achievements assume that a brief, general project statement will be sufficient. But, in order to ensure a more complete application, your proposed project, as well as the strategy for completing it, should be thoroughly explained.

Factors to address in the project statement

• Clearly define your objectives and the methodology you will employ. Indicate whether you will use interviews, library or archival research, or laboratory experiments to accomplish your project.
• Place your project in academic or professional context by referring to leading works by others on the topic if that information is available.
• Explain the significance of the project for the field and your own professional development.
• Explain why residence in the United States is necessary for accomplishment of the project. Comment, if applicable, on the adequacy or inadequacy of research facilities and library resources in your own country and on the need to use specific collections in the United States.
• Describe arrangements you have made, for affiliation or collaboration. Secure a letter of invitation from a U.S. host institution testifying to the merits and feasibility of the proposal. Scholars who have studied previously in the United States should avoid seeking affiliation at their U.S. alma mater because candidates are encouraged to expand their contacts within the U.S. academic community.
• Discuss how your project can be completed within the time period you have available.
• Describe your competence in English if you are not a native speaker. Proficiency in English is required for research awards in the United States.
• Indicate how you will disseminate the results of your research both in the United States and in your home country.

Mailing instructions

All submitted documents must be in English. Please submit ONLY computer generated forms. One hard copy of the application and all additional documents should be mailed BY MAY 1, 2007 to one of the following:

American Embassy, Public Affairs Office
attn. Ms. Aleksandra Brlek
Ulica Thomasa Jeffersona 2, 10010 Zagreb
e-mail: brleks@state.gov  
tel: 01-661-2243;

Ministry of Science, Education and Sport
attn. Ms. Marija Crnic
Trg hrvatskih velikana 6, 10000
e-mail: marija.crnic@mzos.hr  
tel: 01-459-4353.

Fulbright grantees enter the United States on an exchange visitor (J-1) visa under a Department of State program, which requires them to return to their home countries for a minimum of two years at the end of the grant period.
Application forms are available at the following web pages: www.usembassy.hr (About USA, U.S. Gov't Scholarships), or www.mzos.hr.

Previous year's competition

Fulbright Scholar Program (POST-doctoral) (2006)