Educational Exchange-Fulbright American Studies Institutes (19.418)
Program
19.418 Educational Exchange-Fulbright American Studies Institutes
Federal Agency
BUREAU OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Authorization
Public Law 87-256, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2451.
Program Number
19.418
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To provide participants with a deeper understanding of American society, culture and institutions, past and present, in order to improve courses and teaching about the United States abroad.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Through an integrated series of lectures, readings, interactive discussions, research and independent study opportunities, and site visits, the 6-week graduate-level American Studies Institutes provide participants with a multi-dimensional view of the U.S. Host institutions are responsible for institute design and implementation, and all logistical aspects of the program, including: lodging and subsistence; books and materials; allowances; and transportation.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Accredited colleges, universities, consortia of colleges and universities, and other not-for-profit academic organizations that have an established reputation in American studies and related disciplines, and that can demonstrate expertise in conducting post-graduate level programs for foreign educators, are eligible to apply. Applicant institutions must have a minimum of four years' experience in conducting international exchange programs. Proposals from consortia may be submitted by a member institution with documented authority to represent all members. The project director or one of the key program staff responsible for the academic program must have an advanced degree in American studies or a related discipline.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Participants should be highly-motivated and experienced foreign university faculty, including: teachers; teacher trainers; administrators; department chairs; and, curriculum developers and textbook writers. They will have demonstrated an ability and desire to include aspects of American civilization in their teaching and professional work in their home countries. Participants must be nominated by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or by a Fulbright Commission.
Credentials/Documentation
See eligibility requirements above.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Not applicable. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
Initial proposals are generally solicited through open competition, and only occasionally through sole-source or limited solicitations.
Award Procedure
Proposals are analyzed by the Study of the U.S. Branch, and are reviewed by an impartial panel of senior Department of State officers. Final funding decisions are at the discretion of the Assistant Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State. Final technical authority rests with the Grants Division of the Office of the Executive Director.
Deadlines
Deadline dates are specified in the requests for proposals (RFP's) or in the letter of solicitation.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Based on host institution performance and demand for the program among the overseas audience, applicants may be asked to submit renewal proposals for up to two years following the initial award.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Cost-sharing is strongly encouraged, although there is no minimum requirement.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Cooperative agreements are usually for periods of 6 to 8 months.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Interim and final program and budget reports are required.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," non federal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Not applicable.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2002, ten cooperative agreements were awarded to U.S. educational institutions, which hosted over 200 foreign American studies faculty, teacher trainers, textbook writers, curriculum developers and government officials.
Financial Information
Account Identification
19-0201-0-1-154.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $2,200,000; FY 03 est $2,200,000; and FY 04 est $2,200,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$182,000 to $255,000. Average: $182,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Calls for proposals, including guidelines, are published in the Federal Register, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and posted on the internet.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Department of State, ECA/A/E/USS - Study of the U.S. Branch, Attention: William Bate, Room 252 - State Annex 44, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC, 20547. Telephone: 202-619-4562. FAX: 202-619-6790. Email: wbate@pd.state.gov.
Web Site Address
http://exchanges.state.gov/education/amstudy
Examples of Funded Projects
Fulbright American Studies Institute on the U.S. Constitution at Lafayette College; Fulbright American Studies Institute on the U.S. Political System at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; Fulbright American Studies Institute on the Civilization of the U.S. at New York University.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Overall quality; program planning; institutional capacity; diversity; experience with foreign educators; evaluation and follow-up; administration and management; and, cost effectiveness.
