As part of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, the Fulbright and University of Missouri Journalism Award funds a mid-career professional journalist from Belgium or Luxembourg to audit two classes at the Missouri Journalism School and to participate in guest lectures and roundtable discussions with students and scholars between mid-August and mid-December (4 months). Grantees are allowed to choose seminars and courses to audit from a list of available courses offered during the semester. Their interest areas and availability of spaces will determine final placement.
INTENDED PROGRAM
- Audit classes and participation in lectures and discussions at University of Missouri
APPLICATION PERIOD
September 15 till December 1 (at noon CET)
IMPORTANT
Review eligibility requirements below and include all required documents in your online application.
BENEFITS
- Scholarship of up to $3000 per month
- J-1 visa sponsorship
- Pre-departure orientation in Brussels
- Travel stipend of $1000
- Sickness and accident benefits
- In-country programming (e.g. seminars, local advisor)
- Prestigious title and access to alumni network
ELIGIBILITY
- Belgian or Luxembourgish citizenship
- Proficiency in English
- Minimum of a bachelor's degree
- At least 5 years of professional experience in journalism
- Academic excellence or outstanding personal or professional background
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Americanized resume/CV
- 3 to 5 page single-spaced Project Statement
- Diploma of most recent degree including transcripts with completed coursework
- Three letters of recommendation (uploaded directly into online application by chosen recommenders)
*Please note that we do not require supplemental forms such as a letter of your home institution or official exam results (e.g., TOEFL). However, it is optional to include these test results in the appropriate application fields.
HOW TO APPLY
The application period to apply for this program is between September 15 and December 1 for applicants who intend to start this program in the next academic year.
E.g. if you intend to start this program in the academic year of 2023-2024, you will need to apply for a grant between September 15 and December 1, 2022.
Every applicant needs to complete an online application in English by noon (Central European Time) on December 1 including the required documents. No papers should be mailed to our office and it is not required for applicants to contact us before starting their application. Incomplete applications will not be considered for an award. When creating an online account to start a new application, preferably use a personal email address instead of a temporary work or school address.
All applications are evaluated by our Selections Committee. The most competitive applicants demonstrate ambassadorial qualities and a genuine interest in cultural exchange. It is important for candidates to articulate a clear, creative, and feasible plan for their time in the United States and to explain why this is the right time to pursue their plan and how their grant will ultimately help them achieve their personal and professional goals in the future. The Commission is looking for candidates who will have a multiplier effect within their U.S., Belgian or Luxembourgish communities and who wish to ultimately return to Belgium or Luxembourg to share their knowledge and experiences after their grant has ended.
For the Fulbright-University of Missouri Journalism Award applicants only need to apply to the Fulbright Program, and not to the University of Missouri. Candidates with strong completed applications submitted by the deadline will be invited to the Commission in the last week of January for a mandatory interview in English. Interviews are in person, and cannot be rescheduled. The interview will include a discussion of your motivations for going to the U.S., your plans when you arrive, and how you will improve U.S. relations between Belgium or Luxembourg as an alumni when you return. Successful candidates will demonstrate ambassadorial qualities, English proficiency, and the ability to explain their proposal in simple terms. The Selections Committee is composed of Belgian, Luxembourgish and American professors, professionals, government officials, and Fulbright alumni from various fields.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
I am a Belgian/Luxembourgish citizen living abroad. Can I apply?
As a Belgian or Luxembourgish citizen, you may apply for a Fulbright grant if you are living in any country except the United States. If you are resident in the United States, a dual U.S.-Belgium or U.S.-Luxembourg citizen, or hold a Green Card at the time of application, you are ineligible to apply.
I am a Belgian/Luxembourgish citizen currently pursuing my studies in the United States. Am I eligible to apply for the Fulbright Program?
Candidates already in the United States at the time of application and those who have resided in the U.S. for five or more years in the six-year period preceding the date of application are ineligible to apply. Moreover, please note that preference will be given to those who have not had substantial recent experience in the U.S. with “substantial recent experience” being study, research or employment for a period of aggregating more than an academic year (9 months) during the past five years.
I do not have Belgian/Luxembourgish citizenship, but am currently living/studying/working there. Am I eligible to apply for the Fulbright Program?
No. Eligibility for the Fulbright Program is based on nationality, not residence.
When do I need to apply for a Fulbright grant?
Applicants can apply for a Fulbright award between September 15 and December 1 with the intention to carry out a program in the next academic year. The program at the University of Missouri will run from mid-August to mid-December.
When is the deadline to submit an application?
Every applicant needs to complete an online application by December 1 at 12 PM (Central European Time) including the required documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered for an award.
What are the requirements for the Project Statement?
The Project Statement should provide a clear and detailed description of your study objectives, and your reasons for wanting to pursue them. Be specific about your specialized interests within this field. Describe how this program fits in with your previous training and your future objectives and any significant factors that have influenced your educational or professional development and explain your existing practical experience
As a participant in the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, will I be subject to the two-year home requirement after my grant?
Yes. All Fulbrighters are J-1 Exchange Visitors subject to a two-year home residency requirement also known as the foreign residence requirement under U.S. law, Immigration and Nationality Act, section 212(e). A two-year period of home residency is required before you may apply for a non-immigrant (H, L and M) visa as a temporary worker or for permanent residency in the United States. This requirement does not prevent you from reentry into the United States within the two-year period to attend conferences, tourism, or further study. More information about the two-year rule can be found here. A list of documents that fulfill the proof of legal residency requirement for each EU country can be found here.
What is an Americanized resume?
While many examples of an ‘American’ style resume can be found online, there are some general guidelines that are different from a typical ‘European’ style resume. An American resume begins with your name and contact information (address, phone number, email address) at the top of the page. Most resumes will include sections about education, work experience and skills. Do not include personal information like a photo, date/place of birth, nationality, or marital status. In most cases, it is recommended to have a resume or CV that is no longer than one or two pages, however, we understand that this can be more challenging in an academic context.
How do I add the required letters of recommendation to my application?
Letters of recommendation need to be submitted online by your chosen recommenders. In the online application you will find a section called ‘Recommendations’ where you can register your chosen recommenders. Once registered they will receive an automatic email with the request to upload their letter of recommendation which we will be added to your application. After registering, you are able to track the status of these letters and send reminders. These letters need to be submitted in your application by the December 1 deadline.
Can I submit more than three letters of recommendation?
Although it is technically possible to register more than three recommenders in the online application, we only require three letters and only the first three letters will be taken into consideration.
Do I need to include any standardized test scores in my application?
No. We do not require exam scores (e.g. GRE, TOEFL) for the grant application. However, it is optional to include these test results in the appropriate application fields.
The online application has asked me to do something different to the application instructions on the website. What should I do?
The online application system is used by Fulbright Programs around the world and application procedures differ greatly from country to country. You must follow the guidelines presented by the Fulbright Commission in Brussels.
Does Fulbright offer health insurance to spouses or dependents on a J-2 visa?
No. All Fulbright grantees benefit from sickness and accident insurance offered by the U.S. Department of State. Dependents who are accompanied by the grantee during the program are required to arrange health insurance separately.
Is the entire application in English?
Yes. The online application needs to be completed in English including the required documents. Exceptionally, you may include transcripts and the diploma of your most recent degree in either Dutch, French or German, however it is recommended to submit an English version of these documents. Any documents in other languages should be submitted along with a certified English translation.
Does the Fulbright Commission in Brussels require me to contact them before beginning the application?
We do NOT require applicants to contact us before beginning the application. You can start your online application without contacting us beforehand.
Does the Fulbright Commission in Brussels require supplemental forms?
We do NOT require supplemental forms such as a Report on Proficiency in English or a Letter of Reference Form.
Can I mail physical documents to the Fulbright Commission?
No. The application is completed entirely online.
When will I hear from the Fulbright Commission if I have been selected for an interview?
Applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted via email in mid-January. Interviews will take place during the last week of January or in the first week of February.
When will I hear from the Fulbright Commission if I have been selected for a Fulbright Award?
Successful applicants will be contacted via email in late February or early March. Successful applicants must then be officially approved by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board and should receive a confirmation of their grant in mid-March.
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