The fulbright
commission in spain
ABOUT THE COMMISSION
The Commission for Cultural, Educational and Scientific Exchange between the United States of America and Spain was created by a bilateral agreement signed on October 27, 1994 in Madrid, superseding the Commission as established in 1958. It is fully binational, the Board being made up of an equal number of representatives from both countries. The Commission Board formulates policy and determines programs and activities of mutual interest. The U.S. Ambassador to Spain and the Minister of Foreign Affairs serve as honorary co-Chairs.
Funding for the core program is provided by annually allocated funds from the governments of the U.S. and Spain. Additionally, the sponsorship of various Spanish ministries, regional governments, and private sector contributors make possible a significant number of grants for Spanish scholars to study and research in the U.S., as well as for U.S. grantees to come to Spain. Grants are awarded to U.S. citizens for pre- and post-doctoral research, assistant teaching at all educational levels, completion of master’s degrees, and special projects. The Commission now awards annually over 200 grants to U.S. citizens and over 110 grants to Spaniards. Since the Commission’s establishment, over 3,000 scholars from the U.S. and over 6,000 from Spain have received these grants.
Another of the Commission’s objectives is educational advising and providing information on opportunities to study at U.S. universities. A specialized library with educational and electronic reference materials is available for the general public as well as for grantees. The academic advising office, EducationUSA, offers information on undergraduate and graduate study and application procedures for the U.S. The Commission also houses the Spanish Association of American Studies (SAAS) and the Association of American Programs in Spain (APUNE/AAPS).
YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMMISSION
The Fulbright name has a respected reputation and a 60+ year legacy in Spain. U.S. grantees participate in the program as private and autonomous U.S. citizens. The Commission is your sponsor during your grant period and, together with the Department of State and IIE/CIES, can provide you with a variety of administrative and financial services and support in the case of an emergency.
Stipends and allowances as stipulated on your Grant Authorization will be paid promptly, according to the schedule of payments in the Benefits and Requirements document received prior to formal acceptance of the grant. Updates on your bank account data should be uploaded onto the restricted area of our website, your Fulbright Spain portal. All matters concerning payments, such as the travel allowance, monthly stipends, and reimbursements, should be addressed to your main contact at the Commission.
You are required to keep the Commission informed of travel outside of Spain during your grant period. Two online reports (mid-term and final) are required for awards of over six months. However, only one final report is required for awards of less than six months (which is the case for most Scholar grants). IIE or CIES will send you your grantee ID and outline reporting procedures.
The U.S. Program team at the Commission will handle all your inquiries and will do their utmost to help you take full advantage of your grant. You can and should request personalized letters to gain admission to research centers and to meet with individuals, as well as have the Commission write a thank you note according to Spanish etiquette to those who have been of special help to you. You are encouraged to use the Commission’s connections; they are not only useful for you as a grantee, but are also an important part of the Commission’s efforts to promote continuing scholarly and professional collaboration between U.S. and Spanish persons and institutions.
Some relocation activities, such as finding housing and other local tasks, however, are your responsibility, and they are an important part of your adaptation and learning process, especially for those of you for whom this is your first experience living abroad. Nonetheless, though much of your intellectual inquiry will be independent and self-organized, the Commission is always available and open to communication. The Commission is an excellent source of information on Spain and can be a central contact between grantees and local sources. It can be a general reference for advice regarding living arrangements, financial or research issues, and personal dealings no matter how seemingly trivial. Grantees will be treated, always and in equal measure, as individuals and professionals living away from home who are carrying out important work in Spain.
The Commission and supporting institutions and individuals will be 100% on your side should you need it. Be sure to share your experience with the Commission staff – you too are an excellent resource to the Commission in its work with present and future grantees!
