Submissions open for Fulbright Specialist Program (Kosovo)

The Fulbright Specialist Program (FSP) provides highly qualified U.S. academics and U.S. professionals, whose credentials and experience are at the faculty or full professional level, with an opportunity to share their expertise by carrying out projects requested by Kosovan host institutions.

Fulbright Specialists exchange knowledge, build capacity, and establish partnerships benefiting participants, institutions, and communities both in the United States and in Kosovo.  The FSP promotes long-term collaboration between U.S. and Kosovan institutions through projects that align with U.S. Department of State goals and the priorities of host institutions.

This Fulbright opportunity offers an on-demand, short-term exchange open to a wide variety of fields that responds directly to the needs of host institutions and host countries. Fulbright Specialist projects must be carried out in-person (not virtually), with no exceptions.

Duration

• The length of a Fulbright Specialist project must fall within a minimum of 14 days and a maximum of 42 days, including travel days from the United States and weekends.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Host Institutions and Fields:  Eligible foreign host institutions include, but are not limited to:
  • Reputable academic institutions (universities, colleges, research institutions, vocational/technical educational institutions),
  • Government institutions (ministries, agencies),
  • Cultural institutions (museums, libraries, conservatories, theaters),
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGOs, think tanks), and
  • Public health-related institutions (public health organizations, teaching hospitals).
• Eligible fields include, but are not limited to:  Agriculture, American (U.S.) Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Biology Education, Business Administration, Chemistry Education, Communication and Journalism, Economics, Education, Engineering Education, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Information Technology, Law, Library Science, Mathematics Education, Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies, Physics Education, Political Science, Public Administration, Public/Global Health, Social Work, Sociology, and Urban Planning.
• Host Institution Requirements:
  • Develop a project that fits the parameters of the FSP, following Kosovo specific criteria and competition requirements.
  • Provide a cost share covering in-country expenses for the Specialist, including lodging, meals, and in-country transportation, either through monetary or in-kind contributions, throughout the Specialist’s full stay in Kosovo.  The meal stipend must be $40/day.
  • Provide safe, secure, and comfortable housing for the Specialist. Typical accommodations are hotels, university housing, and if organized in consultation with the Specialist and approved by them, approved homestays with host institution staff or faculty.
  • Organize and provide funding or in-kind assistance for pick-up/drop-off at the airport.
  • Provide funding or in-kind assistance for all meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Typical options include stipends to provide opportunities for Specialists to go to local cafes or shop for groceries, use university cafeterias, or eat meals with host families, etc.  The funding must be calculated in U.S. dollars.
  • Notify the U.S. Embassy in Pristina and American Councils Kosova of any problems or concerns while the Specialist is carrying out his or her project.
  • Complete the final report survey.
  • Report to the U.S. Embassy regarding a project’s impact and media coverage.
• General Specialist Eligibility Requirements:
  • All applicants for the Fulbright Specialist position must be U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens who have legal permanent residency status in the United States are not eligible for Fulbright grants.
  • Applicants must have significant experience in their respective field, as demonstrated by professional, academic, or artistic achievements.
  • Applicants must be able to travel overseas for 14 to 42 days (length varies depending on project).
  • At the time of application or at any subsequent time prior to or after becoming a grantee, Fulbright Specialists applicants are required to disclose any prior arrests, indictments, charges, or convictions of a felony or a misdemeanor (excluding minor traffic violations, juvenile convictions, or cases where the record has been sealed or expunged).
  • At the time of application or at any subsequent time prior to or after becoming a grantee, applicants are required to disclose if they have been subject to any disciplinary action, resigned from a professional appointment, or entered a settlement for, or in connection with, any misconduct, including but not limited to unethical practices, harassment, or abuse.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Ineligible Institutions, Fields, and Activities:
  • U.S. or U.S.-based institutions, as well as for-profit companies and organizations, such as businesses and corporations, are ineligible to host Fulbright Specialists.  Specialists also may not carry out personal research projects; they must carry out projects conceptualized and proposed by host institutions and approved by the United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State.
  • Clinical medical research or projects involving patient contact are ineligible under the Fulbright Specialist Program policy.

Selection Criteria

• Applications are subject to pre-screening/vetting for suitability and alignment with Administration priorities.
• The United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board reviews host institution applications and selects projects for funding.
• Fulbright Specialists are then identified, based on selected projects, and chosen by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

For more information, visit U.S Embassy in Kosovo.