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History "The
Fulbright Program aims to bring a little more knowledge, - J. William Fulbright The Fulbright Program was established in 1946, after the end of World War II, by former Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. It is designed to "increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries" by means of educational and cultural exchange, through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills. With this goal as a starting point, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 230,000 participants - chosen for their leadership potential in their fields--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. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State under policy guidelines established by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. The Board is a presidentially-appointed, independent body of 12 educational an public leaders that formulates the policies, procedures, and selection criteria which govern the Fulbright Program. Currently, the Program operates in 140 countries, including 51 countries with binational Fulbright Commissions and Foundations. A number of private, cooperating organizations also assist with the administration of the Program. Approximately 234,000 "Fulbrighters," 88,000 from the United States and 146,000 from other countries, have participated in the Program since its inception more than fifty years ago. The Fulbright Program awards approximately 4,500 new grants annually. Fulbright Alumni include Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, governors and senators, ambassadors and artists, prime ministers and heads of state, professors and scientists, Supreme Court Justices, and CEOs. The Fulbright Commission of Ecuador was established in 1956 through an executive agreement between the governments of the United States and Ecuador to facilitate the administration of the educational program. The binational Commission has a Board of Directors comprised of eight members, four North Americans and four Ecuadorians, charged with the responsibility of overseeing the long-term objectives of the Fulbright Program. Approximately 1,350 Ecuadorian citizens and 750 U.S. citizens have become Fulbrighters since 1956 through the program in Ecuador. Additionally, the Fulbright Commission offers Educational Advising and two small but complete libraries in Quito and Guayaquil where students can look for the academic programs that best fit their needs. They can also receive information or advising regarding the documentation necessary for admission and the TOEFL, GRE or GMAT and other exams. Finally, the Commission has an English Teaching Program for adults. The complete program is comprised of eight levels with 80 contact hours at each level. Courses are offered every trimester in Quito only. Click here to find out how to get in contact with us. |