The United States Congress created the Fulbright Program in 1946, immediately after World War II, to foster mutual understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchange. Senator J. William Fulbright, sponsor of the legislation, saw it as a step toward building peace and democracy. With this vision as a starting point, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 300,000 participants, selected for their leadership potential, with the opportunity to share their culture and experiences, exchange ideas and embark on joint ventures of importance to the general welfare of the world’s inhabitants.

Since its inception more than 75 years ago, 255,000 Fulbrighters, 96,400 from the United States and 158,600 from other countries, have participated in the Program. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by Congress to the Department of State. Participating governments and host institutions in foreign countries, and in the United States, also contribute financially through cost-sharing and indirect support, such as salary supplements, tuition waivers, and university housing.