The Fulbright U.S. Scholar program offers opportunities for faculty, professionals, artists, and scholars to pursue research, teaching, or a combination of both in Ecuador, for 3 to 4 months in any academic field.
Fulbright U.S. Scholars can apply for a flex grant, which allows them to divide their grant period into two visits of 2 months during two different calendar years.
Office Hours: the Fulbright Commission in Ecuador is happy to answer any questions you may have about a grant in Ecuador. Office hours are available via Zoom according to the dates listed below. Register in this link for the Zoom meeting.
- April 24, 2024 – 3pm Quito, Ecuador time, 4pm EST time
- May 29, 2024 – 3pm Quito, Ecuador time, 4pm EST time
- June 26, 2024 – 3pm Quito, Ecuador time, 4pm EST time
- July 31, 2024 – 3pm Quito, Ecuador time, 4pm EST time
- August 28, 2024 – 3pm Quito, Ecuador time, 4pm EST time
To apply, click here: https://fulbrightscholars.org/us-scholar-awards
Benefits
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No visa required
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Allowances for internal travel, materials, and excess baggage
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Pre-departure and in-country orientations
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Monthly stipend for 3 – 4 months
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Round trip plane ticket US – Ecuador – US
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Close support and monitoring
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Dependent allowance to cover up to 2 dependents
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Accident and sickness benefits
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24/7 support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
Eligibility
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Must be a U.S. citizen; permanent residents are not eligible
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A Statement of Grant Purpose showing quality and feasibility
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Ability to represent the U.S. and its culture
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Ph.D. or terminal degree in your field
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Good academic and professional record
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Intermediate level of Spanish or Kichwa, is preferred, but not required
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Affiliation with an Ecuadorian institution working in the area of the proposed project
Calendar
FAQs
Check further details about the application process at the Institute of International Education:
https://fulbrightscholars.org/us-scholar-awards#scholar
Do I need to know Spanish?
No, but the feasibility of carrying out the project without knowledge of Spanish must be demonstrated in the project statement.
Do I need to know Kichwa or the indigenous language?
If your project involves working with indigenous populations, yes, you will need to have proficiency in Kichwa or, depending on the community, another indigenous language.
Can I apply to the grant in a medical field?
Proposals for medical research involving clinical training, patient care or patient contact are not eligible. Fulbright policies do not authorize activities for which a license to practice medicine or nursing is required.
Do I need an affiliation with an institution in Ecuador?
Yes, you must have an affiliation with an institution based in Ecuador: a higher education institution, NGO, government or public institution, research institute, or civil society organization. U.S. Scholars carry out projects in teaching, research or a combination of these. The institution of affiliation is very important because you will be performing teaching or research activities with them. Therefore, the host institution must be interested in supporting your proposed project.
The Commission can help candidates connect with institutions in Ecuador. Please contact us at: programs@fulbright.org.ec.
How can I find an affiliation institution in Ecuador?
Ecuadorian higher education institutions are usually the best affiliations in most cases. Other suitable organizations can be NGOs, public research facilities and also public institutions, depending on the type of project you are proposing.
If you work at a university, we suggest you check if your institution has agreements with Ecuadorian universities. This is usually a good starting point.
The Commission can also support candidates connecting them with a suitable institution in Ecuador. You can reach us
- Office hours: the Commission offers office hours via Zoom for candidates the last Wednesday of the months of April, May, June, July and August, from 3 - 4pm
- Email: you contact us writing to: programs@fulbright.org.ec
Do I need a visa for my grant?
No, you do not need a visa. U.S. citizens can stay in Ecuador for up to 180 days without a visa, paying a small fee after the first 90 days.
How does the Commission select grantees?
The Fulbright Commission in Ecuador is looking for candidates who want to generate an impact in Ecuador. Our Academic Committee reviews all applications and determines which candidates will be selected as grantees. The Committee is interested in applicants who demonstrate commitment to engaging with their host community, who have a well-designed project that can be adapted if needed, who are collaborating with an Ecuadorian institution with substantial experience in that specific area of knowledge and that can be concluded in the time frame of the grant, which is between 3–4 months. The Academic Committee promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in review of all applications.
When does my grant start?
The Fulbright Commission in Ecuador provides flexibility to U.S. Scholars. Your Fulbright grant can start as early as June 2025 or as late as May 2026.
How does a flex grant works?
A flex grant allows you to complete the 3 or 4-month grant period in two different visits to Ecuador. Flex grants are designed to accommodate busy schedules.
Can my dependents accompany me?
Absolutely! Your spouse and kids can accompany you during the Fulbright grant period. The Commission provides an allowance to cover up to 2 dependents. They will not need a visa.
Who can I contact if I need more information?
You can contact the Commission through the following channels:
Office hours: the Commission offers office hours via Zoom for candidates the last Wednesday of the months of April, May, June, July and August, from 3 – 4pm
Email: you contact us writing to: programs@fulbright.org.ec
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