Founded in 1946 by U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright, and with over 50 offices worldwide, the Fulbright Program has a long, respected history of promoting academic exchange between the United States and the rest of the world. Competitive undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and scholars, are awarded prestigious grants in an effort to enhance cross-cultural collaboration and international thinking.

 

“It is our business to establish linkages and to build bridges.”

- L. Loureiro

 

Fulbright has operated in Brazil for nearly sixty years and works in very close cooperation with the Brazilian government, particularly with the Ministry of Education. Strong support from both the Brazilian and American governments has enabled the program to annually send approximately 120 Brazilians to the United States, and an equal number of Americans to Brazil. In addition to providing scholars with a generous grant, Fulbright Brazil assists recipients with the visa and application process, and acts as the first point of contact in emergency situations.

 

Executive Director of Fulbright Brazil, Mr. Luiz Valcov Loureiro, explained how this type of program facilitates important academic teamwork: “It is our business to establish linkages and to build bridges.” The selection process is rigorous, but the value of participating in a Fulbright year speaks for itself. “It can really open many doors during the scholar’s stay in the U.S. and in their future,” Mr. Loureiro emphasized. Fulbright scholars have a track record of continuing on to important, influential positions in their fields, and alumni include three of Brazil’s Supreme Court justices and former Brazilian First Lady and renowned sociologist Ruth Cardoso.

 

Fulbright Brazil offers scholarships in several areas such as social sciences and humanities, as well as science, engineering, and technology in conjunction with the BSMP program. According to Loureiro, Brazilian students find the structure and atmosphere of the American university system to be more than welcoming. Students and scholars from all backgrounds appreciate the supportive, tailor-made nature of the Fulbright program and the respect its name carries with future collaborators and employers worldwide.

 

 

 

 

Luiz Valcov Loureiro, Executive Director of Fulbright Brazil