Fulbright Scholar Award Program Information

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International and Foreign Language Education - Program News and Resources (458KB)

Application Deadline: September 16

Frequently Asked Questions for SVSU Faculty/Staff when Applying for a Fulbright Award

1. What if I apply for a Fulbright Award and it doesn’t correspond with my sabbatical? SVSU views the Fulbright Scholar Award as an honor and will support the faculty member who receives the award.
2. What is expected of me as an SVSU faculty member?
   Each person completing a Fulbright appointment must submit a final report to their Dean and the Office of Vice President of Academic Affairs, detailing the work accomplished and an evaluation of the project’s accomplishments.  This report can also be the same report that is submitted to the Fulbright Commission.  Attached to the report must be copies of any supporting materials prepared as part of the project.  The report will be due 90 days after completion of the award. It is expected that the employee/faculty member will not seek other employment and will remain off the job market while fulfilling the Fulbright award obligations.
3. As a faculty member, will my time towards promotion be affected by this award? No
4. What if the Fulbright Scholar salary is not the same as the salary I currently make? SVSU will pay the salary gap difference.
5. How will I get paid when I am living in another country since Fulbright does not mail me a paycheck?
   The first check is sent directly to you about four weeks prior to your departure date; subsequent checks are sent quarterly to your U.S. bank or designated representative.  Scholars are paid quarterly; check can’t be mailed abroad.  Many Fulbright awardees designate their university as their representative so that paychecks are uninterrupted.
6. Will the SVSU professional development monies (currently $1,450/year) be available to me?
   Yes. For example, these dollars may be used to purchase materials about the host country or for materials which will be used in the lecturing/research assignment.
7. Will my healthcare at SVSU continue if I am living in another country for the award period?
   The Fulbright grant packet will include information on tax reporting and health insurance.  Fulbright grantees receive coverage of $100,000 for the grantee only per accident or illness under the provisions of the ASPE policy underwritten by the U.S. Department of State.  Pre-existing conditions are not covered.  You are advised to maintain your current health insurance policy.  Your SVSU healthcare benefits will remain in place.  Notify Michigan Education Special Services Association (MESSA), your health care provider, where you will be living and for the length of time.  Call 800-292-4910 and ask for the benefits department.  See www.messa.org.
8. How will I turn in my receipts to receive reimbursement from MESSA and/or Blue Cross Blue Shield?
   If you are required to pay out-of-pocket at the time of service, you will need to submit your receipts to MESSA for reimbursement.  You can contact MESSA at 800-292-4910 for claim reimbursement instructions .  For additional assistance regarding your benefits, contact SVSU's Coordinator of Benefits at 964-7100.

See also CIES FAQs https://cies.org/us-scholar-awards#faqs

Fulbright Scholar Award Recipients