JoinScholarsFulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship is offering you the opportunity of travelling the world and share your experiences with people from regions of the world. This unique opportunity combines the prestigious Fulbright scholarship with National Geographic’s commitment to storytelling, giving all recipients the chance to explore and document the most fascinating and impactful stories from across the globe in a remarkable way. Rhode Island Scholarships
The Fulbright National Geographic storytelling Fellowship is available to applicants from all backgrounds and disciplines, as long as their projects relate to the program’s mission of promoting international understanding through storytelling. The fellowship is highly competitive, with a rigorous application process and a selection committee that looks for applicants with a strong track record of creative and intellectual achievement.
Similarly, if you are a writer, photographer, filmmaker, or multimedia storyteller, the Fulbright National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship offers you the once-in-a-lifetime chance to immerse yourself in new cultures, connect with communities, and share diverse perspectives with the world. It creates a life-changing opportunity for an individual to showcase their talent, make a significant impact and also reposition their career. Â
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this incredible Fulbright Fellowship program and explore how it can help you fulfil your passion for travel, storytelling, and global citizenship. So, get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration as we delve into the world of the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship.
What is the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship?
The Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship is jointly sponsored between the Fulbright Program and the National Geographic Society. The program started in 2013 with the sole aim of promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding by supporting the work of storytellers from diverse backgrounds. This program provides funding for up to 10 U.S. citizens to spend nine months abroad, pursuing projects in fields such as writing, photography, filmmaking, and multimedia storytelling.
The program is designed to give fellows numerous opportunities to explore the world in a unique way, while also developing their storytelling skills and contributing to the global conversation on important issues. Fellows are expected to engage with local communities, share their experiences, and bring back stories that reflect the diversity and complexity of the world. Rotary Fellowships
History and Purpose of the Fellowship
The Fulbright National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship Program was established in early 1946 by Senator J. William Fulbright, with the goal of promoting mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. The program provides funding for students, scholars, and professionals to conduct research, teach, or pursue advanced degrees abroad. Since its inception, the Fulbright Program has sent over 390,000 participants to more than 160 countries around the world.
The Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship grew out of a partnership between the Fulbright Program and the National Geographic Society, which has a long history of using visual storytelling to promote understanding of the world’s cultures and environments. National Geographic was founded in 1888 as a society for the “increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge,” and has since become a global leader in exploration, photography, and journalism.
Together, the Fulbright Program and National Geographic Society saw an opportunity to create a new kind of fellowship that would combine the strengths of both organizations and support the work of storytellers who could help bridge cultural divides and promote global citizenship. The Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship was born.
Benefits of the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship
The Fulbright National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship offers a range of benefits to fellows, including:
- Funding for travel, living expenses, and project expenses
- Professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and mentorship
- Access to a global network of Fulbright and National Geographic alumni and partners
- The opportunity to develop skills and experience in storytelling, cross-cultural communication, and global citizenship
- The chance to make a meaningful impact on the world and contribute to important conversations about culture, environment, and social justice.
Eligibility Requirements for Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship
To be eligible for the Fulbright National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen at the time of application
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent by the start of the grant
- Have at least two years of professional experience in the field of storytelling, or in a related field such as journalism, photography, filmmaking, or multimedia storytelling
- Be in good health
- Be proficient in the language(s) of the country where the project will take place, or be willing to learn
- Have a strong project proposal that aligns with the program’s mission and goals
Tips for Creating a Successful Project Proposal
Creating a successful project proposal for the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship requires careful thought, planning, and research. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you develop your proposal:
- Start with a clear and compelling idea that aligns with the program’s mission and goals
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the country, culture, and issues you plan to explore
- Show how your project will contribute to cross-cultural understanding and dialogue
- Provide a detailed timeline and budget that is realistic and feasible
- Be specific about the methods and tools you will use to tell your story, and how they will help you achieve your goals
- Highlight your relevant skills, experience, and achievements, and explain how they will support your project
- Seek feedback and advice from mentors, colleagues, and others who can help you refine your proposal
Application Process and Timeline
The application process for the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship is competitive and multi-stage. Applicants must first submit an online application, which includes personal and educational information, as well as a project proposal and other supporting materials.
After the initial screening, selected applicants are invited to participate in an interview with the selection committee. Finalists are then recommended to the Fulbright Program’s national screening committee, which makes the final decision on awarding grants.
The application timeline for the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship varies from year to year, but typically follows these general stages:
- May-June: Application opens
- September: Application deadline
- November-January: Interviews with the selection committee
- March: Finalists recommended to the national screening committee
- April-May: Notification of awards
Conclusion
The Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship is a unique and transformative opportunity for storytellers who are passionate about travel, culture, and global citizenship. By combining the prestigious Fulbright scholarship with National Geographic’s commitment to storytelling, the fellowship offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the world, connect with communities, and share diverse perspectives with the world.
If you’re a writer, photographer, filmmaker, or multimedia storyteller who is looking for a new challenge and a chance to make a meaningful impact on the world, the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship might just be the opportunity you’ve been searching for. So, start dreaming, planning, and creating, and let your voice be heard on the global stage. The world is waiting for your story. Good Luck! Hertz Fellowship
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