Video opens with a quick-paced, chiming melody.
A mosaic appears, containing four pictures of students and alumni on the Fulbright program, with the Fulbright logo positioned vertically on the left.
The top left panel shows two women in coats and scarves smiling, the top right shows a group of several students posed together and holding a Fulbright sign, the bottom left picture shows a Fulbright fellow surrounded by young kids in a classroom setting , with the kids all holding up 2 fingers, and the bottom right image shows a man wearing a Brandeis hoodie in front of a bridge by the woods.
We hear Elizabeth Rotolo speak:“Are you considering applying for the Fulbright Program? If so, you might be wondering what components you can expect in the application.”
Fade to a new page showing a picture of Meredith Monaghan, the Director of Academic Fellowships, holding a Brandeis pennant, and Elizabeth Rotolo, the Assistant Director of Academic Fellowships, holding a pamphlet about their office. The screen has a blue background and the Brandeis Academic Fellowships logo is seen in the top left corner.
Rotolo: “The Office of Academic Fellowships is here to help you learn about the different grant types, discuss specific eligibility requirements that vary by country, and reflect on how you might serve as an ambassador for the United States while abroad.”
Cut to a mosaic with the Fulbright logo on the left and 4 images.
The top left image shows two women in traditional Thai clothing with their hands clasped together and smiling. The top right photo is a young woman sitting with a smiling elderly couple. The bottom left image shows four women holding a thumbs up and smiling at the camera, and the bottom right shows a woman perched near ancient ruins and with a handheld camera by.
Cut to an image of the Fulbright website. The title image shows a man holding a computer standing close to a robot, with a headline reading “Connecting People. Connecting Nations.” There is a world map underneath the headline, and a video embedded to its right titled “What is Fulbright?”
Rotolo: “Each application type looks a little different, so let us help you learn more about the process for your intended grant and discuss ways to put forth the most compelling application possible.”
The video shows a cursor moving to the “Applicants” tab on the Fulbright home page, and then selecting “Fulbright Online Application.”
Rotolo: “You can find the online application portal on the Fulbright U.S. student website under the applicant section on the homepage.”
Video cuts to a blank page, showing only login information for a newly created account.
Rotolo: “When you create your account, please list that you are applying through Brandeis University. This will allow the fellowship advising team access to see your application, so we can review the components with you between now and the application deadline.”
Cut to a page titled “Country & Award Selection,” part of the online application. There are sections listed underneath with questions to complete and drop down menus to select.
Rotolo: “You will see many sections included in the application. We recommend taking them one at a time over the course of the summer. We suggest starting with the two long essays: the statement of grant purpose and the personal statement.”
Cut to screen reading “Statement of Grant Purpose” with blue background and a paragraph of informative text.
Rotolo: “The statement of grant purpose is your opportunity to explain your interests in this particular award in this particular country, as well as your past experience in preparation for this grant. For the English Teaching Assistantship, applicants are allowed one single-spaced page and often include relevant past teaching experiences, applicable language preparation, and connection to their intended country.”
Cut to continuation of “Statement of Grant Purpose” page, with a paragraph describing the requirements for both the English Teaching Assistantship and the Study/Research applications.
Rotolo: “Study Research applicants are allowed two single-spaced pages to lay out the goals and methodologies for their research, or their reasons for selecting a particular graduate program.”
Cut to screen titled “Personal Statement,” with information listed about the statement and what applicants should include.
Rotolo: “All applicants are allowed one single-spaced page for the personal statement. The personal statement can further expand on items referenced in the statement of grant purpose, or can share other anecdotes about your life, personality, and interest in serving as a cultural ambassador abroad. These two long essays should work together to show why you are uniquely qualified to undertake this proposed grant. We know writing about yourself in this format can be challenging, so we encourage you to start early, revise often, and reach out to the Fellowships team for support and feedback.”
Cut to black, then transition to the Fulbright application page. The “Country and Award Selection” tab is selected. There are several sections, with drop down menus for the listed questions.
Rotolo: “The next items we recommend tackling are the short answer questions in the Program Information Section.”
Screen shows the cursor clicking on the “Program Information” tab, and video transitions to show that page and scroll down through it.
Rotolo: “These include an abstract of your proposal, your ideas for host country engagement, and your plans upon return from the grant. You'll see that these are very small spaces, but they allow you some extra room to share things that might not fit in other parts of the application.”
Page scrolls up and the cursor moves to select the “Professional Information” tab. Drop down menus are visible for the listed questions.
Rotolo: “In addition to the short-answer questions, the application includes room to list your biographical information, academic history, extracurricular activities and achievements, professional experience, and any time you have spent abroad. As you initially fill out these sections, we encourage you to list as many things as you can–and don't worry about what you think the selection committee wants to read.”
Cursor moves and clicks on “Add Occupational Experience,” under the “Occupational Experience” section at the top of the page. A small box appears, providing several empty boxes for filling in basic information like “Employer Name” and “Job Title.”
Rotolo: “They are looking to get to know you as a whole person and understand how you spend your time and connect with others. It might not seem like a retail or food service job has a place in the professional experience question, but it shows the committee where you are spending your time outside the classroom, your experience working with people, and other transferable skills.”
Cut to the “Awards & Achievements” tab. Several sections are listed, with drop down menus below each.
Rotolo: “A poetry publication might not feel relevant at first for a grant focused on scientific research, but it shows the committee that you have interests beyond the lab and might be a way for you to engage with your host community while in a different country.”
Page scrolls down to show the different sections on the page.
Rotolo: “As you are completing these sections, think about how you can use the space to tell the selection committee who you are and what you value. They are looking for unique cultural ambassadors who can represent a broad range of American experiences, and this is a great place to showcase what makes your experience unique.”
Cursor selects the “Recommenders & Language Requirements” tab. It is an informational page with sections titled “Recommendations,” “Foreign Language Evaluations,” and “Removing or ‘Excluding’ a Recommender/Evaluator.”
Rotolo: “Next are the letters of recommendation. All grants require three. For the Study/Research awards, recommenders are asked to write a formal letter that talks about your research, qualifications, and potential as an ambassador. The recommendations for the English Teaching Assistantship program are a five question form that is sent directly to the recommenders. All letters and foreign language evaluations, if applicable, are due by the campus deadline of September 1st, so we recommend reaching out early to give your writers plenty of time.”
Cursor moves and clicks on “Add Recommender or Foreign Language Evaluator.” A pop-up window appears, requesting information on the name and contact information of the recommender or evaluator.
Rotolo: “If you are not sure who to ask or want support in how to request a strong recommendation, the Academic Fellowships team can help you think through your options and how to make an effective ask.”
The page scrolls back up, and selects the “Affiliation” tab. The new page displays several sections with drop down menu options and fill-in-the- blanks, asking about proposed affiliations and affiliation letters.
Rotolo: “If you are applying for a Study/Research grant, you will also need a letter of affiliation. This is a letter from someone in the country you are applying to who is willing to connect with you during your grant. It often takes several weeks to secure these letters, so it is important to start your research now and make your request early in the summer.”
Page scrolls up and down to show the other sections included.
Rotolo: “Please read the candidate profile for your grant carefully for more country-specific instructions, and we recommend that you start by asking your current faculty for advice on how to build your international network.”
The cursor navigates to the “Academic Information” tab. The page displays several sections with drop down menu options, and asks about “Academic History” and more.
Rotolo: “The Fulbright Program requests official transcripts from all institutions you have attended. For Brandeis, these can be requested in Workday. Beyond Brandeis, including study abroad programs, transfer credits, or summer school classes, you will need to request the transcripts through that institution. These need to be uploaded by the September 1st campus deadline, so please allow plenty of time.”
Video transitions to the Fulbright home page. An image showing students holding up papers and smiling, with the caption “Connecting people. Connecting nations” is seen at the top of the page, with a world map and a video titled “What is Fulbright?” underneath.
Rotolo: “We hope to see you early and often so we can support you throughout the application process, as well as get to know you and your story. This helps us help you put forth the strongest, most compelling application possible. The mission of the Fulbright Program is based on mutual exchange, cultural understanding, and building relationships and community.”
Fade to a new page showing a picture of Meredith Monaghan, the Director of Academic Fellowships, holding a Brandeis pennant, and Elizabeth Rotolo, the Assistant Director of Academic Fellowships, holding a pamphlet about their office. The screen has a blue background and the Brandeis Academic Fellowships logo is seen in the top left corner.
Rotolo: “Building a relationship with our office is a great first step. Whether you are just opening your application, or already have a rough draft ready for review, we are excited to meet with you. Email fellowships@brandeis.edu to schedule an appointment and let's begin the conversation.”
Cut to black.