Background Image Alternative Text: David Shaw wearing a maroon suit and lapel pin on the left shoulder smiling on the Drill Field at MSU.
Background Image Alternative Text: David Shaw wearing a maroon suit and lapel pin on the left shoulder smiling on the Drill Field at MSU.

Fulbright Specialist Program

The Fulbright Specialist Program provides short‑term, project‑based opportunities for U.S. faculty and professionals to share their expertise with institutions abroad while building lasting international partnerships. Unlike traditional semester‑ or year‑long Fulbright awards, Specialist grants typically last two to six weeks, making them an ideal option for participants who seek global engagement without an extended time commitment.

Through this program, overseas host institutions, including universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and research centers, design projects that address specific institutional needs or priorities. Fulbright Specialists are then matched to these projects based on their professional experience and academic expertise. Common activities include curriculum development, faculty and workforce training, institutional planning, program evaluation, workshops, and seminars.

The Fulbright Specialist Program emphasizes capacity building and sustainable impact. While projects are short in duration, they are designed to strengthen institutional linkages and often lead to ongoing collaboration, follow‑on projects, or broader partnerships between U.S. and international institutions. Travel and lodging costs are covered, with in‑country support provided by the host institution.

Overall, the Fulbright Specialist Program offers a flexible, high‑impact pathway for faculty and professionals to contribute to global knowledge exchange, support institutional development abroad, and expand international collaboration aligned with U.S. and host‑country priorities.