Fulbright applications now accepted

CEBU, Philippines - Applications for the 2015-2016 Philippine Fulbright Graduate Student Program for degree (masters, doctorate) and non-degree (doctoral dissertation research) in the United States of America are already accepted.

In a letter to Department of Education 7 regional director Carmelita T. Dulangon, Philippine-American Educational Foundation executive director Esmeralda S. Cunanan has requested assistance to disseminate the information on the recruitment of applicants.

"PAEF, also referred to as the Fulbright Commission in the Philippines, will receive applications until March 24, 2014," Cunanan's letter read.

Cunanan pointed out that Fulbright grants have been awarded since 1948 to nearly 2,000 Filipinos. "The purpose of the grants is to enable deserving Filipinos to pursue their fields of study in the US and develop leaders in their fields of specialization and to contribute to fostering mutual understanding between the people of the US and the Philippines. Today, Fulbright alumni occupy prominent positions in the government and the private sector," she elaborated.

Grants under the Philippine Student Program are for a maximum of one academic year for non-degree, one to two years for master's, and two years for doctoral degree studies. The grant provides for round-trip international travel, monthly maintenance allowance, tuition and fees, book/supply allowance, and health and accident insurance.

Fields of study include, but not limited to, American culture, life and society through such fields as government, education, arts and humanities, economics, literature, history; global issue like environment, human rights, civic education, governance and public administration; open grants like fields not covered by the first two categories with the exception of engineering, medicine, nursing, and other health-related disciplines, and applied sciences and mathematics.

Applicants must be Filipino citizens, English proficient, college-degree holder with major in field of specialization and excellent undergraduate record; in good health to pursue graduate work in the US. Finalists will be required to pass a medical examination. Applicants must have at least two years of professional work experience (after college) in their field of specialization. Applicants for degree programs must not be older than 40 years at the time of application. This age requirement, however, is waived for non-degree study. They must be prepared to return to the Philippines immediately upon completion of the study. Non-degree applicants must also meet the following: applicants for doctoral enrichment must be enrolled in a relevant doctoral study program in a Philippine university and must have completed at least two-thirds (2/3) of the academic course requirements of his/her PhD program; applicants for doctoral dissertation research must be enrolled in a doctoral program, must have a dissertation topic approved at least by his/her adviser, and must show proof that materials required to pursue research are not available in the Philippines but are available in the US.

Forms may be downloaded from www.fulbright.org.ph. — (FREEMAN)