Frequently Asked Questions About Fulbright Visiting Scholar Enrichment Seminars

1. Are there any dates I should consider when planning a seminar application
   Yes, please be mindful of all religious and federal holidays, traditionally busy travel days, academic calendars, and inclement weather in your region. 
   
   
2. Is it possible to propose a seminar to take place in the fall?
   Yes, we encourage applicants to submit proposals to coordinate seminars in either the spring or fall semesters.   An ideal time for a seminar in the fall would be the last week of October through the middle of November.
   
   
3. What is the expected duration of the seminar?
   The seminar should include three or four nights lodging at a hotel.  Historically, we have had success with seminars beginning early Wednesday evening (with arrivals throughout the afternoon) and concluding on Saturday by noon (with departures scheduled throughout the afternoon).
   
   
4. How many weekend/weekdays are required?
   For scheduling purposes, we have found that a seminar beginning on Wednesday and concluding on Saturday works well for most scholars.  However, there are no strict rules.  Other seminars have begun on Wednesday and concluded on Sunday with four overnights; a Thursday through Sunday schedule is also a possibility, budget permitting.  Please be mindful that many visiting scholars have lecturing duties or research commitments that would not allow them to be away for long periods.  Similarly, visiting scholars often have family commitments as well.
   
   
5. There are several dates that we can suggest for an enrichment seminar. Can my organization propose more than one set of dates?
   Yes, we encourage you to suggest alternate dates.
   
   
6. When will selected providers be notified?
   Successful applicants will be notified by August 15, 2013.
   
   
7. How are the scholars selected to attend a seminar?
   Visiting scholars located outside U.S. major metropolitan areas are polled each semester for their preference of seminar dates and topics.  CIES staff prepares the list of attendees based on preference, availability, and diversity of countries represented among the scholars.  The list is then sent to the seminar organizer.
   
   
8. When will I know which scholars will attend the seminar?
   CIES will send a list of scholar names and contact information to the seminar coordinators at least eight weeks prior to the approved seminar dates.
   
   
9. The proposal states the seminar will include up to 75 participants.  How many should we budget for?
   Please propose a budget to cover 75 participants but that you could adjust downward should numbers decrease.  The exact number of participants may vary depending on scholar schedules.  The goal is to have 75 scholars at each seminar. 
   
   
10. What is the protocol for selecting speakers?
    Keynote speakers must be approved by the U. S. Department of State through CIES, prior to being confirmed for the seminar.  All topics must be presented from bipartisan viewpoints and speakers should represent a diverse cross-section of society.
    
    
11. May dependents of scholars participate in the seminars?
    No.  The seminars are intended only for Fulbright Visiting Scholars, and family members may not accompany scholars to the destination. 
    
    
12. What should the proposed budget include?
    Your budget should include all expenses necessary to deliver the seminar.  This includes staff salaries, scholar travel, ground transportation from the destination airport, hotel (double-room occupancy at government per diem), all meals (also at government per diem travel rates), materials, meeting rooms, local transportation, and entrance fees where applicable.
    
    
13. Can I include other administrative costs in my budget?
    Administrative costs for salaries, benefits, facilities and materials may also be included as direct costs.
    
    
14. Can I include other indirect costs in my budget?
    Only organizations with a published NICRA may declare indirect administrative costs.
    
    
15. How can I obtain a list of Fulbright alumni?
    The Fulbright Association should be your source for information on Fulbright alumni in your area.  They can provide you with contact information for the chapter in your area.   You may contact Shaz Akram, Interim Director, Chapter Relations, at shaz.akram@fulbright.org
    
    
16. May an organization apply for more than one seminar grant topic?
    Yes.  Please submit a separate proposal for each seminar topic that you propose.
    
    
17. Must hotel bookings be at U.S. government rates?
    IIE is not a U.S. Government Agency and is not entitled to government rates. However, applicants should negotiate potential hotel rates as close to U.S. Government hotel per diem rates as possible.
    
    
18. Will Visiting Fulbright Scholars be expected to share hotel rooms at the Regional Seminars?
    Yes. All participants will share a hotel room with another scholar of the same gender. If scholars should wish to stay in a single room, conference funds will cover half of the cost of the single room at the hotel, and the scholar will be responsible for the other half of the cost of the room.
    
    
19. Must proposals for seminars include in their budgets hotel accommodations for CIES and ECA staff?
    No, Enrichment seminar budgets do not need to include hotel accommodations for CIES and ECA staff; however, these staff members should be included in headcounts for the hotel and all activities.
    
    
20. From which regions of the country will the Fulbright Visiting Scholars travel to the seminar location?
    Fulbright Visiting Scholars are placed in all regions and territories of the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam.  Each seminar will include participants from around the country.
    
    
21. Is my organization required to pay for plane tickets for scholars?
    Your budget must include scholar airfare.  If you are selected for a seminar, CIES can advise on a process for booking scholar travel.
    
    
22. What is the average airfare amount for travel to an Enrichment Seminar?
    Please check a travel search engine for a variety of airfares to your destination at the time of year suggested for the seminar.  Depending on your location, average airfares may range from $350 to $550 for round-trip airfare.  It is preferable that scholars be able to travel to the seminar with not more than one connecting flight.