Scholar-in-Residence Program

The Worldwide Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence Program brings scholars and professionals from abroad to lecture at U.S. colleges and universities for one semester or one academic year.

institutions served by sir

A Unique Collaboration Among Fulbright, Institutions and Surrounding Communities

The Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence (SIR) Program is unique among the initiatives under the Fulbright Scholar Program because it is specifically-designed to help institutions, especially those underrepresented in the internationalization of higher education.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Latino-serving institutions, community colleges and small, liberal-arts institutions are primarily served by the SIR Program. Any institution in which a racial or ethnic minority makes up 50 percent or more of enrollment may also participate in SIR funding.

A minority-serving institution with a fully-developed international program can also participate in the SIR program. But it must clearly demonstrate how the proposed Scholar will significantly enhance or expand an existing international program, serve students, help the campus and benefit the surrounding community. An institution that has participated in SIR may also submit a proposal; the proposal will only be considered after proposals from institutions that have not previously participated in the program.

The SIR Program also funds collaborations between U.S. institutions looking to host a scholar from outside the United States. Such joint ventures may include an underrepresented institution and a U.S. institution already engaged in some form of campus internationalization or a consortium of institutions looking to improve their global presence.

The benefits provided by SIR come by the way of a unique collaboration between four participants…

• The SIR Program provides a share of the salary for a Scholar-in-Residence (as much as $2,900 a month), along with travel expenses and an allowance for up to two dependents.
• The participating institution(s) provides a salary supplement and assistance with professional expenses; housing or other in-kind remuneration can substitute for the salary supplement. The institution is also expected to provide the Scholar-in-Residence with professional development opportunities such as attendance at conferences within the scholar’s discipline.
• The Scholar-in-Residence works across departments and curricula. This ranges from teaching undergraduate courses to advising on curriculum and faculty development. The institution gains from the expertise provided and the Scholar attains experience in U.S. higher education.
• The community, through the institution, provides the Visiting Scholar opportunities to participate in speaking engagement, community meetings and other grassroots activities. Through this, the institution can diversify the experiences of – and build goodwill among – the community. The SIR Program promotes racial, cultural and intellectual diversity among the college and the wider community.