The U.S. Department of State is continuously monitoring
the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and is working
closely with partner governments, Fulbright Commissions, U.S. Embassies,
Fulbright cooperating agencies, and U.S. and foreign host institutions to
provide guidance and information to our Fulbright exchange participants. We
share your concerns for everyone’s health, safety, and well-being, and are
focused on supporting all Fulbrighters at this time.
On March 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of State issued
a Global Level 4 Health Advisory – Do Not Travel which
instructs all Americans abroad to either return to the United States or prepare
to shelter in place.
As a result of this
advisory, the Fulbright Program is now suspended for all U.S. participants.
We urge all current U.S. Fulbright participants to make arrangements to
return to the United States as soon as possible.
An email has been sent to program participants
which provides detailed information about arranging travel, financial
considerations, and things to consider while preparing for your return to the
United States.
In these unprecedented circumstances, we also recognize
that due to conditions in specific countries, including the closing of borders
and air space, the lack of available flights, or other safety considerations,
not all U.S. Fulbright participants will be able to depart for the United
States at this time. If you find yourself in this situation, please refer to
your email for guidance and be in contact with your Fulbright administrators in
your host country.
As circumstances are evolving, all Fulbrighters should
remain in close contact with their Fulbright Program administrators, advisors,
and/or their Fulbright binational commissions.
Your Fulbright Commission, U.S. Embassy, and/or IIE,
will make every effort to assist you during this time, and we ask that all
specific questions about your situation be sent to your advisor, as they have
the most relevant information for your country and case. Please know that, at
this difficult time, Fulbright advisors and Fulbright Commission staff are
working diligently to provide support to each participant.
The above program suspension applies only to American citizens currently participating in the U.S. Fulbright Program abroad. Foreign Fulbrighters on programs in the United States, as part of the Fulbright Foreign Student and Visiting Scholar Programs, should contact their Fulbright Program administrators to inquire about any changes in their situations.
For general information regarding COVID-19, please visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of State’s www.travel.state.gov page Current Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease.
Institute of International Education
1400 K Street, NW | Suite | Washington, DC 20005
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