Though students may be focused on ushering in the spring season, now is the time for them to begin planning to apply for fellowships in the fall. The Fulbright award is one such fellowship that funds recipients with the choice of a year of research, graduate study or serving as an English teaching assistant at a host institution in one of 140 countries.

Georgia Tech currently has students in Cyprus, Mongolia and the Netherlands performing research on Fulbright grants. Historically, Tech has had fewer Fulbright scholars than many of its peer institutions, but that need not be the case.

“Last year, Georgia Tech had three Fulbright winners and the University of Georgia had 11, with nine accepting,” said Karen Adams, interim director of the Fellowships office. “We should encourage Tech students to apply because of what they can provide the world and what the world can provide them.” The University of Michigan had the highest number of 2010-11 Fulbrights, with 40 students accepting awards.

Fulbright applicants are asked to choose a country, obtain a letter of invitation from a host institution and plan a project. Faculty members are an essential part of the equation, connecting students with contacts for letters of invitation and guiding students to institutions performing innovative research.

Students may apply during their undergraduate senior year, as master’s students or in the early stages of doctoral work, and must be U.S. citizens. Though the campus application deadline is Sept. 16, students should begin planning now in order to have thorough applications and be competitive in the process.

Preparation for faculty Fulbright awards should also be underway, as the faculty deadline is Aug. 1. Faculty awards provide funding for a term or year of research or teaching or for a short-term specialist grant. Faculty may contact Amy Henry in the Office of International Education for more information.

Tech student Jennifer Munson will share her Fulbright experience at a student information session on Thursday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. in the Crescent Room of the Student Center; Dr. Phil McKnight, chair of the campus Fulbright committee, and Adams will also present. Students may also contact Adams directly to learn more or begin the application process.