The Fulbright Program was created in 1946 in the aftermath of World War II through legislation introduced by the late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, passed by the U.S. Congress, and signed into law by President Harry Truman. Since its inception, over 400,000 Fulbrighters from the United States and 165 countries supported by the American people and partner governments around the world, have studied, taught, and conducted research in each other’s countries while promoting international understanding and collaboration as participants and alumni.  The creation of, and sustained support for, the Fulbright Program reflects a shared global vision for peaceful relations among nations.

The program provides unique international educational and cultural exchange opportunities for scholars, alumni and global partners. Fulbright’s diverse and dynamic network of scholars, alumni, and global partners fosters mutual understanding between the United States and partner nations, shares knowledge across communities, and improves lives around the world.

Gaining momentum

URI has benefitted from Fulbright programs since they were established. As the university builds new international programs and expands its global reach, our faculty, scholars, students, and recent alumni become increasingly competitive in the Fulbright application process.

Top: Tabatha Lewis ’18, an environmental science & management major with a graduate certificate in hydrology, received a 2020 Fulbright US Student Program award for her research proposal to study the effects of inadequate septic systems on well water quality in an Indonesian village.