Program Information

The Fulbright Specialist Program (FSP), part of the larger Fulbright Program, was established in 2001 by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). World Learning is the cooperating organization implementing the program worldwide.

The program is a field-driven initiative in which Nepali host institutions conceptualize and design projects of interest within an eligible discipline that represent a priority for their respective organizations. These projects are then matched with a highly qualified U.S. academic or professional, who shares their expertise and assists with strengthening linkages between U.S. and foreign host institutions.

The FSP provides highly qualified U.S. academics and U.S. professionals whose credentials and experience are at the faculty or full professional level with an opportunity to share their expertise by carrying out projects requested by host institutions abroad.  Specialists are frequently academics; however, professionals such as attorneys, journalists, scientists, economists, security experts, and experts in eligible fields often take part in the program as well.  Specialists exchange knowledge, build capacity, and establish partnerships benefiting participants, institutions, and communities both in the U.S. and overseas. 

The FSP provides U.S. expertise and leadership to overseas hosts and promotes long-term collaboration between U.S. and host country institutions through projects that align with U.S. Department of State goals and the priorities of foreign host institutions. 

 Project activities may include but are not limited to:

• teaching or training
• developing curricula or teaching/educational materials
• institutional planning
• building capacity of faculty, administrators, or staff
• delivering seminars or academic courses
• and conducting needs assessments for programs or institutions