ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   Accredited colleges, universities, consortia of colleges and universities, and other not-for-profit academic organizations that have an established reputation in American studies and related disciplines, and that can demonstrate expertise in conducting post-graduate level programs for foreign educators, are eligible to apply. Applicant institutions must have a minimum of four years' experience in conducting international exchange programs. Proposals from consortia may be submitted by a member institution with documented authority to represent all members. The project director or one of the key program staff responsible for the academic program must have an advanced degree in American studies or a related discipline.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Participants should be highly-motivated and experienced foreign university faculty, including: teachers; teacher trainers; administrators; department chairs; and, curriculum developers and textbook writers. They will have demonstrated an ability and desire to include aspects of American civilization in their teaching and professional work in their home countries. Participants must be nominated by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or by a Fulbright Commission.

Credentials/Documentation:   See eligibility requirements above.

Pre-application Coordination:   Not applicable. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Initial proposals are generally solicited through open competition, and only occasionally through sole-source or limited solicitations.

Award Procedure:   Proposals are analyzed by the Study of the U.S. Branch, and are reviewed by an impartial panel of senior Department of State officers. Final funding decisions are at the discretion of the Assistant Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State. Final technical authority rests with the Grants Division of the Office of the Executive Director.

Deadlines:   Deadline dates are specified in the requests for proposals (RFP's) or in the letter of solicitation.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Grant decisions are usually complete within three months of the due date of the proposals.

Appeals:   Not applicable.

Renewals:   Based on host institution performance and demand for the program among the overseas audience, applicants may be asked to submit renewal proposals for up to two years following the initial award.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Cost-sharing is strongly encouraged, although there is no minimum requirement.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Cooperative agreements are usually for periods of 6 to 8 months.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Interim and final program and budget reports are required.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," non federal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records:   Not applicable.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   19-0201-0-1-154.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 01 $2,200,000; FY 02 est $2,200,000; and FY 03 est $2,200,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $182,000 to $255,000. Average: $182,000.

In fiscal year 2002, ten cooperative agreements were awarded to U.S. educational institutions, which hosted over 200 foreign American studies faculty, teacher trainers, textbook writers, curriculum developers and government officials.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

Calls for proposals, including guidelines, are published in the Federal Register, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and posted on the internet.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   None.

Headquarters Office:  
THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN DISCONTINUIED*

Web Site Address:  
http://exchanges.state.gov/education/amstudy

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Fulbright American Studies Institute on the U.S. Constitution at Lafayette College; Fulbright American Studies Institute on the U.S. Political System at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; Fulbright American Studies Institute on the Civilization of the U.S. at New York University.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Overall quality; program planning; institutional capacity; diversity; experience with foreign educators; evaluation and follow-up; administration and management; and, cost effectiveness.