Embassy of the United States

Riga, August 10, 2006 – The American embassy is pleased to announce the U.S. government’s annual competition for the Fulbright fellowship program for academic year 2007-2008, for students, scholars and teachers.

Ambassador Catherine Todd Bailey says that the Fulbright program is one of the best opportunities for Latvian students to go and study in the United States and encourages Latvian students, teachers and researchers to apply. “As the American Ambassador,” she says, “one of the most rewarding experiences is meeting those who have participated in our Fulbright program. I meet former Fulbright fellows wherever I go in Latvia—at the parliament, various ministries, universities, schools, businesses and even in the world of art and cinema – serving in their own way as ambassadors to Latvia. I applaud all former Fulbright fellows for, after completing their degree in the United States, returning to Latvia and applying this new found knowledge in a productive way towards the betterment of Latvia. ”

The Fulbright scholarship is awarded for one academic year. It covers tuition and fees at an American university (for students), a monthly stipend, health insurance, and international airfare. Only Latvian citizens and legal residents of Latvia are eligible to apply. Applicants must reside in Latvia at the time of application.

Students must have at least a Bachelor's degree by June 2006 to be eligible for the program, and they may apply to study in any field except medicine. Scholars applying for the Fulbright fellowship must already hold a Ph.D. degree or be finishing their dissertation. Scholars may apply to conduct research in any field except medicine. Teachers who wish to participate in the Fulbright teacher exchange program must be able to teach their subject in English in an American elementary, secondary, or high school.

The deadline for applying to the Fulbright Non-U.S. Student Fellowship program is September 20, 2006. The deadline for Visiting Scholars and the Teacher Exchange program is December 1, 2006. Application forms and explanatory information are available on the internet (www.usembassy.lv) and at the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section on Smilsu street 7, Riga.

Former Senator J. William Fulbright established the Fulbright program in 1946. The goal of the program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The U.S. government supports Fulbright linkages with many countries all over the world. Since 1991, the United States has offered Fulbright fellowships to outstanding students, teachers, and senior educators from Latvia, and so far some 100 Latvians have received these awards.

U.S. Embassy, Riga, Public Affairs Section
Smilsu iela 7
Riga, LV 1050
Phone: 371 750-9022
Internet: www.usembassy.lv
Media specialist's e-mail: ruklisk@state.gov