Applying for a Fulbright

I recently received an e-mail from Mamiko Hado and Erin Russell at Fulbright encouraging others to consider a Fulbright program. From beginning it has been an extraordinary experience - I have had a chance to revitalize my brain cells and marvel at the generosity of former Fulbrighters and others who encouraged me and gave me advice. The key Fulbright web sites are CIES main page www.cies.org, US competition page www.cies.org/us_scholars/us_awards, and award descriptions for Malaysia at http://www.cies.org/award_book/award2009/country/EasMalMY.htm. Fulbright had a weekly on-line chat beginning in July. It was invaluable in answering the questions that arose  as I tried to intuit what information was wanted.

I started actively working on identifying a potential research question in March (for an 8/1 application deadline). Over the next two months I established that my original research plans were infeasible. I explored different possibilities as I googled and contacted faculty members in Malaysia who were teaching or writing about evaluation, NGOs, or public administration. Their answers helped me formulate the research proposal. I was especially fortunate when a faculty member took it upon himself to guide me not only in fleshing out the research question, but in identifying potential lecture/course topics, and obtaining a letter of support from his dean.

Former Fulbrighters provided valuable suggestions and encouragement. Especially important was the input from colleagues who read my proposal and pointed out logical lapses. More than once as I wondered if all the time and effort was worthwhile a phone call or e-mail message would arrive to spur me on.