Fulbright Week

Fulbright Week 2026

Fulbright Week will introduce interested students and alums to the Fulbright US Student Program through information sessions, held from April 6-10, 2026, providing everything from early introductions to the program to addressing how to best tackle the application components and to inviting CU alums to share their Fulbright experiences virtually with prospective candidates. URF welcomes all years and graduates of CC, SEAS, GS, who are keen to learn more about the Fulbright - with an eye on applying this year or in the future! Most events will be held virtually, and none of the events will be recorded.
Session I: Fulbright 101: An Overview of the Program and Application Process
Monday, April 6, from 4-4:45pm EST in Hamilton 202
Welcome to Fulbright week! The workshops this week are meant to build on the previous sessions (they don't repeat!). Today, we'll kick things off by diving into the Fulbright opportunity and application process, giving you the tools to stand out and start your application strong! This event will be held in-person in Hamilton 202.
Session II, part I: Fulbright First Steps: Find Your Fit, Finding your Country
Tuesday, April 7 from 2-2:30pm EST
This session is split into two mini-sessions (same zoom link)! In the first half hour: With over 2000 annual awards and 160+ countries to choose from, choosing a Fulbright US Student Program can be thrilling...and overwhelming! URF Advisors will guide you through key resources and strategies to help you make informed choices and take the first confident step toward your Fulbright application. In the final half hour: URF Advisors will offer guidance on identifying and contacting prospective research affiliates as part of the Fulbright application process. Advisors will share practical tips, effective strategies, and key networks to help you initiate and secure strong, professional connections.

Session II, part II: Fulbright First Steps: Find Your Affiliate
Tuesday, April 7 from 2:30-3pm EST
This session is split into two mini-sessions (same zoom link)! In this second half hour: URF Advisors will offer guidance on identifying and contacting prospective research affiliates as part of the Fulbright application process. Advisors will share practical tips, effective strategies, and key networks to help you initiate and secure strong, professional connections.
Session III, the Institute of International Education presents the Fulbright US Student Program
Wednesday, April 8 from 2:00 - 3:00pm EST

Join Institute of International Education Fulbright staff and Alumni Ambassadors for an overview of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, including its history, eligibility requirements, award types, benefits, and application tips. After the presentation, participants will speak directly with Columbia's Fulbright Program Adviser (FPA) to learn about campus resources, deadlines, and next steps for applying.

Registration is required: REGISTER HERE

Session IV: Master the Application: a URF Application Walkthrough
Thursday, April 9 1-1:45pm EST

Workshops this week are meant to build on the previous sessions, but you don't need to attend earlier sessions in order to attend sessions later in the week! In this session: URF will guide you through the recently launched Fulbright US Student Program application process and share strategies to help you submit a strong, competitive application in August.

Join the call here

Session V: Fulbright Fouls: What NOT to do in your Fulbright Essays
Friday, April 10 12-12:45pm EST

Workshops this week are meant to build on the previous sessions, but you don't need to attend earlier sessions in order to attend sessions later in the week! This session will cover the most common mistakes that weaken a Fulbright essay - from vague project descriptions to other bloopers, we'll aim to cover how small missteps have an outsized impact in Fulbright essays. Learn how to avoid these pitfalls, thus ensuring the most robust candidacy possible!

Join the call here