The Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship, a component of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, provides opportunities for selected Fulbright US Student Study/Research grantees to participate in an academic year of storytelling on a globally significant theme. This Fellowship is made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the National Geographic Society.
For the 2021-2022 competition, the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship will accept proposals to undertake an in-depth examination of a globally relevant issue as an enhancement to their Fulbright research or arts project. Utilizing a variety of storytelling tools—including, but not limited to text, photography, video, audio/podcasts, public speaking, maps, and graphic illustrations – Storytellers have the opportunity to share their stories, and the stories of those they meet, through National Geographic and social media platforms.
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In addition to receiving standard Fulbright benefits (for travel, stipend, health, etc.) and materials and reporting special allowance, Storytellers receive instruction in storytelling techniques, including effective blog writing, video production, photography, public speaking, and other relevant training by National Geographic staff prior to their departure. National Geographic also provide editorial mentorship for Fellows during their Fulbright grant period. Storytellers provide material for National Geographic’s Explorers blog on a frequent and ongoing basis throughout their grant term.
The National Geographic Society supports research, exploration, and conservation throughout the globe with a focus on projects that emphasize science, technology, and storytelling to help protect species-at-risk, better understand human history and culture and conserve some of our planet’s last wild places.
The Fulbright-National Geographic Fellowship seeks researchers with a talent for and interest in storytelling. Projects that emphasize science, technology, and storytelling to help protect species-at-risk, better understand human history and culture, conserve some of our planet’s last wild places and build a more sustainable future are welcome.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
- Funding for this Fellowship is provided by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, through the cooperating partner organization implementing the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Institute of International Education (IIE). All Storytellers will receive standard Fulbright Program benefits, including funds for travel, a living stipend, and health benefits as well as a modest professional allowance for materials and reporting expenses.
- Living stipends will be calculated based on host-country cost-of-living indices.
- In addition, National Geographic Society mentoring draws from a range of experts in many disciplines, including researchers, explorers, regional specialists, and storytellers.
- Fellows will each be assigned a mentor who is a National Geographic staff member or explorer with relevant experience. The mentor will provide goal-setting and planning support at the pre-departure orientation and will be available for advice throughout the fellowship.
- Mentors will help fellows pitch their work to National Geographic platforms and find other ways to integrate into the National Geographic community.
Eligibilities
- Fulbright-National Geographic Fellows must be selected for a Fulbright Study/Research Grant by the eligible country for which they applied and meet the criteria of the Fulbright Study/Research requirements of the host country.
- Candidates from all fields are encouraged to apply.
- Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience and talent in storytelling. Candidates must have completed at least an undergraduate degree by the commencement of the Fulbright award.
Application Process
- All application materials, including academic transcripts and letters of recommendation must be submitted in the Fulbright Online Application and Recommendation System by Tuesday October 13, 2020 at 5 pm Eastern Time. Hard copy submissions will not be accepted.
- In addition to the Fulbright Study/Research Application, the following supplemental materials are required and to be uploaded into the application:1.Storytelling Proposal
2.Storytelling Portfolio and Narrative - In the online application, indicate your intention to apply for the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Award on the Program Information page, along with a brief (1750-character limit) abstract of your storytelling proposal. On the Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling page of the online application, submit the Proposal and Portfolio as separate one-page PDF documents in each upload field.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Application Deadline: October 13, 2020
Application ClosedOfficial link
