Fulbright
Connect with Esteemed International Scholars
Enrichment & Community Engagement for Visiting Scholars
The Fulbright Program is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Since 1946, the Fulbright Program awards merit-based scholarships in the United States and more than 160 countries to accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals of all backgrounds and fields. Fulbrighters study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to complex global challenges. Fostering mutual understanding, the Fulbright program strengthens global education and promotes international peace and prosperity.
As part of the Fulbright experience, ECA supports enrichment seminars, conferences, and workshops held across the United States to complement scholars’ formal academic appointments. In Georgia, the Georgia Council for International Visitors supports Fulbright visiting scholar enrichment activities that connect international faculty and professionals with local communities, institutions, and leaders beyond the university setting.
Who Participates?
Fulbright enrichment activities serve:
Fulbright visiting scholars who are faculty and professionals representing more than 155 countries
Scholars engaged in advanced research or university lecturing in the United States
More than 800 Fulbright visiting scholars participate in enrichment programming annually as part of their broader Fulbright experience. The enrichment seminar program is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) under the guidance of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
International Visitors Experience
Fulbright visiting scholars participating in enrichment activities in Georgia engage in:
Seminars focused on topics of shared global importance
Interactive discussions with academic, public, private, and nonprofit leaders
Community service projects and civic engagement
Cultural activities such as dinner hospitality highlighting U.S. history, diversity, and local life
Enrichment activities experiences are designed to occur outside of Fulbright scholars’ formal academic programs, providing a broader understanding of American society at the local and regional levels.
Role of Georgia Hosts
Local experts and community members contribute by:
Participating as speakers, panelists, or discussion leaders
Sharing professional, civic, and regional perspectives
Engaging scholars in dialogue about how global issues affect U.S. communities
Hosting visiting scholars in their homes for dinner hospitality
GCIV works with educators and partner organizations to ensure enrichment activities are well-structured, inclusive, and aligned with Fulbright program goals.
Global Impact
Fulbright enrichment activities:
Build cross-cultural understanding and people-to-people connections
Expand professional and social networks among visiting scholars and U.S. counterparts
Support leadership development and community engagement
Strengthen national and global Fulbright alumni networks
Highlight the impact of the Fulbright Program locally and internationally
Through the Fulbright enrichment activities, visiting scholars explore how global challenges affect communities in the United States and consider parallels within their own home countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Enrichment opportunities are primarily for Fulbright visiting scholars selected through the official Fulbright Program. However, GCIV may seek local professional resources or dinner hospitality hosts. If you’re interested in getting involved as a local host, please email info@gciv.org.
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Some Fulbright activities include academic-style seminars, while others focus on community engagement, service, and cultural exchange.
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There are three seminars during the academic year, each centered on a topic of global significance.
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GCIV supports and facilitates Fulbright enrichment activities in Georgia in coordination with the Institute of International Education (IIE) under the guidance of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
Other Questions?
Still have questions? Contact Emily Shaw at emily@gciv.org
Get Involved
Host a Scholar
Engage with Fulbright Visiting Scholars through community-based programs and discussions.
Partner With Us
Collaborate with GCIV to support Fulbright enrichment activities in Georgia.
For more information on Metro Atlanta Fulbright opportunities, contact emily@gciv.org.
For additional information about the Fulbright Program, visit fulbrightprogram.org.