EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGES

Fulbright Junior Staff Development Program, 2009-2010

Fulbright Junior Staff Development (JSD) grants are designed to strengthen the faculties of Universities and staff of other educational and cultural institutions. This does not exclude staff of other institutions in government and the private sector in Kenya. They allow candidates to pursue a Ph. D. or Master's degree or non degree study for one year at a university or research institution. The maximum grant period for Ph.D. students is two years. JSD grants are for one degree only.

The competition for JSD grant is great. Applicants who have not yet studied in the U.S. and have not been abroad for many years will be given preference. Applicants must have had a least three years of work experience.

Applicants should apply to be candidates for an advanced degree in their current field, to pursue studies in another field if they have an adequate background, or to spend up to one year in a specialized field for which they are well prepared. They must have outstanding academic records, references and preparation in their chosen field.

Applicants should have high motivation and serious commitment to completion of the advanced degree to return home. In addition, they should have exceptional promise of making significant contribution in their professions. They must demonstrate a level of English proficiency that will enable them to use their time in the U.S. to the best of academic advantage.

For the 2009 competition, which will award grants for the 2009-2010 school year, the application deadline is April 30, 2008. Short-listed candidates will be invited for interviews by a panel of Embassy officials and Fulbright alumni. The most promising candidates will be asked to fill out official application forms, obtain necessary references and take standardized tests like TOEFL and GRE (or GMAT). Complete applications are sent to New York, where they are evaluated against applications from other African countries. Final selection of grantees will be announced in March/April 2009.

Although nominees may make suggestions about where they wish to be placed, the Fulbright Program associate, the Institute of International Education (IIE) decides final placement based on the nominee's background and availability of positions at U.S. universities.

Interested candidates should complete the preliminary application forms, attach their educational qualifications, including copies of certificates, transcripts, curriculum vitae, and a detailed statement of the graduate program they wish to pursue.

Please send your initial application to:

The Cultural Attache
U.S. Embassy
P.O. 606, Village Market
00621, Nairobi