Dreams of global teaching and research can become reality for faculty through the Core Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, which is accepting grant applications for the 2017-18 academic year.

With nearly 500 awards available, now is the time to think about potential projects, locations and partners, says Jaclyn Assarian, associate director of international programs. Fulbright is prestigious, yet attainable, says Assarian, Fulbright Scholar liaison for faculty programs. She regularly assists faculty with applications by clarifying requirements, refining research project ideas, providing feedback on application materials and reaching out to contacts abroad on behalf of applicants.

Core grants are awarded in a wide variety of academic and professional fields and range between three and 12 months for research, teaching or both activities in a specific country or, in some cases, a specific world region. A list of open award opportunities and other program details can be found at Fulbright's website http://www.cies.org/. Deadline to apply is Aug. 1, and the program is open to U.S. citizens.

Fulbright also offers short-term collaborative grants in select disciplines for U.S. faculty and professionals through the Specialist Program. This opportunity gives scholars greater flexibility to pursue projects that work with their academic and professional commitments. The application process for this grant is ongoing, says Assarian, so faculty can contact her regarding this opportunity throughout the year.

Assarian offers Fulbright-focused office hours from 2 "" 4 p.m. Wednesdays in 4031 Faculty/Administration Building. She also is available by appointment, and can be reached at 313-577-9319 or jassarian@wayne.edu

For questions related to the Fulbright Student Program, contact Kelli Dixon, director of Study Abroad and Global Programs, at ab6179@wayne.edu. For preliminary information, students may visit http://us.fulbrightonline.org/; the Student Program Application opens May 1 for the 2017-18 academic year.

The Office of International Programs (OIP) is always interested in hearing from faculty and student Fulbright alumni. If you have received a Fulbright award, we want to know about it! Email Carol Baldwin, communications coordinator for OIP, at carol.baldwin@wayne.edu and tell her about your experience.