Affiliate Mentors

Fulbright generally requires you to have an official host for your study, research, or creative arts project. Be sure to check the country page for specific information - and be aware that even if the affiliation letter is not technically required, you will be at a disadvantage without one!

Here are some tips to help navigate finding a potential host/advisor:

Review Fulbright's general advice: see the information on their site and watch a recorded webinar about finding an affiliate.
Review the specific guidance on your grant page to bew sure you understand the requirements. Some countries have a short list of acceptable affiliates, while others are open to a wider range.
Talk to your mentors at DU! They may be able to facilitate a connection, so tell them about your goals.
Explore your field. Who is publishing interesting research on topics you want to study and in your target host country? Reach out to them to discuss your Fulbright proposal.
If your project isn't country-specific, consider looking at people in a few different countries.

How do you determine if they are the right host/advisor?

You email them. Cold emails can feel awkward, but they are totally normal! Your first email should:

Convey who you are and what Fulbright is.
Explain why you've chosen to contact this person.
Very briefly, describe what you are hoping to do in your project. Be general enough that you could refine your project to match the expertise or resources available at your affiliate institution.
Put Fulbright in the subject line and mention it in the first two sentences.
Ask for a video chat or phone call; you'll get a better sense of the potential in a conversation than by email.
Your first email should not ask outright for the affiliation letter - better to make that request at the end of an actual conversation.

Remember: You are looking for someone who will provide you with expertise and resources to help you complete your project. Be clear and upfront about the type of relationship and resources you are looking for.