Learn about the experience of former Fulbright U.S. Specialist in Colombia
Iuliana Balascuta
Fulbright U.S. Specialist
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Bogotá
Cheryl Juarez
Fulbright U.S. Specialist 2021
Visited Corporación Maloka de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación
“I feel that this opportunity to collaborate with the Maloka project staff built a strong foundation for an ongoing relationship, with possibilities for the future. I am also pleased that I was able to facilitate new relationships between Maloka and other organizations in the US and UK”.
Brian Rashid, J.D.
Fulbright U.S. Specialist 2021
Visited Fundación Juanfe Colombia
“I was blown away and so proud of what we were able to achieve in just six weeks. We produced a video from start to finish (scripted, shot, produced, and directed by the young women under my training and direction). This creative output gave these young women the confidence to, for the first time, believe in the power of their story, and share it honestly through creative expression.”
Anne Traynor, Ph.D.
Fulbright U.S. Specialist 2022
Visited Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia
“The most important result of the project may be that I now have warm, trusting relationships with at least one faculty member at each host institution, so it is likely we will continue to collaborate”.
Additional resources, initiatives, and tools made available by the Fulbright Commission in Colombia for our U.S. Scholars
ORIENTATION HANDBOOK
This document is designed to provide you with some practical guidelines for your Fulbright experience, give you a general overview of the country, and share specific recommendations on handling unexpected situations during your grant period.
FULBRIGHT U.S SCHOLAR PROGRAM IN COLOMBIA IMPORTANT REMINDERS & RESOURCES
This document contains relevant information and shares key resources, links, and recommendations for a successful and safe experience in Colombia.
MIGRATION PROCEDURES DOCUMENT
Outlines immigration procedures, including V Visa details, dependent requirements, application instructions, Foreigner ID Card issuance, and additional recommendations about the migration procedures required for Fulbright U.S. grantees.
Assistance During Migration Procedures
The team at the Fulbright Colombia Commission provides ongoing support during immigration procedures, including liaising with relevant institutions to follow up on specific cases, solving questions that may arise during the Visa or Foreigner ID Card application process, and monitoring.
Fulbright Mentorship Program
This program aims to support our new scholarship recipients in the process of adapting to life in Colombia, to mitigate cultural shock upon arrival in a new country. Through this initiative, the Commission assigns Colombian Fulbright alumni to voluntarily support and guide the inbound Cohort of U.S. grantees.
U.S. Grantees Network
More than 3,200 Colombian citizens have been awarded Fulbright grants to pursue graduate studies or conduct research or teaching activities in the U.S. Belonging to the Fulbright alumni network is one of the main benefits of the Fulbright award. Upon request, the Fulbright Commission team can facilitate connections, interactions, and collaborations among U.S. grantees and former Colombian grantees located in their city or placement region, or working in specific fields of interest.
Fulbright Alumni Events and Engagement
We promote a dynamic Fulbright community through various activities, including casual Happy Hours for alumni in various cities, academic lectures, sports events, and Fulbrighter Week. Our approach combines social, academic, and networking elements to provide grantees with a well-rounded and enriching experience, fostering both professional skills and lasting connections.
Pre-Departure Orientation Sessions
In these virtual sessions addressed to upcoming Fulbright scholars, Program Officers and Support Professionals share relevant information regarding the program conditions, requirements, and guidelines for a smooth and successful stay in the country. Grantees can also answer any specific questions as they prepare for their Fulbright experience.
U.S. Embassy Speakers Program
The program features lectures on topics relevant to U.S. grantees and their projects in Colombia, led by speakers from the team at the U.S. Embassy in Colombia. These sessions enhance their knowledge and provide insightful experiences for a greater impact and fruitful collaborations. Some examples of topics having been covered as part of the U.S. Embassy Speakers Program are:
- Partnering for Social Projects in Colombia
- The U.S. Foreign Service for U.S. Grantees
U.S. Embassy Security Briefing for U.S. Grantees
The U.S. Embassy in Colombia offers a one-hour Security Briefing, led by a representative from the Regional Security Office (RSO), which provides general recommendations and security guidelines for Colombia.
VTRACK
Since 2023, the Fulbright Commission in Colombia implemented a digital platform designed to facilitate the tracking of U.S. and Colombian Fulbright grantees, reception of reports, documents, and updates, as well as to maintain up-to-date contact information.
SOMOS UNX
One of our current key institutional priorities is promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our academic and cultural exchange programs portfolio. Some examples of DEI initiatives promoted by the Commission for U.S. grantees include the Somos Unx DEI workshops. This guide provides some recommendations on how to achieve assertive communication that takes a differential and intersectional approach. Language is important because it recognizes the cultural identity, ethnicity, sexual diversity, gender, and disability of people in our country and helps us change our reality
