Bulgaria
1 Fulbright Bulgaria-Romania Joint Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The joint award with the Bulgarian and Romanian Fulbright Commissions allows students to engage in trans-regional research. Up to 1 award per academic year is open to candidates at all degree levels, but preference is given to Master’s and Ph.D. candidates. Applications will be considered in fields related to Bulgaria and Romania, especially: European studies, East European studies, Balkan studies, Black Sea studies, history, political science, social sciences, classical studies, environment and sustainability, archeology and the arts. The award is for 10 months – with 5 months spent in each country. Applicants may select which country to visit first, depending on the needs of their project.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grants will begin September/October and end in June/July, depending on project needs. The award is for ten months – five months in Bulgaria and five months in Romania. Applicants may select which country to visit first, depending on the needs of their project.
Orientation
If the grant starts in Bulgaria, grantees are encouraged to take part in the orientation seminar for US grantees beginning Sept. 1, which includes language instruction, as well as cultural and social events. The Commission will organize one-day orientations for grantees arriving later in the fall or in the spring semester.
If the grant starts in Romania, grantees will be required to attend a multi-day in-country orientation at the beginning of October.
Candidate Profile
Well-qualified candidates will be considered at all degree levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral), but preference is given to Master’s and Ph.D. candidates. Previous experience in the region is not considered a disadvantage. Ability to conduct independent, unstructured research with minimal oversight is crucial. Applications will be considered in fields related to Bulgaria and Romania, especially: European studies, East European studies, Balkan studies, Black Sea studies, political science, history, social sciences, classical studies, environment and sustainability, archeology and the arts. Previous experience in the region is not considered a disadvantage. Knowledge of regional languages is considered an advantage.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens at the time of application. Permanent residents are not eligible. Dual citizens are accepted.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Bulgaria
The benefits of life in Bulgaria include a breathtaking countryside, a relaxed lifestyle, friendly people, cheap prices, and delicious food. Bulgaria is generally a peaceful and safe country, and the local population is proud of the country’s long history and holds education in very high regard, which results in a good number of opportunities for collaboration.
As a Fulbright student in Bulgaria, you can conduct your research with the support of various hosts: institutions of higher education, research think tanks, NGOs and international organizations. During your grant period, the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission will be there to help you settle into your Bulgarian life. We organize an orientation in the beginning of September, a mid-term meeting in January, and a wrap – up seminar in June. If your grant start date doesn’t coincide with those events, Fulbright Bulgaria staff will set up an individual meeting after your arrival to discuss aspects of living and working in the country and to answer any questions you may have. We also strive to provide a cultural/educational program for scholars and students every month; we share information and invitations from partner organizations that may enrich your stay in the country, and we support our students research or community engagement activities in a variety of ways.
Romania
The dynamics of Romanian economy and society has been extraordinary in the last years – and trying to provide definitions and clues may prove very challenging. Reality is changing at fast pace and these changes are sometimes difficult to keep track of. The changes are generally positive and tend to bring Romania closer and closer to Western standards.
Life is different here, and some families have found flexibility is needed to adjust their lifestyles to the new environment. After the initial transition, you will probably surprise yourself by managing quite well. Do not let preoccupation with the minutiae of daily life hinder your work or prevent you from enjoying the charm and beauty of the country and its people. If you expect things to take a bit longer and not always be as you were used to, your adaptation will be easily carried out.
You may have to temper your professional expectations to conform to the bureaucratic realities here, resulting from the constant changes in legislation, administration, and even thinking, the country is undergoing at present.
Despite the necessary adjustments, living in Romania can be very rewarding and fulfilling. Romania is rich in things to see and do. You should try to make an effort, especially if you live in a city, to get out in the country to smaller towns and villages, where the pace of life is slower, and the people are usually more relaxed.
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
In your Fulbright online application, Award Name please select Bulgarian-Romania Joint Research Award from the drop-down menu to be considered for this award. Select Bulgaria for Country 1 and Romania for Country 2 (regardless of which country you intend to visit first).
Foreign Language Proficiency
Bulgarian or Romanian proficiency is not required, but some study of Bulgarian and Romanian prior to arrival is encouraged in order to promote deeper engagement with the host community.
The Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission offers an online summer course in Bulgarian language and culture, as well as an intensive language course during the September US grantee orientation. The Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission also provides a one-time allowance of US$250 for Bulgarian language training during the grant period.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline
Applicants are encouraged to secure affiliation(s) in both countries and to submit letters of invitation/affiliation indicating name/position of host and details on collaborating educational/cultural organization/institution. Projects must be well formulated and achievable under the guidance of an adviser/mentor at an educational, cultural, or government institution.
The Bulgarian Fulbright Commission can assist in establishing contacts at prospective host institutions but it is up to the candidate to secure support from a host institution/organization. Final assignments in Bulgaria will be coordinated and confirmed by the Commission.
The Fulbright Commission in Romania can assist candidates with affiliations but it is up to the candidate to secure a host institution/organization. Placements take place throughout Romania.
The Fulbright Commissions in Bulgaria and Romania reserve the right to interview finalists via an online platform or by telephone.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
If courses are available in the relevant field at Bulgarian academic institutions, the Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission may cover tuition fees up to $750 upon approval by the Commission Board.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
Romania Stipend – $2,150 per month (disbursed on a monthly basis in RON, based on the average USD/RON exchange rate as specified in the Terms and Conditions of the Award)
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Excess baggage fees
- Language training allowance
- Research/Materials allowance
Additional Grant Benefits
- Diplomatic pouch
- Mid-year seminar
Grant benefits while in Bulgaria:
- One-way airfare of $1,000 (for grantee only)
- A one-time travel/relocation allowance of $500 (for grantee only)
- A book/research materials allowance of $250 (for grantee only)
- A Bulgarian language lessons allowance of $250 (for grantee only)
- Excess baggage allowance up to $200 (for grantee only)
*Dependent allowance not available
Grant benefits while in Romania:
The standard grant benefits include the following (please note these may be subject to change):
- Stipend – $2,150 per month (disbursed on a monthly basis in RON, based on the average USD/RON exchange rate as specified in the Terms and Conditions of the Award)
- Research and book allowance – $250
- Community integration allowance – $800 for Romanian language learning & specialized counseling, including psychological counseling
- Dependent Supplements*
* Dependent allowance: $325 per month for one dependent / $425 per month for two or more dependents who accompany the grantee for at least 80 percent of the grant period (disbursed in RON based on the average USD/RON exchange rate as specified in the Terms and Conditions of the Award)
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Bulgaria
Housing expenses range from 400-900 USD (studio apartment) to 500-1200 USD for 2-3 bedroom apartments per month depending on location. These rates are for furnished apartments and include basic utilities. Quality fresh produce, groceries and other types of food can be found at reasonable prices. Eating out can be fairly inexpensive. Local transportation in major cities is not expensive. For up to date information on the cost of living visit https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
Romania
Useful information about the cost of living are provided by Cost of Living in Romania. Prices in Romania. Updated Feb 2024 (numbeo.com) , while a comparison of data for Romania and France is provided by France vs Romania: Cost of Living & Salary comparison [2023] (livingcost.org)
Dependents
Dependent support is only available for the Romanian portion of the grant; the Bulgarian Fulbright Commission does not offer dependent support for this grant.
Housing Arrangements
Grantees are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Bulgaria Country Overview
A mountainous country of seven million people located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria boasts a rich archaeological heritage and vibrant artistic culture, including its unique folk music and dance traditions as well as contemporary literary and performance practices. Thanks to its striking natural landscape, rich agricultural roots, and four-season climate, Bulgaria is an increasingly popular destination for outdoor and culinary tourism. Bulgaria also has a strong ICT and start-up sector, based primarily in Sofia, and some Bulgarian companies have started receiving international recognition for their innovations.
Bulgaria has a relatively homogenous majority population of Slavic-speakers who traditionally identify as Orthodox Christian; however, the country is also home to Turkish and Roma communities and has a sizeable Muslim minority (more than 10%). While Bulgarians are known for their warm hospitality, some communities may hold conservative views and may not have extensive experience interacting with foreigners. Younger Bulgarians often have solid levels of English-language competence thanks to access to digital and online resources, while older generations, who had limited access to English instruction under communism, may have studied Russian, German or French instead.
Since the fall of communism in 1989, Bulgaria has been a parliamentary democracy, joining the EU in 2007. Although Bulgaria has the lowest standard of living in the EU and struggles with challenges such as emigration/brain-drain and rule-of-law issues, the country has nevertheless generally been politically and economically stable. All applicants are urged to consult the most recent State Department Country Report on Human Rights Practices, which offers the most exhaustive and up-to-date description of political, social and cultural trends in Bulgaria.
For more about Bulgaria, you can watch the following video: https://youtu.be/esT3KbwgjGg