Moldova
2 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Proposals are welcomed from well-qualified candidates at all degree levels with established relations at the host institution. Proposals in all disciplines: arts, humanities, and social sciences, as well as in the fields of science and technology will be accepted.
Grantees will conduct independent research projects at Moldovan universities and/or research institutions.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grants will begin in September and end in early June, coinciding with the academic year in Moldova.
Orientation
All grantees are required to attend a pre-departure orientation in June or July as a condition of their grant. The event is organized by IIE, virtual or in-person.
An in-country orientation will be held on the first week of September.
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 who plan to carry out individual research projects. Candidates must be mature, self-motivated individuals who are capable of working independently without supervision; preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate a track record of successful independent study.
Proposals are welcome from candidates in all disciplines. Proposed projects should be innovative yet feasible and should build off the candidate's overall academic education and prior work.
For all awards, we seeks applicants who:
- Demonstrate professional and academic excellence;
- Outline a strong rationale and methodology for pursuing their project in Moldova;
- Possess qualities of a cultural ambassador and show genuine interest in promoting mutual understanding as a Fulbright grantee;
- Indicate how they will benefit the Fulbright Program in Moldova.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Life in Moldova for someone on a Fulbright grant is very comfortable. Most students tend to be in Chisinau, the capital, which has an incredibly walkable city center, and attractive, quieter, more spacious suburban sectors which are all connected easily by a network of reliable, comfortable trollyebuses. Chisinau is a European capital city with all of the niceties of one–restaurants, cafes, monuments, and most importantly, ample and spacious public parks. In the fall, there are festivals almost every weekend–starting with Independence Day on August 27 and Language Day August 31–culminating in Wine Days the first weekend of October and City Day on October 14.
The country currently balances the past (thousands of years of agricultural tradition–especially winemaking) with the future (the IT sector). The terrain starting immediately on the edge of the city is beautiful and when seen from above might remind you of Tuscany. Chisinau maintains its historic authenticity and is a wonderful place to enjoy the European lifestyle while at the same time reflecting the unique legacy of Moldova being part of the U.S.S.R. for 50 years.
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Some knowledge of Russian or Romanian is recommended, and preference may be given to candidates who have proficiency in one or both of those languages.
Upon selection, some study of the local language prior to arrival is encouraged to promote deeper engagement with the host community.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Letter recommended but not required at deadline
Candidates are responsible for arranging their own host affiliation. While proof is not required at the time of application, preliminary contact with the host institution(s) is and preference will be given to candidates who include affiliation letters in their application. Preliminary contact with, and letters of support from host institutions, will be accepted at the time of application.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
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.
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
- Settling in allowance
- Local transportation allowance
Additional Grant Benefits
- Diplomatic pouch
U.S. Students are authorized to make a one-time shipment of educational materials to the U.S. embassy in the country of assignment. These materials cannot be sent back to the United States by pouch. Details on box size will be provided at the pre-departure orientation.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Housing - around 500-600 USD for one bedroom in city center/per month (does not include utilities)
Utilities - around 200 USD/per month
Meals and transport - 500 USD/per month
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Grantees are responsible for arranging their housing. We advise to rent something temporary near the university for the first weeks and decide on a permanent housing upon arrival.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Country Overview
Moldova is a small country in Eastern Europe at the crossroad between east and west. It is surrounded by Ukraine to the northeast and Romania to the southwest with a population of about 3.0 million people. Once known as "the garden" of Soviet Union, it is famous for its wine, the world’s largest wine cellars and its charming countryside. Safe and welcoming, it is one of the few countries with bilingual population (Romanian- and Russian-speaking) with two different alphabets: Cyrillic and Latin.
Moldova has a fascinating history; it was part of Romania during the interwar period, and incorporated into Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Previously, it had been an independent nation under Ottoman rule and annexed by Tsarist Russia. Today, Moldova is an independent republic with an autonomous region called Gagauzia and a strip of break-away territory called Transnistria, which has not been recognized by any country. Transnistria is an example of a frozen conflict, which has existed in a state of limbo since 1990. It is distinctive by its Soviet architecture, posters and pro-Russian sentiments. Transnistria State University located in its capital Tiraspol, which offers internationally accredited courses and features satellite campuses in the towns of Rybnitsa and Bender.
Overall, there are around 15 universities in Moldova. The majority are in the capital, Chisinau, including Moldova State University, Technical University, Pedagogical University, Medical University, University of Arts, Academy of Economic Studies. There is also one state university in the northern city of Balti; one in Comrat, the capital of the Gagauz region; and another in Cahul, in the south of Moldova. The biggest and oldest private university is Free Independent University of Moldova (ULIM) in Chisinau.
A Fulbright placement in Moldova is a great opportunity for someone who is looking for direct interaction with multi-ethnic republic and its Soviet and Romanian heritage. U.S. Students are encouraged to engage with partners throughout the country, including in Chisinau, Tiraspol, Cahul, Comrat and Balti, regardless of their host institution.
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
BBC on Republic of Moldova: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17601580