Syria
Region: Near East/North Africa
FULBRIGHT GRANTS/SYRIAN GOVERNMENT GRANTS Language A minimum of two years of Arabic study, or equivalent language proficiency, is required at the time of application. The University of Damascus offers Arabic for foreign students in its Arabic Language Center (http://www.arabicindamascus.edu.sy/English.html) and there are a number of private institutes offering Arabic instruction. Grantees can learn the Syrian dialect through everyday contacts, private tutors, and by traveling in Syria, which is permitted. See Critical Language Enhancement Awards.
Grant period 9 months only. Fulbrighters must arrive by the third week of September to attend the mandatory in-country orientation program.
Fields of study Projects that deal with socially, culturally, or politically-sensitive issues are discouraged. This includes journalism or media. Projects focusing solely on Arabic language study are also discouraged.
Affiliation Formal, academic affiliation will not be available. Grantees pursue independent research and language study. A letter of invitation from a Syrian institution may be submitted by the applicant; however, such letters are not required as part of the application. Informal contacts and collaboration with Syrian institutions and individuals are encouraged. Those grantees seeking to study or conduct research at the French Institute (IFPO) should contact the Institute early in the application process.
Residence visa In the absence of official academic affiliation, grantees can remain legally in Syria for 6-9 months on a tourist residency permit. Depending on the prevailing situation, grantees may be required to affiliate with either one of the Syrian universities or with the Ministry of Culture in order to obtain a regular, non-tourist residency permit.
Special considerations While Fulbright grantees often travel extensively within Syria, grantees generally do not live permanently outside Damascus. An applicant wishing to conduct their grant outside Damascus must provide details of their plan of study/research, including possible institutions for affiliation, and the proposal will be reviewed by U.S. Embassy staff. Due to visa considerations and restrictions, grantees in Syria may be restricted in their travel outside of Syria for the duration of their grants.
Note The Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in Damascus can answer technical questions about life as a Fulbright grantee in Syria and other logistical matters. It cannot advise on or assist with the development of research proposals or applications or provide contact with different sectors of Syrian society.
Dependents The basic amount of the Fulbright grant is increased by $100 per month for grantees with one accompanying dependent and by $200 for grantees with two or more accompanying dependents.
Contact fulbrightsyria@state.gov
Website http://damascus.usembassy.gov
Critical Language Enhancement AwardThe Critical Language Enhancement Award provides an opportunity for Fulbright U.S. Student Program grantees to receive three to six months of intensive language study in addition to their research or study grants. The award provides a monthly living stipend and tuition reimbursement for grantees to pursue language training in the host country. Application for a Critical Language Enhancement Award is made in conjunction with the Fulbright U.S. Student application. For additional information and requirements on the award please see Critical Language Enhancement Award details. Syria Acceptable Languages: Arabic – Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and dialect Prior Language Study: A minimum of one year of prior Arabic study is required. For details, see here.
Dates and Timing: Grantees to Syria can only complete their Critical Language Enhancement Award concurrently with their Fulbright grant.
Approved Institutions: Critical Language Enhancement Award Manager: Cara Wolinsky, cwolinsky@iie.org
Fulbright Grant Manager: Jermaine Jones, jjones@iie.org
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