Jamaica
2 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFlexible StartGrant Length10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Grants are typically 10 months in length.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grant Length: 10 months.
Most grantees choose to begin in the fall (September-October), as that is when the academic calendar begins in Jamaica, but the start date is flexible. The last possible start date is March 31, 2027.
Orientation
As a condition of the grant, all grantees to Jamaica are required to participate in the Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) that takes place early to mid-summer. The PDO is organized by IIE and ECA, and is typically held in mid-June in the U.S. (this session may be virtual or in-person).
Candidate Profile
Candidates should proactively attempt to seek affiliations with a host institution or reputable local expert. A well-defined project proposal that has clear alignment with the Intra Country Strategic Goals (ICS Goals) of Mission Kingston is preferred but not mandatory. Candidates should also be open to learning new cultures and adjusting to the challenges that may come with doing research in under-resourced communities and institutions. Candidates should be open to collaborating with the Embassy on community outreach projects to either highlight the Fulbright Program and/or act as a cultural ambassador while in country.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
Life for Fulbright grantees in Jamaica can be fun, adventurous, stimulating and filled with opportunities for lifelong professional and personal relationships. Jamaica is a popular destination for a few reasons. We encourage applicants to think of Jamaica as any big city or town. Many resources are available for research but one may need to establish networks to have ease of access to these resources. Many of the goods and services you are accustomed to are available, but Fulbrighters occasionally report issues accessing certain familiar fruits and vegetables. Explore! Try local varieties and look out for seasonal favorites at bigger outlet stores. The exchange rate makes life in the safest areas, close to the capital city, comfortable. Practice safety as you would in any unfamiliar big city.
Eligibility
Interesting proposals from all eligible applicants are welcomed.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Affiliation letter required for independent research at deadline. Applicants are responsible for arranging their own affiliation(s) with an academic institution, research facility, or other appropriate organization, and for submitting supporting documentation. Affiliation with the University of West Indies (UWI) is recommended and other reputable local tertiary institutions will be considered with strong demonstration of academic and/or in-kind support from the institution.
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
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
- USD 2,500 base allowance to cover round-trip international travel, transit, excess baggage, settling-in expenses
- USD 1,500 Research Allowance
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
https://livingcost.org/cost/jamaica/united-states
https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/jamaica?currency=USD
Each site gives a relatively accurate sense of cost of living implications for Jamaica as compared to the USA. Food prices and rent are the biggest cost factors for grantees, as well as research-related costs.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
No housing arrangements are provided by affiliate host institutions, and grantees are responsible for identifying housing independently. There is a thriving short term and medium term rental market. Relatively modern and new apartment options are widely available at various rates quoted in USD. A number of respected and international realtors operate in Jamaica, so finding accomodations should be a simple process. Recent alumni can be a good source of housing recommendations.
Specific Considerations
When designing projects, applicants should be aware that random street crime and loosely organized gang-related crimes are a concern in some areas, and projects that may compromise safety are not advised. Most tourists are not affected by such violence in resort areas, but residing among the general population means considering overall safety of person and property.
Visas
There is no specific visa for Fulbright grantees to Jamaica. U.S. nationals participating in the Fulbright program are required to obtain a visa before arrival in Jamaica. They are then required to do a process for extension of stay at the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency soon after arrival.
Grantees are advised to start this process up to 5 months prior to intended arrival date to ensure one has the requisite visa in time for the grant period, which may not begin later than March 2027. Please visit the Jamaican Embassy website, see visas/visitors and under visa information, download visa application guidelines and application form.