Fulbright in the Classroom FAQs

"In May 2023, I had the opportunity to speak to three classes at Muncie (IN) Central High School. I spoke about my Fulbrights to Slovenia and Greece. My wife baked Koulourakia, a Greek cookie, which was a big hit with the students. The cookies may have done more to inspire travel than my remarks, but either way, I think the students were open to new possibilities after my visit."

Dom Caristi

Fulbright Scholar to Slovenia (1995), Greece (2009)

What is the mission of Fulbright in the Classroom?

The mission of Fulbright in the Classroom (FIC) is to teach K-through-College students about other countries, foster their appreciation of cultural differences, understand our common humanity, and see the value of travel and international education. FIC will also expose students, especially those from underrepresented communities, to the Fulbright Program.

Why is Fulbright in the Classroom important?

Too many students, especially in urban and rural areas, have little direct exposure to international education resources. Fulbrighters, in sharing our love and respect for other countries, can build foundational international understanding that actively combats xenophobia and other forms of prejudice. The Fulbright Program is not yet fully representative of all Americans, so raising its profile through programs like FIC will help ameliorate this problem over time.

Who can participate?

All Fulbrighters are welcome to participate, especially recently returned scholars, students, researchers, English teaching assistants, and visiting grantees. Please note that you must be a member of the Fulbright Association to participate.

Why should I participate?

Sharing your experiences with students will be a fun and reflective extension of your Fulbright mission to promote international understanding. Through FIC, you will continue to be a resource to the United States by giving back to communities who helped make your Fulbright experience possible.

Do I participate with FIC in person or virtually (Zoom, etc.)?

It’s up to you! As a FIC participant, you can select the modality that you feel most comfortable using. If you visit a classroom and/or school in person, be sure to follow all CDC, local, and institutional guidelines.

Do I have to be an experienced teacher to participate in the program?

You may have little or no experience teaching, especially K-12 students, before participating in FIC. You may have never been in an American classroom. Don’t worry! You’re bringing something new, special, and exciting to the daily classroom routine. One thing to remember—your classroom visit should not be a lecture, but a conversation that incorporates any questions posed by students.

How do I decide which classroom/school to visit?

We recommend connecting with a school that you have a personal relationship with. For example, consider reaching out to a favorite teacher from your hometown or a professor from your undergraduate institution. Middle and high schools have been most receptive to this program, but be sure to consider connecting with elementary schools, local community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and other higher education institutions. We suggest directly contacting teachers and/or professors to initiate your FIC visit, as all schools will have websites to identify faculty and staff contact information.

Will the Fulbright Association help me find a classroom or prepare me for my presentation?

If you require assistance in locating a classroom, please indicate your preferences on the interest form and contact fic@fulbright.org. We will do our best to facilitate the classroom selection process, but as a small nonprofit organization, we rely most heavily on our FIC participants to make classroom visit arrangements. Please visit our FIC Toolkit for classroom selection and presentation resources. We are incredibly grateful for your time and commitment to Fulbright in the Classroom and value your help in making this service program a success.

What do I need to do to prepare?

Schools vary in their policies regarding in-person visitors. Ask your classroom contact about the procedure for in-person visits and follow their advice. If you are participating in Fulbright in the Classroom virtually (on Zoom or a similar platform), discuss the details and logistics of your visit with your classroom contact. Then, prepare your Fulbright story and get ready to share it with the students!

What do I talk about when I visit a classroom?

Focus your stories on the culture of the country you visited or, if you are a Visting Grantee, the country you come from: food, lifestyles, holidays, history, music, family, etc. You are there to teach the students about a country they likely have little familiarity with. Share your insights and adventures!

Can I share my work or research with the students?

Your primary focus when sharing your presentation with students should be on the country you visited and the cultural experiences you had. Explain what Fulbright is, briefly discuss your research/study area, and spend the majority of your visit recounting your adventures abroad.

What type of content should I share?

The content you share—stories, lessons, games, activities—with the students is very important. Focus on what you can contribute that will be unique and unfamiliar. Before your classroom visit, share examples of stories you might tell, material items you could bring, and insights you can offer with your classroom contact. Being transparent, coordinated, and prepared will help your classroom contact prepare students for your visit and explain your presence to others, such as parents or administrators.

What types of materials should I show online or bring with me?

As you will be a one-time visitor through the FIC program with little time (likely one class period or meeting), you can make the greatest impact by focusing on visual aids—great photos, short video clips, and objects that come from another country. Show images that portray the personal and cultural—food, traditions, places, people—rather than tourist shots they can see online. If you are visiting a classroom in person, bring objects students can hold (without worry of damage), such as artwork or games, that will be memorable. Organize all these materials—and the stories you tell—in an order that makes sense, perhaps thematically or through timelines.

Do I need to get permission to take photos or videos of students?

Yes. The Fulbright Association would like to share photos and/or videos with our community. Unless a classroom contact tells you otherwise, please share with them the Photo Release Form located on the FIC Toolkit page to collect from parents in advance of your visit.

How should I follow up?

Follow up with your classroom contact.

After your Fulbright in the Classroom visit, remember to send a thank you note to your classroom contact. Provided that you have gotten permission in advance of your visit, please take photos and videos. Your classroom contact or even the students themselves can help with this. Please email any photos/videos to fic@fulbright.org and feel free to share them online (Facebook, the Fulbrighter app) and use the hashtag #FulbrightintheClassroom.

Some examples of ideal content:

Take a group photo after your presentation with the students and your classroom contact.
Take a screenshot “group photo” when presenting online.
Take photos with the Fulbright in the Classroom and/or Fulbright Association logos visible!

Follow up with the Fulbright Association.

Once you complete your classroom visit, please fill out and submit the Post-Event Reflection. We value your feedback about how to strengthen the Fulbright in the Classroom program and appreciate your participation.