We have two honors this year, with one Fulbright Finalist and one Alternate for the 2024-2025 award cycle! Congratulations!

Fulbright Finalist:

Melissa Guido

MFA Illustration, 2022, BFA Illustration, 2013

Fulbright Program: Open Study/Research, Iceland 

Melissa will be researching sustainability practices in textile printing and production in Iceland with the Reykjavik School of Visual Arts hosting her project and an additional affiliation with the University of Iceland.

Fulbright Alternate:

Sophia Rigg

BFA Computer Art, Animation and VFX, 2023

Fulbright Program: Open Study/Research, Cyprus

Sophia has proposed to utilize her refined skills in 3D animation to create a digitized archive of several under-recognized and under-appreciated Greco-Roman heritage sites on the island of Cyprus.

Previous Fulbright Awards:

Tyler Glenn

BFA Fine Arts, May 2020

Fulbright Program: English Teaching Award, Mongolia

Tyler was awarded a Fulbright to be an English teaching assistant in Mongolia and to develop a visual arts-related civic project while in country. Tyler was unable to make her trip due to the global pandemic, but she is still considered a program alumnus. 

Julia Volonts

MPS Art Therapy 2017

Fulbright Program: Study/Research Grant, Latvia

Julia was based at Rīga Stradiņš University to examine how art therapists in Latvia could use response art to process trans-generational trauma impacting the cultural identity of the country. Julia's grant period extended from September 2019 to May 2020.

Previous Fulbright Finalist:

Samantha Friend

BFA Photography & Video 2016

Fulbright Program: Study/Research Grant, Mexico

Using photography as her medium combined with ethnographic research techniques, Samantha proposed to examine the state of women-only transportation in Mexico City. Her project focused on the personal, social and intergenerational experiences of women using the city's metro subway system.

Previous Fulbright Alternate: 

Katheryn Brock

MFA Art Writing 2021

Fulbright Program: Study/Research Grant, UK

Katheryn proposed to research the life and art of the British landscape painter Sheila Fell (1931-1979), who had an illustrious but brief career in the mid-20th century and who has been under-researched and undervalued in comparison to her British contemporaries.

Previous Fulbright Semi-Finalists:

Yin Ming Wong

MFA Fine Arts 2023

Fulbright Program: Study/Research Grant, Taiwan

Yin proposed to study the lore and image-making surrounding Mazu worship in Taiwan to better understand the country's cultural identity. Mazu is a deified shamaness from Fujian, honored in over 3,000 temples, and worshiped since the early 12th century by settlers and indigenous people of Taiwan. Yin secured an affiliation with Taipei National University of the Arts.

Samantha Friend

BFA Photo, 2016

Fulbright Program: Study/Research Grant, Mexico

Samantha proposed to investigate gender equity and intergenerational impact of transportation policies from a historical, social and cultural perspective. 

Katherine Killefer

MFA Design, 2020

Fulbright Program: Study/Research Grant, Sweden

Katherine proposed to research the Swedish commitment to environmental sustainability and the role that visual communication and design play in encouraging consumer behavior change and public climate action.

Julia Santoli

BFA Visual and Critical Studies 2015

Fulbright Program: Study/Research Grant, Indonesia 

Julia proposed to explore contemporary artistic practices in Indonesia and their intersection with civic initiatives within the country.

Courtney Menard

MFA Illustration 2019 and BFA Illustration 2014

Fulbright Program: Study/Research Grant, Mexico

Courtney proposed a year-long printmaking project working with a well-known printer in Oaxaca City to explore the history of printmaking as a tool for community building and activism. 

Nadya Voynovskaya

BFA Illustration 2017

Fulbright Program: Study/Research, Ukraine/UP/Europe

Nadya proposed a year-long painting and printmaking project to create a community mural and a series of paintings that center on Ukrainian women and girls, LGBTQ people, and marginalized communities.

Jasa McKenzie

MA Curatorial Practice 2018

Fulbright Program: Study/Research, Germany

Jasa proposed a year-long curatorial project in Berlin to further exhibition opportunities and exposure for female artists in Europe and around the world.

Applying Through SVA 

1. Read the above overview of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and visit the official Fulbright website for more information.
2. Read the country requirements for any countries in which you’re interested in conducting your project.
3. Develop your project idea keeping in mind its quality, feasibility and your preparedness. The reviewers will consider the person, the place and the project when evaluating applications: that is, why you, why this place and why this project?
4. Review the application components and begin compiling the required materials ASAP. Ideally your project is one that you’ve been developing for three months to one year. Projects at early stages of development usually benefit from additional time to create a strong proposal.
5. When you are ready to discuss your ideas, make an appointment with a Fulbright Program Adviser at SVA. You will meet with either Patty Romeu or Tricia Ross to discuss your project.
6. Review the Timeline to ensure that you can reach certain application milestones throughout the summer. Written drafts of the essays are due in June, July and August to provide you with feedback about your proposal during your writing process.
7. Fill out the Intent to Apply form by May 21, 2024.
8. Get an early start on selecting your recommenders for the application and in considering possible host institutions within the country to which you will be applying. Keep in mind the busy summer schedules of faculty and college administrators, when it may be more challenging to get responses in a timely manner.
9. Be sure to make use of the many resources available on the Fulbright website including webinars and tutorials for applicants.
10. Complete an online application through the online portal by the campus deadline (announced in spring each year.)
11. You will be asked to schedule a campus interview with the Fulbright Campus Review Committee to discuss your application. Interviews take place in late August/early September and are required.
12. Make final updates to your application based on feedback from the Campus Review Committee after the interview, prior to SVA's final deadline.
13. Ensure you have submitted your application in the Fulbright online portal before the final deadline. It is your responsibility to ensure your application is complete and submitted online prior to the final deadline. Be proactive in speaking with the Fulbright Program Adviser with any questions or concerns.

Application Components

• Biographical data
• Personal statement
• Statement of grant purpose
• Affiliation letter
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• Required Portfolio Materials for Arts Applicants

Important Tips for Application

• Be proactive!
• All applicants are recommended to attend at least one Fulbright Information Session, which are usually held during the spring semester.
• Applicants should take the time to carefully finesse their portfolio and written statements. You want to showcase what a great candidate you are!
• Always plan ahead in case of last-minute delays, especially when it comes to recommendations from your three references.
• Double-check that all documents are edited for flawless English grammar and spelling, and that the format style of your materials (font, spacing, margins, etc) meets the requirements of the application.
• Great writers use editors! Ask a mentor and/or professional to review your portfolio and written materials if possible.
• Finally, applicants applying through SVA will need to meet with an SVA Fulbright Program Advisor to discuss their application and review their drafts in the months preceding the Fulbright final deadline. Please note that SVA campus deadlines are earlier than the official deadline posted on the Fulbright website. See Timeline for Application section below.

• Open only to U.S. citizens
• You must have completed an undergraduate degree by the time your grant would commence
• Grants last for one academic year and you must remain in your host country for all of that time
• Awards are made for one country only; it is not possible to conduct a project in multiple countries
• Open to undergraduate and graduate degree students and recent alumni
• Applicants applying through SVA must adhere to our internal deadlines outlined below and must meet with SVA's Fulbright Program Advisor at least once before applying
• There is no limit to how many times you can receive a Fulbright grant
• You are strongly encouraged to re-apply if you are not selected the first time

Open Study/Research (includes option to enroll in graduate degree program abroad)

• Propose and conduct an art/research project of your own design over the course of an academic year
• Or enroll in a graduate degree program abroad (Fulbright typically covers cost of one year, and student is responsible for any subsequent years of study)
• Fulbright provides housing allowance, living allowance, modest research allowance and travel expenses to and from host country
• The Open Study/Research award is the type most commonly associated with Fulbright, and of particular interest for practicing artists/historians
• Applicants must select one discipline to which they will apply, choosing from the list provided here. Not sure which discipline to apply to? Consult the SVA Fulbright Program Advisor.

English Teaching Assistantships

• Grantees are placed in classrooms in host country with certified teacher and assist with hands-on instruction in English language instruction 
• Preference is given to applicants who speak or have studied the language of the host country, even when the country pages state that no language skills are required
• Fulbright provides housing allowance, living expenses, transportation to and from the host country, sick/injury insurance while abroad, and in some cases an additional monthly stipend for time worked 
• Depending on the country, grantee may have time during the grant year to work independently on a project while abroad
• No need to propose a project to conduct in country, but will need a community engagement component
• Preference is given to applicants who have some teaching experience

• Fulbright U.S. Student Program Official Main Page
• Fulbright Videos & Tutorials
• Details on Countries' Grant Programs (IMPORTANT! Read about your potential host country in detail before you proceed!)
• Contact Fulbright Directly
• Application Statistics by Country
• Application Process Overview
• Required Portfolio Materials for Arts Applicants
• Study Abroad Resources and Travel Health & Safety from the U.S. State Dept.
• Factors In Selection
• Fulbright Social Media: Facebook, X, LinkedIn

SVA's Career Development office provides guidance only to applicants of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. There are two Fulbright Program Advisors (FPAs), Patty Romeu and Tricia Ross. An FPA will help guide you through the application process, will clarify grant requirements, work through your project proposal, review and suggest edits to your writing, and provide portfolio feedback. The FPA schedules your interview with the Campus Review Committee, completes a form reviewing your application, and officially endorses you on behalf of the School of Visual Arts, which is a critical component of your application.

Additionally, there may be virtual workshops offered to set you up for success with your applications.

Make an appointment with your FPA.

The timeline for applicants to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for awards to commence in 2026-2027 is noted below.

• Fulbright Application Cycle Opens: April 1
• Complete a brief Fulbright Intent to Apply form: May 22
• Meet with Fulbright Program Advisor (FPA): June 5
• Submit to FPA either a pre-writing exercise or first drafts of two essays: June 23
• Submit to FPA a developed draft of Statement of Grant Purpose and Personal Statement: July 24
• Campus Deadline (you must submit everything completed to SVA): August 14
• Meet with Campus Review Committee at SVA: August 26-27
• Submit Final Completed Application Online for Fulbright Deadline: September 18
• SVA Fulbright Program Advisor completes evaluations and submits to Fulbright: October 7
• Fulbright National Deadline: October 7 at 5pm
• Applications notified if moved forward to Semi-Finalist Round: January 2026
• Final selections made and grants offered: April 2026

Can I apply for more than one Fulbright program in a single year?

Each candidate can only submit a single application per year, so you must choose one grant program at Fulbright to which you'll apply. Select the program that makes the most sense for what you want to do abroad, and why you want to go there. 

Who should write my letters of recommendation?

You should ask three people who can provide enthusiastic, knowledgeable support about your capabilities to carry out the proposed project. All your recommenders should speak to your ability to carry out your proposed project in the host country – this should not be just a general recommendation letter! These three individuals should be professional references who can discuss your intellectual and professional readiness, in addition to your ability to represent the U.S. abroad. These recommendations are not character references, and must be written in English. If you are a current student or recent graduate, your department chair should be one of your recommenders. Otherwise, try to obtain a letter from at least one faculty member, as an academic reference is important. 

Can my application go toward multiple countries?

No, each candidate must pick a single country and write their application accordingly.

I thought Fulbright grants were for scientists and academics, how do they work for artists and art historians?

Fulbright wants artists and designers! They need more artists, designers, curators, and historians to invest significant time and research in their respective practices as they relate to foreign sites and/or communities. Some example activities by former Fulbrighters include learning new skills from practitioners, researching traditional processes and histories, documenting cultures and places, producing site-specific explorations and installations, working alongside local organizations, photographing for large-scale projects, and creating books.

How do I prepare my portfolio?

• Your portfolio should relate to the project and demonstrate your capabilities as a creative professional.
• Ask for critique from fellow artists, your mentors, and SVA's Fulbright Program Advisor prior to submission.
• Ensure your work documentation is professionally done (proper resolution, evenly and clearly lit, color balanced, excludes any environment and appropriately labeled with full detailed information on size, materials, role in production, etc.
• See these great tips on how to photograph your artwork!

What general advice can you give about writing my application?

All of your writing must be clear, polished and grammatically correct. Fulbright includes many resources on their website, as well as webinars and videos, to guide you through the process. They are very helpful, so watch them!

What makes a strong Personal Statement?

• Over the course of a one-page narrative, highlight key life experiences while demonstrating how they prepared and influenced your decision to pursue this opportunity with Fulbright.
• Every sentence should be strong and succinct.

What is the Statement of Grant Purpose looking for?

• This document should offer a compelling, thoughtful overview of your entire project and what you intend to accomplish.
• Be sure to address the questions of Who, What, When, Where, and Why in your statement.
• Explain how you will engage with the host country, and how this experience will benefit your professional career.
• Show through examples rather than make statements when possible.
• The proposed project should build on your knowledge and skills but also be a stretch for your creative development.

What should I expect from the Fulbright campus interview?

The interview with the Campus Review Committee (CRC) is an opportunity for you to speak with panelists in person regarding your proposal and reasons for wanting to study, research, or teach abroad, and is required for all applicants applying through SVA. The purpose of this panel is to assess your project, level of readiness, and ability to thoughtfully discuss your intentions, as well as to provide you with valuable feedback on your application and portfolio. The CRC provides their assessment to the SVA Fulbright Program Advisor, who then uses it when endorsing your application in the final stage. 

When do I find out whether or not I’ve been accepted?

Final decisions are announced between March and May in the year the grants commence, but will vary because they are based on each host country's own timeline.

If I don't receive the grant, can I apply again?

YES! In fact, reapplication is encouraged! Just be sure to change or improve your application in the next year.