Can You Bring a Spouse on a Fulbright?
Fulbright is a program sponsored by the U.S. government that provides grants for international exchange and research. The program is designed to promote mutual understanding between people of different countries and cultures.
Many Fulbright grantees are married or have a spouse, and many wonder if they can bring their spouse with them on their Fulbright grant. The answer is yes, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
First, it is important to understand that Fulbright does not provide financial support for dependents. Dependents are defined by the Institute of International Education (IIE) as a spouse or a relative (child, parent, sibling) who is financially dependent on the grantee. If the dependent accompanies the grantee abroad for at least 80% of the grant period, they may be eligible for a dependent benefit.
Second, it is important to understand that Fulbright does not provide any visa or immigration assistance for dependents. The grantee is responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and other immigration documents for their dependents. It is also important to note that some countries may have restrictions on the number of dependents that can accompany a grantee.
Finally, it is important to understand that the dependent must be able to support themselves financially while abroad. The grantee is responsible for providing for their dependent’s living expenses, including housing, food, and medical care.
In summary, it is possible to bring a spouse on a Fulbright grant, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. The grantee must be able to provide for their dependent’s living expenses, and the dependent must be able to obtain the necessary visas and other immigration documents. Additionally, the dependent must accompany the grantee abroad for at least 80% of the grant period in order to receive the dependent benefit.
