The Fulbright Program’s success and worldwide stature is built on a commitment to international bilateral partnerships and joint priority-setting between the United States and over 160 countries.
Today’s dynamic, global Fulbright Program grew out of the Fulbright Act of 1946, which set up a series of agreements to manage funds from the sale of surplus war materials after the end of the Second World War.
Fulbright Commissions were established through a framework set forth in legislation and binational agreements with the goal of creating conditions to build mutual understanding and avert future war. Today, independent binational Fulbright Commissions in 49 countries, funded jointly by the United States and partner governments, plan and implement Fulbright educational exchanges in their countries. Fulbright Commissions recruit and nominate candidates; identify local educational institutions to host Fulbrighters; fundraise; engage alumni; support incoming U.S. Fulbrighters; and operate an information service for the public on study in the United States. Each has a board that is appointed by the governments of the two countries and a professional staff led by an executive director who is an expert in the field.
Commissions also host activities and events, including during Fulbright’s global 75th anniversary celebration in 2021, when many hosted Fulbright Days which celebrated the impact of the binational partnerships through virtual and in-person events, webinars, digital exhibitions, and more.
Commissions by Country
Argentina
Commission for Educational Exchange Between the United States and the Argentine Republic
Established 1956
Belgium, Luxembourg, and European Union
Commission for Educational Exchange Between the United States, Belgium and Luxembourg
Established 1948
Brazil
Commission for Educational Exchange between the United States of America and Brazil
Established 1957
Canada
Foundation for Educational Exchange Between Canada and the United States of America
Established 1990
Chile
Commission for Educational Exchange Between the United States of America and Chile
Established 1955
Colombia
Commission for Educational Exchange Between the United States of America and Colombia
Established 1957
Czech Republic
J. William Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange in the Czech Republic
Established 1991
Ecuador
Commission for Educational Exchange Between the United States of America and Ecuador
Established 1956
Nepal
Commission for Educational Exchange between the United States and Nepal (USEF/Nepal)
Established 1961
Portugal
Commission for Educational Exchange Between the United States of America and Portugal
Established 1960
Slovak Republic
J. William Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange in the Slovak Republic
Established 1994
Turkey (Türkiye)
Commission for Educational Exchange Between the United States of America and Turkey (Türkiye)
Established 1949
