Hyderabad|India|May'2012: The U.S.-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) is hosting Fulbright-Nehru Scholar Orientation for the Indian recipients of the 2012-2013 Fulbright-Nehru and other Fulbright fellowships at the Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, May 13-15, 2012.

The orientation will include discussions on the academic, social and cultural aspects of life in the U.S. and their roles and responsibilities as Fulbright-Nehru scholars. The scholars hail from various cities throughout India and will pursue Fulbright projects during the 2012-2013 academic year in a variety of disciplines, including agriculture, economics, education, energy, environment, international relations, management and leadership development, media and communications, public administration, public health, and science and technology.

Representatives from USIEF, the U.S. Consulate General, Hyderabad, and American and Indian Fulbright scholars will gather to interact with the group of new Fulbright grantees. Speakers will cover a variety of topics related to working and living in the United States to ensure that Indian scholars transition smoothly to the academic, social, and cultural environment. The orientation will also examine the role of the Fulbright scholars as cultural ambassadors representing India in the United States.

“Since its inception in 1950, USIEF has administered over 8,900 Fulbright fellowships to Indians and Americans. Thanks to the generous support of the Indian and the U.S. governments, this year 177 Indians will participate in the Fulbright program. USIEF is thrilled to be hosting this year’s pre-departure orientation for Fulbright scholars in Hyderabad,” said Mr. Adam J. Grotsky, Executive Director, USIEF.

“USIEF has a very strong alumni base of Indian Fulbrighters here in Hyderabad and we work very closely with the local institutions of higher education who host American Fulbrighters each year. The orientation is the first step in a Fulbrighters’ journey to the U.S. We hope that the sessions we have arranged will assist the Fulbrighters in a smooth and successful transition to life in the U.S.,” he added.

The United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) administers the Fulbright Program in India. The Fulbright Program supports educational and cultural exchange between the people of the U.S. and other countries with the goal of promoting mutual understanding. On July 4, 2008, the Governments of India and the United States signed a new agreement to further strengthen educational exchanges between the two countries and administer the Fulbright-Nehru program as equal partners. USIEF awards Fulbright-Nehru fellowships and other Fulbright scholarships to Indian and U.S. students, scholars, and professionals.


For further information on the Fulbright program, please visit www.usief.org.in.