About the Fulbright–OAS Ecology Program

The Fulbright-OAS Ecology Initiative was created in 2001 when the the Fulbright Caribbean and Central American Ecology and the Fulbright Amazon Basin programs were consolidated into a hemisphere-wide program. That same year the Department of Scholarships and Training of the Organization of American States (OAS) joined Fulbright as a sponsor of the program, thereby increasing the number of grants available.

The program offers grants to individuals from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada for master’s and doctoral level study at U.S. universities. Grantees in the natural sciences, social sciences, and public policy study multidisciplinary approaches to environmental preservation and sustainable development. The goal of the initiative is to develop a well-prepared cadre of environmental professionals who, upon completion of their studies, will return to their institutions to share their expertise with colleagues while maintaining contact with each other.

LASPAU staff works closely with Public Affairs Sections of U.S. Embassies, Fulbright Commissions, National Liaison Offices, and Offices of the General Secretariat of the OAS in the member states to promote the scholarships at institutions of higher learning and at research organizations, government ministries, and nongovernmental agencies devoted to environmental concerns in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada. These institutions are invited to nominate candidates for the program.

The selection process is highly competitive, given that candidates from 33 countries are competing for one of the 18 available grants. Applicants are expected to have outstanding academic credentials, at least three years of professional experience related to environmental preservation and sustainable development, and the potential to take a leadership role in addressing environmental issues. Applicants must also demonstrate a basic knowledge of English. Advanced English language training is provided through the grant when appropriate.

In addition to academic work, grantees are encouraged to pursue short-term internships at U.S. environmental organizations during their degree programs. When possible, grantees return to their countries during the summer to carry out thesis research.