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Fulbright Program in Ireland

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In 1957 The Fulbright Program was established in Ireland and was initially administered by An Bord Scoiláireachtaí Cómhalairte (the Scholarship Exchange Board). A bilateral agreement between Ireland and the United States was signed in 1988 and a statutory public body, The Ireland - United States Commission for Educational Exchange (The Fulbright Commission) was established in 1992.
 
The Fulbright Commission is supported by the US Department of State and the Department of Foreign Affairs to operate this educational exchange program between Ireland and the United States.  The Commission derives its income from the Irish and US Governments, higher education institutions, public agencies and organisations and donations from the corporate sector.

Annually, the Commission awards scholarships for Irish citizens to study and research in the United States and for US citizens to study and research in Ireland.  Since that time more than 1,600 Irish postgraduate students, academics and professionals have studied in top US colleges and research institutes and more than 600 US students and scholars have come to Ireland.   Many Fulbright awardees now hold leadership roles in Irish society – in business, the public sector, the professions, higher education and the arts. 

In 2007 the Fulbright Program in Ireland celebrated its 50th Anniversary and agreed the following strategic objectives to guide its awards and activities for the 2008 – 2012 period:

  1. to offer a portfolio of programs attracting diverse applicants and institutions that contributes to the on-going dialogue between the U.S. and Ireland.
  2. to develop an interactive exchange for Fulbright participants that allows for rich academic and cultural experiences.
  3. to enhance the attraction, perception and profile of Fulbright with key stakeholders.
  4. to ensure the sustainability, quality and efficiency of Fulbright.

The Commission is governed by an 8 member Board with 4 appointed by the US Ambassador and 4 appointed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.  The Commission Staff is:

Ms. Colleen Dube, Executive Director
Ms. Marianne Doyle, Communications and Information Officer
Ms. Sonya McGuinness, EducationUSA Advisor
Ms. Janine Torell, Program Administrator