Projects have had an effect on the curriculum through new and expanded courses and faculty training in the use of new materials. In fiscal year 2008, 44 new grants are expected to be awarded.

Uses and Use Restrictions

The grant does not provide funds for project-related expenses within the United States.

The grant funds may be used in the country of study for the following: maintenance stipend; round-trip international travel; project-related local travel; artifacts; books and other teaching materials; rent for instructional facilities; and clerical and professional services.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Institutions of higher education, State departments of education, private nonprofit educational organizations, and a consortium of institutions, departments, and organizations.

Beneficiary Eligibility

A participant must be: a citizen, or permanent resident of the United States, faculty member and teachers at all levels; a graduate or upperclassman who plans a teaching career in modern foreign languages or area studies.

Credentials/Documentation

Cost will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No.

A-102 must be used for this program.

This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.

12372.

Application Procedures

An institution or organization interested in the program should plan and propose a group project that would significantly improve its program in foreign language and area studies. Specific guidelines for preparation of proposals as published in the Federal Register are available upon request from the International Education Programs Service (IEPS). The institution or organization must give assurance that the individuals it nominates to undertake the projects are appropriately qualified. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedures

With the advice of a panel of academic consultants and an assessment of the feasibility and suitability of each proposal by U.S. Embassies and Binational Commissions in the proposed countries of study, the IEPS will make initial selections, and preliminary recommendations of grant recipients to the Secretary. All recommended selections are subject to review and final approval by the presidentially appointed J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

Deadlines

Generally, in late October or of the year preceding the year of overseas activity.

Authorization

Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended, Public Law 87-256; Section 102(b)(6).

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

About 120 days.

Appeals

Not applicable.

Renewals

Not applicable.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

For short-term seminar, curriculum development, and group research or study projects ranging from 5 weeks, generally, to 12 months; up to 48 months for advanced intensive language training projects.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Terminal program reports and financial reports from the grantee.

Audits

All fiscal records subject to audit at any time within five years after close of the fiscal year in which expenditures are made.

Records

Documents bearing on receipt and expenditure of grant funds must be made available for inspection by the Department: (1) For three years after the close of the fiscal year in which expenditures are made if departmental audit has occurred by that time; (2) until audit or for five years following the end of budget period in which grant expired, whichever is later; or (3) until resolution of outstanding audit questions.

Financial Information

Account Identification

91-0201-0-1-502.

Obigations

(Grants) FY 07 $3,877,534; FY 08 est $4,613,000; and FY 09 est $4,327,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

For FY 2008, the range of awards is expected to be $50,000 to $375,000; the average award is expected to be $105,000.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

34 CFR 664, and the Education Department General Administrative Regulations.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

Not applicable.

Headquarters Office

International Education Programs Service, Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20202-5331. Contact: Michelle Guilfoil. E-mail: michelle.guilfoil@ed.gov. Telephone: (202) 502-7525.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

The selection criteria for this program are from 34 CFR 664.31 and are as follows: (a) Plan of operation (20 points), (b) quality of key personnel (10 points), (c) budget and cost effectiveness (10 points), (d) evaluation plan (20 points), (e) adequacy of resources (5 points), (f) potential impact of the project on the development of the study of modern foreign languages and area studies in American education (15 points), (g) relevance to the institution's educational goals and its relationship to its program development in modern foreign languages and area studies (5 points), (h) the extent to which direct experience abroad is necessary to achieve the project's objectives and the effectiveness with which relevant host country resources will be utilized (10 points), and (i) the extent to which the proposed project addresses the competitive preference priorities (10 points). Subject to change. Contact program officer for further information.