The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will host over 1,100 Fulbright U.S. students and scholars in Washington, D.C. for a series of pre-departure orientations in preparation for their upcoming exchanges abroad. These Fulbright students are among more than 7,500 U.S. and foreign students, scholars, teachers, and administrators who are participating in exchanges this year.

Fulbright students and scholars will hear from experts and recently-returned Fulbright alumni about regional and cross-cultural issues and the importance of promoting mutual understanding. They will also participate in sessions on health and safety abroad and discuss country-specific information. Alumni also share their experiences as Fulbrighters to inspire the outgoing participants. These Fulbright participants will embark on exchanges in 102 Worldwide.

The orientations are grouped by region or country and will take place on the following dates at various venues in Washington, D.C.:

­ Sub-Saharan Africa: Sunday, June 19 - Wednesday, June 22

­ Western Hemisphere: Sunday, June 19 - Thursday, June 23

­ Middle East and North Africa: Tuesday, June 21 - Friday, June 24

­ South and Central Asia: Tuesday, June 21 - Friday, June 24

­ China: Thursday, June 23 - Saturday, June 25

­ Indonesia: Monday, July 11 - Wednesday, July 13

­ East Asia and Pacific (English Teaching Assistants): Wednesday, July 13

­ Europe and Eurasia: Monday, July 18 - Friday, July 22

Interviews with a U.S. Department of State Fulbright spokesperson and Fulbright alumni from each of the world regions can be arranged upon request. Press attendance is by RSVP only – contact information is below.

The pre-departure orientations are hosted by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) as part of its flagship Fulbright Program. These orientations provide Fulbright participants an integral introduction to the Fulbright experience and prepare them to carry out their projects under the Fulbright Program’s mission – to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.

Media Contacts: Gerard Doran, DoranGW@state.gov, (202) 632-3242, or John Fleming, FlemingJT2@state.gov, 202-632-6454.