FULBRIGHT PRE-ACADEMIC TRAINING PROGRAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the objectives of pre-academic training?
pre-academic training provides:
- Information and skills essential for academic success
- English language and field-of-study training
- An introduction to U.S. academic culture
- An introduction to the Fulbright program and the Fulbright community
- A period of acclimation to life and study in the United States
- A beginning to Fulbright networking activities
How do I know where to report?
At the time of assignment to a pre-academic training program IIE will send your pre-academic Terms of Appointment (TOA) to your Fulbright Commission or Post via e-mail. In turn, your Fulbright Commission or Post will contact you to confirm your attendance. When reviewing your TOA please note the special arrival/reporting instructions and financial information as well as read the program description. Please address any question about your pre-academic program to the contact person on your TOA. Remember to carry your TOA with you when traveling to your program site.
What should I do once I receive my travel itinerary?
When you receive your travel itinerary, immediately notify the contact person on your TOA to arrange your transportation from the airport to the pre-academic program site. Include your departure date and time, arrival date and time, airline and flight number(s) in your message. All travel flight arrangements to your pre-academic program site and academic institution should be ticketed before leaving for the United States. Please make sure you carefully check your tickets in order to confirm you are traveling on the correct dates and to the correct cities and states.
Do I have health benefit coverage during my pre-academic training period?
Yes, the U.S. Department of State provides you with health benefit coverage under the Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE). This coverage begins on the reporting date of your pre-academic program; however, you will not receive your health benefit card until you arrive at your academic institution and pick up your Welcome Packet. You can find more information about your health benefit cover and print out a health benefit card and/or claim form at http://usdos.sevencorners.com/myplan.cfm. You may also call (800) 461-0430 for more information. Can I bring my dependents with me to pre-academic training?
No, dependents and significant others are not permitted to accompany grantees to their pre-academic programs under any circumstances or at any time. IIE reserves the right to discontinue funding for grantees that have dependents accompany them during a pre-academic program.
Can I arrive early to my pre-academic training site?
You should arrive at the pre-academic program on the date specified in your TOA. No housing provisions are made if you arrive early. Should you choose to arrive earlier than the date specified on your TOA, you will be responsible for your expenses (e.g. temporary housing, meals, any other living expenses).
Can I stay longer at my pre-academic training site?
You should plan on departing from the pre-academic program on the date specified in your TOA. You will be responsible for any expenses you incur between your pre-academic departure date and the reporting date of your academic institution.
Do I need to inform IIE if I plan to leave the preacademic training program early or miss a few days of the program?
Yes, you are expected to remain in full attendance for the entire summer program and to participate in all aspects of the program. You must receive permission from IIE if you plan to miss any classes or required activities.
Who is eligible for pre-academic training?
All Fulbright grantees are eligible to attend pre-academic programs or Gateway Orientation.
Who is my contact during my pre-academic training period?
You will have two main contacts during your pre-academic program in the United States: (i) the program contact person written on your pre-academic TOA and (ii) IIE’s Enrichment and Professional Development staff. To find the contact information of your assigned pre-academic program, please see your pre-academic TOA or the pre-academic Training Program Directory. To contact IIE please write or call:
Institute of International Education Enrichment and Professional Development 809 United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017-3580 Telephone: (212)984-5422 Fax: (212) 984-5484 E-mail: pre-academicprograms@iie.org
Important Note: Your academic TOA states the name and contact information of your IIE representative assigned to you during your academic program. You should contact this person immediately upon your arrival to your academic institution. |
