Values

We, alums and friends of Fulbright Austria, believe that Fulbright Austria’s US Student program is a life-changing opportunity, built to allow young Americans to broaden their horizons, contribute to bilateral understanding, and carry forever a deeper appreciation of Austria’s rich culture.

We believe in the Fulbright ideals.

We believe that American-Austrian connections are strongest when the best and brightest young people can help to build them, regardless of how much money they have.

We believe that, in order to achieve this, Fulbright grants should fully cover the costs of a modest lifestyle that still achieves the program goals of cultural immersion.

We believe that no one is well served — not the grantees, not the Fulbright program, and neither the American nor the Austrian governments — when grantees without means, with a stipend below the at-risk-of-poverty line but hampered by grant terms and visa issues from taking side jobs, have to take out personal loans or drain their life savings in order to afford daily necessities.

We dream of a program where grantees are able, without financial worry, to get a Schnitzel or a coffee with colleagues after work; to go to Austria’s wonderful museums or opera houses with new friends; and maybe even take a weekend trip to another part of the beautiful country. These are the cultural experiences that build lifelong inter-country ties.

We are committed to working hand-in-hand with the Fulbright Austria commission to achieve these goals, as soon as the commission is committed to achieving them.

In the meantime, we want to build a community across cohorts, where current grantees can talk about their issues with folks who can relate, and where alums and grantees can work together to improve the Fulbright program for future generations.

We hope you can join us.