The Fulbright Program is the flagship international academic exchange program sponsored by the United States Government. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and is administered by Amideast in the Middle East and North Africa region.  The Fulbright Foreign Student Program supports graduate students, early career professionals, and researchers from abroad to research and study in the United States for one year or longer at U.S. universities. Participants will be selected through an open, merit-based competition in which leadership potential, academic excellence, and the ability to adjust to life in the United States are considered. By receiving a Fulbright Foreign Student Program award, participants become part of a global network of Fulbright participants and alumni.  For over five decades, Amideast has been placing students from across the MENA region into universities throughout the United States, providing support and assistance to students on the program and working with alumni.