When I last wrote about my interest in seeking international fellowships for Independent Scholars, I was full of nerves, anxiety, and a general feeling of “what am I even doing?’ There is so much that can go wrong here. And my time is so finite, why would I spend it on taking this chance? But, you never know unless you try. So here we are…shooting shots!
The decision to apply for international fellowships for Independent Scholars is official and on The Internet. Now I have to find a host institution. This process can be particularly challenging for those of us outside traditional academic settings. As Independent Scholars, we may not have the built-in networks or institutional support that university-affiliated scholars might enjoy. For me, I am moving into a totally new discipline, so this rings true. Let’s see what a little persistence and a clear vision does for me.
In this post, I’ll walk you through my process of finding and connecting with potential host institutions for the Fulbright Scholar Program and the British Academy Visiting Fellowship.
Understanding Requirements for International Fellowships for Independent Scholars
I can’t tell you how many times I reviewed the eligibility requirements for both fellowships. Double-triple checked. And still had doubts. So much so, that I attended a Fulbright Office Hours session to talk to a human. I knew as an Independent Scholar, I fell under the “Professional” track, requiring seven years of experience. But I wanted to know if the seven years needed to be consecutive (it did not, thank goodness). The British Academy Visiting Fellowship didn’t specify a minimum experience for Independent Scholars.
The two international fellowships for Independent Scholars programs (and awards within the program) are set up very different. I spent a lot of time looking through the websites, past awards, and current requirements, and application process to get a better understanding of each fellowship.
Within the Fulbright, each country and award is set up differently. The Fulbright breaks down by country, by university within the country, or maybe both, along with a number of different requirements within each award. For example, some awards require a letter of invitation from a host institution, while others do not. Some awards were not open to Professionals, others were but limited the award to Research or Professional Project only. A lot of moving pieces. I think starting with an idea of location or university and working backward could help combat any overwhelming feelings.
Meanwhile, The British Academy maintained the same application process for any UK university. Easy peasy.
Researching Potential Host Institutions for International Fellowships for Independent Scholars
I relied on PCST and National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement to identify research and science communication programs within my focus countries to search international fellowships for Independent Scholars. This wasn’t an all-inclusive approach, but it provided a manageable starting point and helped me avoid analysis paralysis. I would have been there forever looking. I also reached out to the PCST Zacatecas WhatsApp group I am in from the conference to see about English-based programs in Brazil.
Related Post: Unpacking Science Communication at the PCST Mexico Symposium: A Reflection on Language, Reflexivity, and Praxis
I trusted my gut as I reviewed websites, research, and faculty profiles. I knew what I was interested in, and I knew what I wasn’t interested in. So, I bookmarked any website that alerted my spidey sense to review again another day. I took note of what the program offered and the professional intersections. I also maintained a running list of the characteristics I was interested in and those I was not. There is a notebook full of scribbles and ideas from my research. I took time in this process to reflect on what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be.
As an Independent Scholar, this process was a bit challenging. Without an established academic network in science communication, I was preparing to cold-call these institutions. And I felt the lack of a current institutional affiliation meant I had to work harder to establish my credibility.
Fellowship-Specific Approaches to Finding Hosts
Fulbright Scholar Program
The Fulbright operates based on a ton of specific awards, country-based, university-based, or program-based. And some awards allow you to work with non-profit organizations, government agencies, cultural institutions, or think tanks. While country-focused awards offered flexibility in choosing a host institution, it also required more university-level research to find the right fit.
I started with the United Kingdom, attracted by its robust public engagement infrastructure. The awards were mostly university-based. I looked at each university to see what type of public engagement program (if any) they had. This process ended up being a process of elimination. The more I reviewed university websites, the more I recognized what I was looking for, which excluded many of the initial universities. I realized that casting a wider net might yield better results.
Beyond the UK institutions, narrowing down options via the search function was really critical. My search was limited by award type (Fulbright Scholar Award), career profile (Professionals), and activity type (Research). This process helped me narrow down a whole world to a few concentrated countries and awards.
I reviewed the country-based award for New Zealand, which only has four awards for the entire country. This award required a targeted approach, so I used my earlier research on science communication programs to identify potential hosts.
British Academy Visiting Fellowship
The British Academy Visiting Fellowship, open to any UK-based university, included a broader but more overwhelming search. My Fulbright research proved invaluable as I had already disqualified so many UK universities. I focused on programs that had public engagement or science communication programs that worked with PhD students that I had not looked at with the Fulbright.
Evaluating Potential Host Institutions
With a list of potential host institutions ready to go, I began to narrow down my options. This meant thoroughly reviewing program websites, faculty profiles, and current research projects. I looked for evidence of active engagement in science communication research, not just its practice or teaching.
I paid close attention to the projects they worked on, faculty publications, and any other relevant details. Social media feeds helped showcase the type of work being done (and sometimes did the opposite). My goal was to find programs and faculty that aligned with my interests in training, professionalization, and bridging theory with practice in science communication.
I narrowed my choices to 2-3 total for both fellowships. This definitely made me a bit nervous – fewer options meant less chance of securing a host – but I felt confident with my choices. And I knew I had a little time to play with if I needed to go back to the drawing board.
The last moving piece was timing. Since I was applying for two different international fellowships for Independent Scholars, I wanted to make sure the timing of the awards did not overlap. The only known was the British Academy fellowship was from March-August 2025 while the Fullbright is varied based on the award (determined by the country and/or university). This was enough information to help me select my Fulbright option.
Time to shoot my shot!
Making First Contact with Potential Hosts
With the assistance of Claude.ai, I drafted the email. I free-wrote all my thoughts and ideas of what I was looking for in a brain dump. I pulled relevant content from the program’s website and wrote more about why I wanted to work there. Then, I prompted Claude.ai to draft the initial email. From there, I personalized the draft, organizing it to flow better, and making it my own. I kept the tone professional yet personable.
My emails included:
- An introduction to myself and my background
- My interest in the fellowship and their specific program
- A link to my website for credibility
- My research interests and ideas for potential collaboration
- A link to review the specific fellowship
- The potential timeline for the fellowship
- A clear question about their openness to hosting a fellow
For the British Academy fellowship, I reached out to my first choice in mid-July. Y’all. They responded almost immediately, and we scheduled a call.
The Fulbright process was just as encouraging. I contacted a university in New Zealand, outlining my background, interests, and information about the fellowship. After a few emails back and forth, we scheduled a call.
Things. Are. Happening.
The Initial Conversation Prep
Now it was time to prepare for the initial calls. No pressure. First impressions, etc etc.
Surprisingly, I was not nervous in anticipation of these calls. I’ve done the work. I thought through the various paths and projects and learned about the programs. And I understood the value I could bring as a science communication practitioner with an academic background and research interest. It was just a matter of seeing if the host institution and program was a good fit in terms of the research and work they did. This part was out of my control.
To prepare, I revisited my notes, refreshing my memory on their key projects, faculty members, and research areas. I reviewed the fellowship requirements again, specifically for the deadlines, and what the program would be required to do if they decided to move forward with me.
I also brainstormed a few program- and research-focused questions to ask during the calls, but not too many. Some questions one could ask are about previous fellowships experiences, how the program and faculty work together, expectations of fellows during hosting time, etc.
I focused on being open and flexible. While I had ideas about potential projects, I wanted to leave room for collaborative brainstorming and to learn about opportunities I might not have considered.
Reflection and next steps
To start, I’m grateful for my meticulous initial research in my endeavor to find international fellowships for Independent Scholars. I started in July 2024, and honestly, I wish I would have started a month earlier.
I’m excited about the prospect of working in New Zealand though I do feel like limiting to English-speaking countries may restrict potential experiences. But also, Lord of the Rings. And the rich intersection with Maori culture offers a great opportunity to explore Indigenous relationships in research, something I’ve had limited exposure to in the USA.
I’m also really surprised by my own willingness to embark on this journey to apply for international fellowships for Independent Scholars, given my hella busy schedule. Yet, here I am, feeling confident in my approach and abilities. What a strange feeling.
With calls set up with both institutions, my focus now shifts to the applications. The Fulbright deadline is September 17, 2024, followed by the British Academy on October 23. But first, I’ve got to charm the hell out of these host institutions in the hopes they say yes to the dress.
Advice for Independent Scholars Seeking International Fellowships
- Start early. The process of finding international fellowships for Independent Scholars AND a host institution takes time, especially for independent scholars without established academic networks.
- Do thorough research. Spend time understanding both the fellowship requirements and potential host institutions. This groundwork is invaluable.
- Be clear about your goals. Know what you’re looking for in a host institution and how it aligns with your research interests.
- Use available resources. Online databases, professional networks, previous awards, and university websites to identify potential hosts.
- Shoot your shot. Cold emailing can be intimidating, but it’s necessary.
- Tailor your approach. Customize your outreach for each institution, showing you’ve done your homework.
- Be open and flexible. Have a clear idea of what you want, but be open to unexpected opportunities.
- Prepare thoroughly for initial conversations.
- Be persistent: If one option doesn’t work out, keep looking. The right fit is out there. This is also why it’s important to start early to give yourself enough of a runway to find other options.
Next Steps
Beyond this, if you want to learn more about research communications, higher ed, writing retreats, and a dash of travel, sign up for our newsletter – From Published to Public!
Looking for information about other international fellowships for independent scholars? Check out my previous posts in this series about the Fulbright application process.
Life After Academia: Exploring International Fellowships for Independent Scholars
International Fellowships for Independent Scholars: Finding a Host Institution
Solidifying A Host Institution for International Fellowships for Independent Scholars
Starting the Application Process: International Fellowships for Independent Scholars
Writing the Application: International Fellowships for Independent Scholars
International Fellowships for Independent Scholars: Racing to the British Academy Deadline
