THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE FULBRIGHT PROGRAMME

In: International social science bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 4, p. 615-628

Abstract

The Fulbright Act came into being in Aug 1946, & its accomplishments have surpassed the expectations of its sponsor. Though there is a profusion of internat exchange programs, the Fulbright program might be examined because of its distinctive philosophy. It must be admitted, however, that there is no clear, authoritative statement of its philosophy. The rationale of the program might be drawn inductively from the circumstances of its inception & the activities in which it has engaged. Briefly put, the purpose is to further the cause of internat understanding & peace through giving some of the best men & women of the various nations an opportunity to become acquainted with each other. A distinctive aspect of the Act is its stipulation that the roles of the US & the other participating countries are to be of equal weight in the initiation & administration of the program. For example, the Act provides that the educ'al exchanges shall take place only after the US & the other participating country have entered into an executive agreement. As a result, since exchanges are being carried out with 26 countries, there are 26 diff programs in effect, yet each broadly coordinated with the common goals of all. The employment of the voluntary services of men of leading reputations in their respective fields is an indication of the great care that is taken in ensuring the educ'al integrity of the program. The program, then, is one of true educ'al exchange, not one of propaganda. In the 10 yrs of the program, 9,000 Americans have visited other countries & have brought back information & understanding with them & imparted it to their fellow Americans through talks to civic groups, radio broadcasts, articles, books, & through Sch's & Coll's. Equally signif has been the manner in which foreign grantees have been able to bring some of their own way of life to the US as well as to carry home with them a more intimate glimpse of US culture. The program also provides grants for individuals & groups outside the strictly academic professions. B. J. Keeley.