Yes, an intermediate level of Spanish is required for the transition to your new environment. Most Ecuadorians do not speak English and you will need Spanish for daily and project-related activities. 

If your project involves working with indigenous populations, yes, you will need to have proficiency in Kichwa or, depending on the community, another indigenous language; or you must demonstrate in the grant statement that such ability is not necessary for your project.

Yes, you must have an affiliation with an institution based in Ecuador: a higher education institution, NGO, government or public institution, research institute, or civil society organization.  The host institution is very important, because it provides support for your project and helps expand your network of contacts to achieve your goals. It is important to have an affiliation that is interested in your project and is committed to supporting you throughout your grant period. We encourage applicants to seek principal or secondary affiliation with an institution of higher education and connect with a professor who can provide mentorship to their project.

The Commission can help candidates connect with institutions in Ecuador. Please contact us at programs@fulbright.org.ec.

Proposals for medical research involving clinical training, patient care or patient contact are not eligible. Fulbright policies do not authorize activities for which a license to practice medicine or nursing is required. 

Yes, you need a visa to stay for 10 months in Ecuador. You will need a visa de residencia temporal – voluntario. This visa requires that you obtain various documents and have those apostilled. Instructions about the visa process will be shared with selected candidates.

The Fulbright Commission in Ecuador is looking for candidates who want to generate an impact in Ecuador. Our Academic Committee reviews all applications and determines which candidates will be selected as grantees. The Committee is interested in applicants who demonstrate commitment to engaging with their host community, whose statement of grant purpose includes a plan to execute the proposed project and has clear objectives, and candidates who are affiliated with an Ecuadorian institution with substantial experience in the specific area of the proposed project. The Academic Committee promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in review of all applications.

The Fulbright Commission in Ecuador is very flexible in terms of when grantees can start their grants. If you will be taking classes in Ecuador, you may need to arrive as soon as early August. Most grantees arrive during August – September or even early October.

Please contact us at programs@fulbright.org.ec.