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Yeah, the stats sheet wasn't exactly inspiring :/ I applied for a creative writing grant (fiction) to Albania, so we'll see what happens. Hopefully we'll know soon!

That sounds awesome! Did you apply under the creative arts field?

Good luck keeping the anxiety to a minimum, everyone! I'm rooting for us all!

So much new information!! Reading more statistics and methodology makes me happy that I was a finalist for the arts last time I applied. Good, but not good enough. Happy waiting and happy long weekend, everyone!

Same! I'm applying to Albania for a research grant and currently don't know any Albanian. I think it's kind of a personal judgment. Learning a language is always a plus, but, like you, as a full-time working adult, I don't have the time, energy, or money to commit to something I that I may or may not ever use. Depending on when the Czech ETA program starts, you may have enough time to get a basic understanding under your belt if you commit for a couple of months (that's my plan, anyway. The Albanian program doesn't start until October). I think if you can start learning a little now, excellent. If not, I wouldn't worry about it.

I definitely think both the humanities and science disciplines lend themselves to cultural exchange. Humanities scholars often work with others in museums, universities, artist communes, etc. so they're not always alone. I suppose it really does depend on the person. For Fulbright, I think it's a tricky balance of selecting the right person but also the right proposal.

Sometimes science proposals and other researched-based proposals can argue a sense of urgency that the arts cannot, and I think that sometimes gives them priority. For example, people studying the melting rate of glaciers in certain areas have a strong case on why they need to go to those areas as soon as possible. It totally depends on what the science and art proposals are, though. I'm sure yours is very compelling!

How do you know they're looking for more creative projects? I applied with a creative writing proposal and I always fear that programs like this prioritize science projects over arts.