Fulbright New Zealand has an alumni network of over 3600 grantees who have contributed towards mutual understanding, professional collaborations and friendship between the US and NZ.
Our goal at Fulbright New Zealand is that Grantees become a part of the programme – joining a whānau that they feel connected to not only during their grant but for the rest of their life.
There are many ways Grantees can stay involved as alumni of the Fulbright New Zealand programme.
Engage
- Look out for invitations to our regional events: You can also check out our event reports over on our News & Events page
- Join Fulbrighter: Fulbrighter is an online networking platform specifically designed for Fulbright alumni and Grantees. It is a space where you can connect, network and engage with the global community of Fulbrighters. You can join the platform on your browser and/or download the app from the Google Play and App Store.
- Make sure to let us know if your contact information changes: This ensures that you don’t miss out on Fulbright news and events near you.
- Have an idea for an event or alumni activity? Email us to let us know!
Contribute
Our alumni often tell us how much a Fulbright award has impacted their lives, and that they would like to find ways to contribute and give back to the programme. Ideas for how you can do this follow below.
- Serve as a panel member for Fulbright award selections.
- Participate in homestay hosting: Annually we put a call out to alumni to see if they are interested in hosting incoming US grantees whilst they are getting settled in NZ. Both alumni and grantees who have participated in homestays in the past have said that this is an enjoyable and valuable experience that leads to life-long friendships.
- Become a Good Works speaker: Good Works are online seminars by Fulbrighters, highlighting the ongoing important, good work they are doing in the US or NZ. Seminars can be up to 60 minutes long and are held via Microsoft Teams. If you would like to be our next speaker, email [email protected]
- Shoulder tap future Fulbrighters: If you know of someone who could be a future Fulbright recipient, we would love for you to shoulder tap them, or send them our way for further information.
- Become a buddy for an incoming US or NZ Grantee: Our Programme Managers arrange ‘buddies’ for grantees to connect with when beginning their Fulbright journey.
- Volunteer as a Fulbright Campus Advisor: Our Campus Advisors are Fulbright alumni who volunteer to be available to discuss their exchange experiences with students and staff of their university. They also give basic information about our awards to interested applicants.
Connect
- Check out our Alumni magazine Bright Sparks: Bright Sparks shares the latest Grantee and alumni stories and achievements, as well as Fulbright news and event information. We love to hear what you are up to, so if you have a story you would like to include in our next issue, please email us.
- Follow us on socials: We’re on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Most importantly, keep in touch with us!
We love to know what you’re up to, wherever you are in the world. Emails and pictures are always warmly received.
Have a question? Reach out to our Engagement and Outreach Coordinator at [email protected]