Since 1946
Legacy of the Fulbright Program in the MENA Region
More than 5,000 students from the MENA region have traveled to the United States as part of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.
History
Seventy-five years and counting
Since its inception in 1946, in the aftermath of World War II, the Fulbright Program has enriched education, advanced careers, and made meaningful contributions to society. The Fulbright Program has a rich history in the MENA region, dating back to the establishment of the Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt in 1949. Since then, over 5,000 students from the MENA region, and from a variety of backgrounds, have traveled to the United States as part of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. In 2021, the Fulbright Program celebrated its diamond anniversary, honoring 75 years of creating connections between, and impact in, communities around the world.
Timeline
Timeline of the Fulbright Program in the MENA Region
1946
Fulbright Act of 1946 establishes the Fulbright Program.
1949
Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt established. First Fulbright students from the MENA region arrive in the United States.
1951
Fulbright Program in Iraq begins.
1952
Fulbright Program in Morocco begins.
1952
Fulbright Program in Lebanon begins.
1953 (est.)
Fulbright Program in Algeria begins.
- 1955
1955
Fulbright Program in Libya begins.
1961
President Kennedy signs the Fulbright-Hays Act, which expands the Fulbright Program.
1963
Fulbright Program in Tunisia begins.
1963 (est.)
Fulbright Program in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates begins.
1964 (est.)
Fulbright Program in West Bank begins.
1970
Amideast begins to administer components of the Fulbright Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.
1972
Fulbright Program in Bahrain begins.
1982
The United States and Moroccan governments sign an agreement to launch a binational educational commission, named the Moroccan-American Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange (MACECE).
1993
Jordanian American Commission for Educational Exchange (JACEE), also known as the Binational Fulbright Commission (BFC) in Jordan, is created by a bilateral agreement signed in May 1993.
2026
The Fulbright Program celebrates its 80th anniversary.
Voices
Testimonials
"Fulbright students bring a unique sense of sharing and giving to the community that is different from other visitors. Their participation on campus adds value to everyone who interacts with them."
Shahzad Ahmad, St. Cloud State University
Associate Vice President of Center for International Studies
"Fulbright was a transformative experience that took both my academic and personal life to a new level. The United States is a global leader in physics, and I gained valuable insights from my time at LSU, learning from my supervisor and colleagues. On the cultural side, I became an unexpected fan of American football and celebrated holidays like Halloween, Mardi Gras, and Christmas for the first time."
Rafik, Morocco
Non-Degree, Physics, Louisiana State University, 2022-2023
"For me, Fulbright was a gateway to both academic growth and profound self-discovery. It was not just about studying or conducting research, but about immersing myself in a new culture, broadening my worldview, and building lasting relationships. The year I spent on my Fulbright journey may have been finite, but its impact continues to shape my life and career in ways I never anticipated. It's a life-altering experience that stays with you forever."
Sana, Tunisia
LLM, University of California Davis, 2023-2024
Alumni community
Stay connected after your program
Join the Amideast alumni community to hear about learning opportunities, events, and stories from fellow participants.