|
|
 |
| |
|
| |
|
1.
Before you leave |
|
What happens after I receive the letter from
the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board notifying me of my
selection as a Fulbright grantee?
The Commission will send you a congratulation
letter containing instructions on how to proceed with the
documents enclosed therewith: Terms and Conditions and Grant
Authorization. You have to sign and send a copy of those
documents to the Department of State, the Council of
International Exchange of Scholars and the Fulbright
Commission. Your selection is contingent upon Medical
clearance.
How do I
get medical clearance?
CIES will
provide you with a Medical Certificate that must be
completed by your physician and submitted to CIES.
Dependants also need toobtain medical clearance. Refer to
CIES for more instructions.
Are there
any restrictions regarding when I can begin my project?
We encourage scholars to come in early March
or at any time between March and November (length of the
Uruguayan academic year). We dissuade scholars from arriving
in December, January or February for during these months all
private and public universities, as well as most public and
private institutions, are closed.
Do I need
to make arrangements for an extended visa or “research
clearance” before my departure?
American
citizens do NOT require a VISA or special documentation to
enter Uruguay. When you arrive in the country, you will be
cleared automatically for a stay of 90 days. At the end of
each 90-day period in Uruguay, you will need simply to
request an extension (which carries a fee of between $15 and
$20) from the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones.
If you travel to one of the neighboring countries, you will
be cleared automatically upon reentering Uruguay. You should
notify the Commission and the host institution (if
applicable) in advance of the dates of any visit to another
country during the period of stay in Uruguay.
How and
when will my travel arrangements to Uruguay be made?
Before the
Commission makes any travel arrangement, you should have
received Medical Clearance. Once you have obtained medical
clearance and your plans are definite, you need only to
inform the Commission of the date on which you would like to
arrive in Uruguay. The Fulbright Commission will book all of
your flights to and from Uruguay with a private travel
agency, and payment will be made directly by the Commission
on your behalf. You will then receive confirmation of your
travel request, and your ticket will arrive to your U.S.
address within a week or so.
What sort
of preparations should I make for the Uruguayan climate?
If you
plan to be in Uruguay between the months of December and
February, be sure to pack light-weight clothing, as
summertime temperatures often climb well above 90 degrees
Fahrenheit, and most buildings and busses are not air
conditioned. On the other hand, you should also make
preparations to avoid being caught off guard by the cooler
temperatures of fall and winter! Although snow and frost
are extremely uncommon in Uruguay, cooling ocean currents
and persistent sea breezes can necessitate long sleeves or a
jacket even in summertime evenings; and if you plan to be
here during the coldest months of June, July, and August,
sweaters, scarves, and a heavier coat will be indispensable!
Will I
need to bring or purchase voltage converters for all my
appliances?
Yes. All
Uruguayan outlets run on a 220 Volt current, so your U.S.
appliances will not function without voltage converters.
These types of converters are widely available for purchase
in Uruguay, but converters purchased in the U.S. are likely
to be less expensive and more compatible with your
appliances. This is especially the case with converters for
such electronic devices as CD players and computer
equipment. You need NOT worry
about obtaining simple plug adapters before you leave; these
are inexpensive and available at any hardware store.
What kind
of computer access will be available to me as a Fulbright
Fellow?
You may be
able to arrange limited access to computing technologies at
your host university, depending on the nature and extent of
your affiliation. As an alternative to university
facilities, there are now several commercial internet café’s
in the downtown area of Montevideo.
If you need frequent email and/or internet
access, however, you should seriously consider bringing your
own computer equipment with you to Uruguay.
If I do
bring my computer, will I be able to find a good Internet
Service Provider in Uruguay?
Yes,
commercial ISP’s are abundant in Uruguay, and offer a
variety of service plans. The Commission will provide you
with contact information for internet firms when you arrive
in Uruguay.
|
|
2.
Arrival in Uruguay |
|
What sort
of arrangements will be made for my first few nights in
Montevideo?
The
Fulbright Commission will reserve a room for you at one of
several mid-priced hotels. Your hotel’s name, address, and
contact numbers will reach you in the U.S. (by mail or
e-mail) well before your departure. Hotel costs will be
covered by your relocation allowance (see the “Finances”
section for more information).
Will I
need to arrange for my own transportation from the airport
to my hotel?
No. The
Fulbright Commission will send a driver to meet you at the
international airport in Carrasco and convey you to your
hotel.
When can I
make my first visit to the Commission?
We will be
eager to meet you and begin assisting with your adjustment
on the day of your arrival, or as soon as you feel
sufficiently recovered from your journey.
|
|
3.
Housing Arrangements |
|
What kinds
of housing do Fulbright Fellows usually find in Uruguay?
U.S.
Fulbright Scholars to Uruguay customarily rent an apartment
according to their needs and, if being accompanied by
dependents, according to their needs as well.
Some
Scholars do prefer however to stay at an apart hotel in
order to avoid the real estate's fee, the deposit required
by the apartment's owner and the building expenses.
And how
will I go about finding an apartment?
When you
arrive in Uruguay, the Fulbright Commission will place you
in contact with one of several private real estate agents,
who will assist you in finding the apartment arrangements
best suited to your preferences and needs. You will also
receive more information on the rental process, apartment
upkeep/administration, and other housing-related issues.
The Commission staff will be happy to assist you with any
questions or concerns at any point in your apartment search.
Landlords usually ask tenants for a one to
three-month deposit as an insurance against possible
breakage, etc. If at that time the Commission has funds as
its disposal, we will be willing to advance that amount and
deduct it accordingly from your future monthly payments.
Note:
Many U.S. Scholars have noted the advantages of arriving in
Montevideo on a Monday or Tuesday, so as to devote the
maximum amount of time possible to the apartment search
before the arrival of the weekend (when real estate agents
are generally less accessible) |
|
4.
Finances |
|
What are
my grant benefits?
International Travel:
You will receive round-trip transportation from your home to
Uruguay
Basic
Monthly Stipend
Monthly
Housing and Subsistence Allowance:
designed to cover the cost of renting an apartment, food and
incidentals
Relocation
Allowance:
this is a one-time cash payment, included in your first
stipend check. This is designed to cover expenses incurred
during your first few days/weeks in Uruguay, including hotel
lodgings, real estate commissions, initial acquisitions for
your household, etc.
Book
Allowance:
This allowance may be used for such items as books,
journals, office supplies (not including furniture),
educational materials (e.g., maps, tapes, slides,
photographs), computer equipment, secretarial services,
limited publishing costs, and local travel essential to the
project. Nonexpendable items purchased by the grantee with
such allowances should remain with the host institution upon
completion of the project, unless it is determined by the
Commission or post that such items are essential to the
grantee for completion of the project after the grant has
expired.
You should
keep all invoices/receipts and bring them to the Commission
at least one week before departure so that you can be
reimbursed for such expenses.
Actual
figures are described in your Grant Documents.
Are my
dependents entitled to grant benefits?
Yes if
that is the case of a spouse or a child that is financially
dependent on you and who will spend at least 80% of the
grant period with you. Please check with the Commission to
see what these benefits include and what they do not.
Public
Schools are free. If you want your children to attend
English speaking classes at a private institution, the
Fulbright Commission will help you find a school.
How and
when will I receive my stipend money?
You will
receive your first stipend check immediately upon arrival in
Uruguay, and then on the first day of each subsequent
one-month period according to a payment schedule prepared by
the Commission. Your checks will be written to you in U.S.
dollars, but can be cashed in pesos, dollars, or any
combination thereof.
Will I be
able to open a bank account in Uruguay?
Yes, The
Fulbright Commission will help you to open a bank account
from where you will be able to withdraw funds using an ATM
card.
Is my
Fulbright Scholarship subject to U.S. income taxes?
Fulbright
Grants are subject to U.S. income taxes, and if your
project in Uruguay is not directly related to an official
university degree program in which you are already enrolled,
the entirety of your stipend moneys will most likely be
taxable. It is your responsibility to ascertain any and all
tax responsibilities arising from your grant, and the
Fulbright Commission will not be in a position to assist
you. Neither will you receive 1099’s from any branch of the
Fulbright Program administration. You should, therefore,
maintain accurate records of funds received and how they are
expended. |
|
5.
Medical Concerns |
|
Does the
Fulbright Program provide me with medical insurance while I
am in Uruguay?
Yes! As a
U.S. Fulbright Fellow, you are covered for the entirety of
your stay under the United States Department of State
Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE).
This medical insurance policy is provided to you at no
cost, and covers your basic medical expenses (including
routine doctor visits and prescription drugs) up to a
maximum of $50,000 per injury or sickness, with a per-case
deductible of $25. When you arrive, you will receive an ASPE
identification card, claim forms, and a full description of
program benefits. You are responsible for securing
additional/supplemental insurance policies, based on the
limitations and restrictions of coverage under the ASPE.
Should you have more specific questions regarding your
coverage under this policy, please refer to the “U.S.
Fulbright Fellows Orientation Handbook”
Does the
Fulbright Program provide my dependents with medical
insurance while they are in Uruguay?
No, it
does not. You should provide medical insurance for
accompanying dependents at your own expense.
Where will
I receive medical attention?
The
Fulbright Commission recommends that you seek any needed
medical treatment at Montevideo’s private Hospital
Britanico, which is the health care provider for the
U.S. Embassy. When you arrive in Uruguay, you will receive
contact information for the Hospital’s many English-speaking
doctors. |
|
6.
Reporting |
|
How
and with what frequency should I keep in contact with
Fulbright program administration during my project?
The
Fulbright Commission and the Council of International
Exchange of Scholars requires you to submit Final report
before leaving Uruguay. This can be completed on-line.
Also, the
Fulbright Commission will ask your Host Institution to
submit a report on your academic activities.
The
Fulbright Commission expects you to be in touch at least
once every fifteen days to inform us of your progress, to
ask for advice, to request help or to address any issue that
may be interfering with your grant project. |
|
7.
University Information |
|
FYI the
University of the Republic (State University) is public and
offers free courses in any field:
www.rau.edu.uy
There are four private
universities:
Catholic University –
www.ucu.edu.uy
ORT University –
www.ort.edu.uy
University of Montevideo –
www.um.edu.uy
Universidad de la Empresa-
www.ude.edu.uy
|
|
8.
A brief overview of Internet Resources
on Uruguay |
|
If you
would like to begin exploring certain aspects of Uruguayan
life or society before you depart, the following online
resources might give you a good start. Please let us know
if you find good additions to this list.
-
The U.S. Library of Congress
server contains one of the best English-language
overviews of Uruguayan history, politics, economics,
culture (etc.). Entitled “Uruguay-A Country Study,” it
can be found at:
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/uytoc.html
-
You
can find a slightly more abbreviated English-language
overview of this type, in addition to several important
statistical break-downs, in the CIA’s online World
Factbook, at:
www.odci.gov.cia/publications/factbook/uy.html
Spanish-language electronic resources on Uruguay are, of
course, far more abundant. Some of the most informative of
these sources are listed and described briefly below:
-
www.uruguay.org.uy
This is a search engine to look for any Uruguayan web
site.
-
www.rau.edu.uy/uruguay:
This summary of Uruguayan topics is part of the “Red
Academica del Uruguay,” which is administered by the
Universidad de la Republica. This page contains
summaries of Uruguayan geography, history, climate, and
more, as detailed by some of the best-known Uruguayan
scholars in each field.
-
www.web2mil.com/uruguay:
“Uruguay-Guia Mundial,” a searchable database of mostly
contemporary issues in Uruguayan society and culture,
with close to 14,000 separate documents and links
-
www.eltimon.com:One
of the best exclusively Uruguayan internet search
engines, with categories for national and local news,
business, nightlife, tourism, political humor, computing
resources, etc.
-
Newspapers:
www.diarioelpaís.com
www.observa.com.uy
www.diariolarepublica.com
www.ultimasnoticias.com.uy
-
www.turismo.gub.uy: The official page
of the Uruguayan Ministry of Tourism, with photographs
and descriptions of the country’s primary tourism zones
and links to other sites of tourist interest
Finally,
for more in-depth research, conduct a country or theme
search at the University of Texas’s excellent “Latin
American Network Information Center” (LANIC):
lanic.utexas.edu |
|
|
|
