In cooperation with the University of Maryland, College Park, Fulbright Germany offers the interdisciplinary programme Discover the USA. During the four-week programme, participants have the opportunity to get to know American culture and campus life through exchanges with US students and teachers. The aim of the various course modules is to develop action-oriented skills that can be directly applied to living together in an intercultural and global context. Learn more about the programme here.
Who can apply? Discover the USA is aimed at German Bachelor's students in the humanities and social sciences in their 3rd to 6th semester who are enrolled at a state-recognised German university. Applications from first-time academics and students who finance their studies themselves or with the help of BAföG are particularly welcome.
Further application requirements
- German citizenship (at the time of the application deadline)
- Enrolment in a Bachelor's degree programme in the humanities or social sciences at a state-recognised German university
- Good to very good academic background (transcript of grades)
- Good to very good English language skills, at least C1 (no proof required)
- Clear academic focus for programme
- participation Willingness to take on social responsibility
- Motivation to promote German-American understanding
- Active interests/engagement outside of studies
- No Fulbright scholarship in the last five years
- German passport valid until at least 22 December 2026
Students enrolled in dual degree programmes are not eligible for this programme. Applicants should not have any relevant study experience in the United States (stays as part of a high school exchange or as an au pair are not grounds for exclusion).
To participate in the programme, you will need an entry permit for the USA through ESTA or a visa. More information can be found here. By submitting your application, you are confirming that you are aware of the relevant application and participation requirements and are willing to comply with them.
scholarship benefits
We award a scholarship for participation in the programme. It includes the following benefits:
- Financing of programme and course fees
- Coverage of accommodation costs (in double rooms) and meals on the university campus
- Transatlantic group flight
- International health insurance for the duration of the programme
- Support from Fulbright Germany in Berlin and from the host university in the USA
- Participation in a preparatory meeting (online)
- Admission to the network of Fulbright Germany scholarship holders and alumni
It should be noted that the Fulbright scholarship does not cover any personal or private expenses during the programme. These are to be borne by the participants themselves.
Application procedure and deadlines
Applications for the Discover the USA programme are now being accepted. Application information and documents can be found under: Apply now!
Questions about applying specifically for the summer study programmes are answered in the Frequently Asked Questions | Summer Study Programmes. Please also read the application instructions that apply to all Fulbright scholarships for Germans in general – Frequently Asked Questions | General. Please note our general privacy policy and the privacy information for Fulbright Germany applicants.
Programme period: 21 August to 19 September 2026
Application deadline: 18 March 2026