FLAD launches program to support the return of U.S. students to Portugal

The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD) has launched the FLAD Reengagement Program, an initiative aimed at U.S. students, recent graduates, and young professionals up to the age of 35 who have had academic or professional experience in Portugal and wish to return to the country to develop projects with social, academic, or economic impact.

The program comes in a context of historic growth in academic mobility from the United States to Portugal, which reached record numbers in the 2023/2024 academic year. The initiative aims to strengthen academic, cultural and institutional ties between the two countries, encouraging former students to actively contribute to the development of Portuguese society.

Objectives and framework

The FLAD Reengagement Program aims to promote the reconnection of U.S. citizens who studied in Portugal, supporting the implementation of projects in partnership with Portuguese institutions. In addition to the development of the proposed initiatives, scholarship holders will be encouraged to engage with North American students currently in the country through the Study in Portugal Network (SiPN) program, promoting activities such as workshops, mentoring or cultural exchanges.

Eligibility

• U.S. citizens may apply who:
• Are up to 35 years old;
• Have studied, researched, worked or volunteered in Portugal before;
• Present a clear, feasible and impactful project proposal;
• Demonstrate leadership, autonomy, and community involvement;
• Have a letter of affiliation from a Portuguese host institution.
• Knowledge of the Portuguese language is not mandatory, but it will be valued.

Eligible projects

Projects that contribute to the strengthening of Portugal-US relations are eligible, including:

• Academic research and final projects with fieldwork in Portugal;
• Social innovation projects;
• Service learning initiatives with non-profit organizations;
• Residencies, internships or training in Portuguese institutions;
• Community, cultural or artistic involvement projects;
• Initiatives that strengthen the connection between Portuguese-American communities;
• Other innovative proposals aligned with the objectives of the program may also be considered.

Financial support

Selected candidates will receive a one-time grant between €3,000 and €5,000, depending on the project and budget submitted.

The grant is intended to support the implementation of the project and presupposes a minimum stay of 30 days in Portugal. It is a one-off incentive, not constituting a salary, and can be complemented with other personal or institutional resources.

Applications

Applications take place on a rolling basis and must be submitted here, including:

• Detailed project proposal (up to 5 pages);
• Letter of affiliation from the Portuguese host institution;
• CV;
• Letter of motivation.

Applications will be evaluated based on the relevance, creativity and feasibility of the project, the potential impact on Portugal-US relations and the academic or professional merit of the applicant. The decision is communicated within a maximum of 15 working days after submission.

The information provided does not exempt you from consulting the NOTICE of this contest – available at this link.

For more information contact: ricardo.pereira@flad.pt.