American Spaces are cultural and information centers around the world that provide free and open access for members of local communities to learn more about the United States, develop skills, and access a wide range of resources. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, approximately 600 American Spaces in some 140 countries offer programs and events that foster learning, discussion, and civic engagement around democratic principles.

The binational center, Alianza Cultural Uruguay – Estados Unidos, is the official American Space in Uruguay. Established in 1939 as a private, non-profit institution, Alianza oversees a network of 40+ centers throughout Uruguay, including the headquarters in Montevideo. Annually, 15,000 students throughout the country participate in a variety of cultural and educational programs that promote English language learning, studying in the United States, skill building, and provides access to online and print resources about the United States.

Find more information about American Spaces here.

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the Embassy encourages interaction and facilitates networking amongst alumni who have returned to Uruguay after participating in State Department exchange programs in the United States.

Find out more information about Alumni in Uruguay here.

The U.S. Speaker Program connects professional Uruguayans with American citizen experts on topics of strategic importance. Programs are conducted in person and through virtual engagement platforms and focus on key foreign policy topics including tackling climate change, promoting media literacy, providing alternatives to violent extremism, advancing economic prosperity, expanding educational and cultural diplomacy, and fostering open government and civil society.  American speakers represent a broad range of fields and expertise, are leaders in their sectors and communities and represent their own views and policies and are not reflective of the U.S. government. The U.S. Speaker program offers experts an opportunity to engage with new audiences, expand their networks, and exchange ideas with professionals across the globe. In all cases, Speaker programs are proposed, planned, and organized by the Embassy’s Public Engagement Team. Most of the programs, however, are co-organized and co-sponsored by Uruguayan academic, public, and private sector institutions.

Find more information about the U.S. Speaker Program here.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States with the people of other countries. Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 300,000 participants—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential—with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Fulbright alumni serve in leadership positions in government, academia, business, the arts, science, journalism, and other professional fields.

The Fulbright Program was established in Uruguay in 1960 pursuant to an agreement between the governments of Uruguay and the United States and resulting in the creation of the Fulbright Commission.  A 1965 exchange of diplomatic notes, terminating and replacing the 1960 agreement, reflects the current agreement. All Fulbright programs are funded by the governments of Uruguay and the United States.

Find more information about Fulbright here.

Fulbright Specialist Program
The Fulbright Specialist Program aims to provide a short-term, on-demand resource to international host institutions, giving them greater flexibility in how they participate with Fulbright. Specialists are strongly encouraged to continue to work with host institutions in the years following their initial exchange, creating opportunities for ongoing cooperation and consultancies. Exchange program for U.S. specialists should be requested by a Uruguayan host institution, to adapt the project to their needs. The exchange must last from 14 to 42 days, and includes activities such as: offering seminars or workshops, providing advice, developing academic programs or materials, fundraising and capacity development, strategic planning, teaching undergraduate or postgraduate classes, evaluating programs, etc.

Find more Information about Fulbright Specialist Program here.

Fulbright Regional Travel Program
The Fulbright Regional Travel Program offers local institutions the possibility of hosting an American Fulbright scholar who is developing their scholarship in a country in the region. In this way, the host institution will be able to benefit from the Fulbright Scholar’s knowledge and experience for a short time. The host institution must cover accommodation and per diem costs of the invited Scholar, Fulbright will cover the ticket, honorarium, and medical insurance. Fulbright has the list of scholars assigned to this region, including their areas of expertise available.

Find more Information about Fulbright Regional Travel Program here.

The Program sends a U.S. government scientist to the host country, typically for 30-90 days. Fellows can work in person, virtually, or a combination of both. ESFs often work closely with host country institutions, including national and local government agencies, NGOs, or academic or private sector institutions. For specific inquiries regarding this program in Uruguay, contact the Embassy.

Find more information about ESF here.