next »

[tapplinx]

A question about Fulbright grants and dependent benefits.  Here’s the situation: I was recently awarded a Fulbright, I plan to go with my partner (two men, LTR, no civil union or marriage).  Fulbright awards extra money for living and transportation based on number of dependents going with grantee.  Partners don’t count as dependents, though spouses do, and therefore they’re treating me as a single person, even though I told them he is going. I understand that as a US government-affiliated operation they are constrained in what they are able to officially acknowledge as a dependent.  However, and here are my questions, (finally): Has anyone out there found themselves in a similar position with the Fulbright (or another) organization that wanted to pay you less and treat you differently than a married couple?  If so, what were your experiences in negotiating more money?  Any suggestions? Strategies? Winning arguments? I plan to talk with them this week.  Is this futile? This whole deal is infuriating and appalling. Besides the difference in money, there is the issue of the institutional support in terms of the visa and official recognition that there are two of us going and not just me.   Any ideas and help are very much appreciated.