There are two kinds of Fulbright grants: Fulbright English Teaching Assistant grants (for travel to non-English speaking countries) and Fulbright Full grants (for research). Applicants must be US citizens and hold a B.A.
If you think you might apply for a Fulbright grant, you should start planning as early as possible, ideally by your sophomore year. There are three things that are important for you to do:
(1) Grants to certain countries require proficiency in the written and spoken language of the host country. Plan early so that you can learn as much as possible of the relevant foreign language.
(2) Learn as much as you can about your potential host country. Consider coursework and BC, study abroad, and (if possible) summer travel.
(3) Consider writing a senior thesis in Psychology, whether or not you are in the Psychology honors program. If you will be applying for a Fulbright research grant, a senior thesis will strengthen your skills. Your thesis might, in fact, extend into a cross-cultural Fulbright project.
Having a Fulbright can be a wonderful, enriching, even life-changing experience. Many Boston College undergraduates have won these grants. If you plan right, you have a good chance of winning one.
For information on Fulbright grants, go to http://fmwww2.bc.edu/fulbright/home.php
You should also contact Professor Margaret Thomas, the Fulbright coordinator for Boston College (thomasm@bc.edu) and Professor Joe Tecce, the Fulbright committee chair for the Psychology Department (tecce@bc.edu).