The Binational Fulbright Commission in Jordan (formally known as the Jordanian American Commission for Educational Exchange) represents a milestone in Jordanian-American educational cooperation. While Fulbright exchanges between our two nations date back to the 1960s, the establishment of our Commission in 1993 marked a significant evolution in this relationship, creating a formal binational structure to strengthen and expand these vital educational partnerships.
In 1993, the governments of Jordan and the United States took a historic step by signing an agreement to establish the Jordan-U.S. Binational Fulbright Commission. This agreement elevated the existing Fulbright Program in Jordan to new heights, creating a formal binational organization with shared governance and funding. The Commission's establishment reflected the deep commitment of both nations to educational exchange and mutual understanding.
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince El-Hassan Bin Talal, the Commission opened its new offices in Amman on December 8, 1994. Our first Executive Director, Alain McNamara, helped establish the Commission and went on to manage it for over 25 years, until 2020.
From its inception, the Commission was designed as a truly binational enterprise, with equal representation from both countries on our Board of Directors. This balanced governance structure ensures that our programs reflect the educational priorities and cultural interests of both Jordan and the United States. The Commission operates as an independent organization, yet maintains strong ties with both governments through:
Over the past three decades, the Commission has significantly expanded its scope and impact:
The Commission currently administers a diverse portfolio of Fulbright programs for Jordanians and Americans, including:
Since our establishment, we have worked to create efficient and effective administrative systems that support our grantees and maintain the highest standards of program management. Our Amman office serves as a vital hub for:
As we've matured as an organization, the Commission has launched several strategic initiatives to enhance our impact:
In recent years, the Commission has achieved several significant milestones:
As we continue to build on our three decades of success, the Commission remains committed to:
The Binational Fulbright Commission in Jordan stands as a testament to the power of educational diplomacy and the enduring friendship between Jordan and the United States. Since our establishment in 1993, we have worked tirelessly to create meaningful exchanges that benefit both societies.
We invite you to explore our programs and become part of our continuing mission to promote mutual understanding through educational exchange. Whether as a prospective grantee, institutional partner, or supporter of international education, you can play a role in strengthening the bonds between our nations.
Educational exchange can turn nations into people, contributing as no other form of communication can to the humanizing of international relations."
— Senator J. William Fulbright
