(a) The Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program is designed to contribute to the development and improvement of the study of modern foreign languages and area studies in the United States by providing opportunities for teachers, students, and faculty to study in foreign countries.

(b) Under the program, the Secretary awards grants to eligible institutions, departments, and organizations to conduct overseas group projects in research, training, and curriculum development.

The following are eligible to apply for assistance under this part:

(a) Institutions of higher education;

(b) State departments of education;

(c) Private non-profit educational organizations; and

(d) Consortia of institutions, departments, and organizations described in paragraphs (a), (b), or (c) of this section.

An individual is eligible to participate in a Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad, if the individual—(a)(1) Is a citizen or national of the United States; or

(2) Is a permanent resident of the United States; and

(b)(1) Is a faculty member who teaches modern foreign languages or area studies in an institution of higher education;

(2) Is a teacher in an elementary or secondary school;

(3) Is an experienced education administrator responsible for planning, conducting, or supervising programs in modern foreign languages or area studies at the elementary, secondary, or postsecondary level; or

(4) Is a graduate student, or a junior or senior in an institution of higher education, who plans a teaching career in modern foreign languages or area studies.

The following regulations apply to this program:

(a) The regulations in this part 664; and

(b) The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) (34 CFR parts 75, 77, 81, 82, and 86).

(c)(1) 2 CFR part 180 (OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement)), as adopted at 2 CFR part 3485; and

(2) 2 CFR part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards), as adopted at 2 CFR part 3474.

(a) General definitions. The following terms used in this part are defined in 2 CFR part 200, subpart A, or 34 CFR part 77:

(b) Definitions that apply to this program: The following definitions apply to the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program:

Area studies means a program of comprehensive study of the aspects of a society or societies, including the study of their geography, history, culture, economy, politics, international relations, and languages.

Binational commission means an educational and cultural commission established, through an agreement between the United States and either a foreign government or an international organization, to carry out functions in connection with the program covered by this part.

Institution of higher education means an educational institution in any State that—

(1) Admits as regular students only persons having a certificate of graduation from a school providing secondary education, or the recognized equivalent of such a certificate;

(2) Is legally authorized within such State to provide a program of education beyond secondary education;

(3) Provides an educational program for which it awards a bachelor's degree or provides not less than a two-year program which is acceptable for full credit toward such a degree;

(4) Is a public or other nonprofit institution; and

(5) Is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association.

J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board means the presidentially appointed board that is responsible for supervision of the program covered by this part.