Penn State students are traveling around the world to conduct research, teach English, attend masters degree programs and more as part of the Fulbright Scholar Program, a highly sought-after nine-month international educational exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State. This is the second story in a series of essays written by Penn State student Fulbright winners who have returned from or have just embarked on their trips.
While the official total won’t be released until November, at least 15 students have been offered the scholarship this year, according to Penn State’s University Fellowships Office. Last year, 11 Penn State students received the prestigious scholarship. For more information about applying for the program, visit the University Fellowships Office’s website. Click here to read more Fulbright Features.
The nine months I spent as a Fulbright Student in Croatia were life changing. Though that expression is often overused, as I begin a doctorate program at the Politecnico di Milano in October, I know the direction of my life has been drastically changed. My experience abroad provided me an incredible opportunity to engage in research that was exciting as well as eye opening to the need for continued academic study. I am thrilled to build off of the work I did over the last nine months, and I know that wherever I end up in the future will be due in some part to my time with Fulbright.
Having studied architecture at Penn State and being interested in historic cities, I was able to conduct long-term, onsite research in an ancient urban context. It is simply not possible to conduct such a study in America. The benefits of Fulbright are also not merely limited to academic rewards, it was very difficult to say goodbye to the place and people that had become my home and family for nine months. I wholeheartedly recommend Fulbright to anyone who is interested in conducting research or teaching abroad. You will not regret it.
Jones also recounted his experience on his Fulbright blog. Here’s an excerpt.
A year ago, I developed a project that I was interested in and passionate about. For someone, namely the U.S. government, to then say: “Yes, this is a good idea, go do it!” has been hugely affirming. Though my next steps are still tentative, I know that whatever I do will be informed by everything I have learned and experienced this past year.
I see the opportunity for continued study, but I completed the work I set out to do in Croatia. I wanted to better understand what happens to an Ancient Roman city when you deposit an eclectic mix of peoples and cultures there over the course of 2,000 years. I wanted to not just read and study, but actually see this transformation take place. I also hoped to share it with the people who live in that city and with anyone else who might be interested.
I worked with some great people this year who were so generous, helpful and genuinely kind. They have become good friends, and I’m sure I will work with them again in the future. To finish off the year, I had a press conference announcing the presentation of the project to the public through the city’s tourism department.
To read more about Jones’ Fulbright research project, visit http://praksa.hr/map-story/#title.