In 1946, immediately after World War II, Senator J. WilliamFulbright, set out to build international cooperation by sendingscholars overseas to study a variety of fields.
With the help of the Constitution, he created the FulbrightProgram, which, according to the Institute of InternationalEducation (IIE) website, “aims to increase mentalunderstanding between the people of the United States and othercountries through the exchange of persons, knowledge andskills.”
Since then, the program has sent over 255,000 students abroad,”with the opportunity to observe each others’political, economic and cultural institutions, exchange ideas andembark on joint ventures of importance to the general welfare ofthe world’s inhabitants.”
Similar to Oxford University’s Rhodes Scholarship, theFulbright program asks each student to illustrate, in detail, hisor her project proposal if honored with the award.
This fall, two Mustangs will join the growing list of those whohave benefited from the Fulbright experience.
Dena Pritchett, a current International Studies major, andJonathan Yim, a 2004 graduate from the Meadows School of theArts’ Division of Music, will depart this semester tocontinue their fields of study in Asia and Europe,respectively.
“[Pritchett] is going to the Middle East to studywomen’s roles,” said anthropology professor MichaelAdler, who currently serves as SMU’s Fulbright ProgramAdvisor.
“She wants to study globalization and women’s statusin a part of the world where it has been traditionallydeemphasized.”
Pritchett is no stranger to foreign soil, however, as herparents’ involvement in different international organizationswhile growing up allowed her to live in countries such as Congo,Ethiopia, Kenya, Italy, Switzerland and Tanzania.
Recognized on the Honor Roll with High Distinction during histime at SMU, Yim (B.A., ’04) will take his musical talents toAustria this fall.
“[Jonathan] wants to study a certain composer and theworks he left behind in Vienna,” Adler explained.
Yim, a Crowley, Texas native, will enter the Musikwissenschaftprogram at Wiener Universität this semester.
Pritchett and Yim endured a diligent process before beingselected to receive the endowment. After submitting an onlineapplication, those contending for the scholarship were interviewedby three faculty members, including Adler.
“In the interview,” he said, “we look overtheir proposal and make suggestions. Based on that, we send our[selections] to the Fulbright folks in New York.”
In addition, applicants must submit three letters ofrecommendation from university faculty or staff members.
“It also helps to have a letter from the institution towhich you’re applying,” Adler revealed.
This year’s winners, Pritchett and Yim, were chosen from apool of seven SMU candidates.
According to a May press release, “The U.S. StudentProgram awards approximately 1,000 grants annually and currentlyoperates in over 140 countries worldwide.”
These 1,000 grants are distributed among a rising number ofhopefuls from across the nation.
“Last year, the Fulbright Program received 5,295applications,” Adler explained. He went on to point out thatless than 20 percent of all candidates were actually endowed withthe award.
The competitive nature of the scholarship stems from theprecious benefits it offers; “full grants generally providefunding for round-trip travel, maintenance for one academic year,health and accident insurance and full or partial tuition,”the press release said.
Those chosen to study abroad with the program are able to do sothanks to a set of generous donors, primarily the United StatesCongress.
Fulbright scholars also tend to exhibit some of the sameprofessional characteristics.
“A very clear research statement,” is the principalquality that bonds the aspirants, Adler said. “Again, we lookfor students to be highly accomplished in their classes, especiallyin their field of study.”
But the fellowship has not been limited to students.
“Faculty members and teachers can go if they have a goodenough reason and credentials,” Adler said.
Whoever it may be, Adler hopes for the number of SMU applicantsto continue its current trend of growth.
“Associate Provost [for Educational Programs] Tom Tunkshas really stepped up the program in terms of getting more facultyadvisers and students better informed,” he said.
Fulbright scholarship applications, due no later than Oct. 1,are available online at www.iie.org.
According to the press release, “Applicants to the… program must be U.S. citizens at the time of applicationand hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent by the beginningof the grant.”
Adler urged candidates to apply as soon as possible.
“Start right now!” he said.
Any questions regarding the Fulbright Program should be directedto Michael Adler at (214) 768-2940.
