Villanova has been named a top Fulbright scholarship producer for the 17th consecutive year. Forty-six of the 99 University applicants have been named semifinalists for the impressive international research and education program.
The Fulbright scholarship flagship international exchange program, and is wildly popular amongst Villanova students. The prestigious fellowship affords students the ability to conduct research and teach abroad.
Established in 1946, the primary pursuit of the Fulbright program is to increase understanding amongst nations and is the most diverse international exchange program.
“Villanova’s recognition as a top producer of Fulbright recipients is a testament to our students’ dedication to academic excellence, service and global engagement,” University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. said in a February press release.
Each year, those awarded the Fulbright Scholarship study a wide array of subjects in a variety of countries. The program is administered through the Center for Research and Fellowships.
This academic year, 46 of the 99 Villanova applicants were named semifinalists for the program. These semifinalists will be alerted within the next three months if they have ultimately earned a spot within the program, as well as their future locations for studying.
Currently, 160 countries participate in the Fulbright program. Students return from the countries that they studied in with new memories, friends and a heightened understanding and appreciation for their culture.
Last year, 18 students were awarded the prestigious fellowship, consisting of a wide array of various majors, backgrounds and prospective countries in which they were going to be studying. Amongst these impressive students is Villanova alumnus Gavin Woodin.
Woodin graduated from the University with a double major in biology and Spanish, as well as minors in global health, Latin American studies and peace and justice. He is interested in the intersection of environmental issues and public health, and has previously completed research examining this interplay.
Awarded the immensely impressive fellowship last spring, Woodin was granted the opportunity to teach abroad in Uruguay following his completion of undergraduate studies. This Fulbright award specifically is known as the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA).
“The Fulbright Program has broadened my perspective about how I experience the world.” Woodin said.
While study abroad offers students a fulfilling and rich experience within one’s undergraduate years, the Fulbright scholarship allows for another novel opportunity to study in other areas in the world following graduation. This invaluable close up with different cultures is something not many students will experience within a learning environment following their college years. Specifically, the ability to learn, as well as teach in these conducive learning settings is not typical for most after their time at the University.
“Immersing myself on the culture and picking up on the ‘little things’ has made me think about the similarities we all share, and what makes us distinct,” Woodin said.
Year after year, the University is renowned for the number of Fulbrights awarded, which is reported annually in the Chronicle of Higher Education. The competition itself is administered by the University’s own Center for Research and Fellowships.
With nearly half of all Villanova applicants being awarded semi-finalist positions, the University is awaiting to hear from those who have earned a spot amongst the many others who also have participated in the extremely impressive program.
Those who have been awarded the Fulbright will be notified relatively soon, in preparation of their departure in the time following their graduation from Villanova.
