Don’t Hesitate! Applying for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Fulbright is a lifetime opportunity for me to share my culture, study what I love, and explore the United States. I am forever grateful to be given the opportunity to learn about the United States and experience it with my own eyes. Hopefully, you will have the same opportunity. Here are some tips to help you with the Fulbright Foreign Student Program application.
I applied for the Fulbright Program right after a friend mentioned it to me. I was drawn to the program because it seemed interesting to me at first glance, but I also wanted to share my cultures with others and learn about others’ cultures in return. At first, I was hesitant because I was afraid that I didn’t have the English level required to apply for the program, but I knew I still had enough of a command of the language to go for it. I am always thankful that I did not let that hesitancy stop me from applying. As a filmmaker, I always believed that the United States has the best film programs, so it made me even more eager to apply to study there.
My suggestion for anyone applying for the program is not to hesitate or allow self-doubt and the long application process to stop you from applying. In the end, you will not regret it. From my experience, it took almost a year to find out the results, so be patient. I applied in June 2019 and got the offer in April 2020. During that time, I took exams and attended virtual and in-person interviews. I applied and researched universities, states I could live in, and specific programs. It was overwhelming because I had to prepare so many things at once for the first time, but it was not impossible. Keep in mind that while you’re going through the process, you will have great support from Amideast, the U.S. Embassy, and the Fulbright Program every step of the way.
When it came to my application, I valued being honest the most. Using impressive language didn’t seem as important as expressing myself comfortably and speaking to the interviewers openly. I would advise anyone looking for recommendation letters to approach people who really believe in you and your potential and select people who know you well.
Today, I am in New Orleans and I’m loving every moment of it. The people, the atmosphere, and even the unpredictable weather, are all things that I have come to love very dearly. In my two years here, I have never felt like an outsider since there’s such a welcoming community surrounding me. Now are you ready to apply for the Fulbright Program! Good luck!
Narjes is a Bahraini Fulbrighter who is studying MFA Film Production at University of New Orleans.
