Imagine Yourself as a Fulbrighter: How I Applied to the Fulbright Program
Traveling to different countries has always been a goal of mine ever since I watched Sinbad as a little girl. Traveling is an outlet that allows us to recharge and become mentally and physically healthier. It also can expose us to different intercultural experiences that enrich our lives and make us better people.
My ambition to travel to the United States, specifically to attain a more powerful learning experience, was my target goal throughout the last portion of my undergraduate studies. When I heard about the Fulbright Program, I felt that it would be the perfect fit in helping me to reach my dreams. Being a Fulbrighter is an amazing reward for years of hard work and I wanted to grasp this opportunity to learn useful skills, meet experienced mentors who could guide me as I embarked upon my academic career, and explore the United States. In my opinion, Fulbright is the most important platform for all ambitious students who are willing to work hard, conquer their fears, and gain an experience that will change the entire trajectory of their lives.
When I came across the Fulbright Program in my university’s notifications board, I went through the application process immediately and prepared all needed documents. I worked hard to stick to a schedule and to submit all my materials before the deadlines. I believe it is always better to take your time to prepare rather than rush things at the last hour. Being punctual with deadlines is difficult, especially when you have other demands you need to attend to — such as being a mother to two kids! However, holding onto that childhood dream of imagining myself as a Fulbrighter was motivation enough alone to finish the application process. Years later, here I am at the School of Dentistry at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, which is an incredible thought to realize that I am studying at such an outstanding university!
When it comes to writing your Fulbright application, just be authentic and real! Describe the steps you have taken towards your career thus far, and be sure to include life challenges, passions and ambitions, all in your own words. Be organized in your thoughts and specific in your research points. Try to keep track of all new and relevant information in your field and point out how your research would not only add to the current literature, but how it would overcome previous research limitations. If you can, ask other Fulbright alumni for their advice. It is always extremely helpful and special since they know exactly what you’re going through. Lastly, be prepared to submit your English exam scores on time.
Regarding interviews, you have to be well-acquainted with all aspects of your research. It’s always important to believe in yourself, and make sure you join the Zoom call early in a quiet space without any distractions, or arrive in person early in case you get lost. Answer all questions with confidence and know exactly how you are going to express your life goals and how studying in the United States can help you reach them. If you find some questions difficult to answer, don’t panic — just take a deep breath. You can do it!
Before leaving your loved ones and jetting off to the United States, make sure you spend meaningful time with them. I had a big vacation with my children on a lovely beach where we enjoyed our time together and captured lots of fun pictures! Keeping in touch through FaceTime and social media platforms is always key as well to your mental health.
Finally, Fulbright taught me to “think unthinkable thoughts and explore all options and possibilities that confront us in a complex and rapidly changing world” (which is a quote by founder J. William Fulbright)! I believe that this is the everlasting impact that Fulbright has on the world!
Marwa is an Egyptian Fulbrighter who is studying dentistry at the University of Michigan.
