6 ASU students chosen for prestigious Fulbright Summer Institute

Six students from Barrett Honors College will participate in the Fulbright Summer Institute in the United Kingdom, one of the most prestigious and selective summer scholarship programs operating worldwide.

The Fulbright Summer Institute is a program of the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission, the only bilateral, transatlantic scholarship program offering awards and summer programs for study or research in any field, at any accredited U.S. or U.K. university. Each year, approximately 60 U.S. and U.K. undergraduate students are selected for the program.

"Since typically 60 of these awards are given each year, ASU, and specifically Barrett students, comprise about 10 percent of the recipients. That's a significant accomplishment that illustrates the high quality of our students," said Kyle Mox, director of the Lorraine W. Frank Office of National Scholarship Advisement (LWFONSA), which assisted the students with their applications.

Mox and Jacquelyn Scott Lynch, Barrett Faculty Fellow and Dean's Fellow in LWFONSA, offered a four-week seminar during the 2016 spring semester in which freshmen and sophomore honors students used the application for this program as a case study in developing strong personal statements. Lynch also worked individually with the students to refine their applications. Mox said these exercises paid off.

According to Lynch, only 10 students overall annually are chosen to participate in the Fulbright Summer Institute in Scotland. Three Barrett students were chosen to study in Scotland this year.

The commission is part of the Fulbright program conceived by Sen. J. William Fulbright in the aftermath of World War II to promote leadership, learning and empathy between nations through educational exchange. Award recipients and summer program participants are expected to be the leaders of tomorrow and support the special relationship between the U.S. and U.K.

Anirudh Koka, who is majoring in economics, and Carolina Marques de Mesquita, a political science major, will spend July 4-22 at the Fulbright-SOAS University of London Summer Institute, an academic and cultural program for U.S. students. The SOAS Summer Institute has a range of courses on the themes of "Development Studies and Politics" and makes extensive use of London’s resources and culture through integrated activities that complement the academic learning. 

Maggie Tucker, a philosophy major, will participate in the Fulbright-Queen’s University Belfast Summer Institute, a four-week cultural and academic program for U.S. students at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland.  The theme of the institute, which runs from June 27-July 22, is "Understanding Ireland: Northern Perspectives."

Austin Cotter, a biology major, Advika Dani, a biochemistry major, and Victoria Crynes, a business major, will participate in the Fulbright-Scotland Summer Institute, a five-week cultural and academic program for U.S. students held at the University of Dundee in Dundee and the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. The theme of the institute, which is held July 10-Aug. 13, is "Scotland: Identity, Culture and Innovation."

“In the 70th year of the special relationship, we can celebrate American students seeking study abroad opportunities through our Summer Institute program. This is a unique opportunity to get a taste of British higher education while interacting with students from across the globe. As part of a diverse and high-achieving cohort, these students will gain immensely from the experience,” said Penny Egan, U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission executive director.

The commission selects participants through a rigorous application and interview process. In making these awards, the commission looks not only for academic excellence but a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright Program, and a plan to give back to the recipient’s home country upon returning.

Fulbright Summer Institutes cover all participant costs. In addition, Fulbright summer participants receive a distinctive support and cultural education program including visa processing, a comprehensive pre-departure orientation, enrichment opportunities in-country, a re-entry session and opportunity to join alumni networks.