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Life-changing grant up for grabs

Students interested in studying abroad to complete graduate study, conduct research or teach English are encouraged to attend the Fulbright U.S. Program Information Session today beginning at 3 p.m. in the Honors College Commons located in Room 212 of the M.D. Anderson Library.

Program Manager of Office of Undergraduate Research Karen Weber said the Fulbright program is a great option for senior students wishing to do research, teach or study abroad for graduate school. Among the prerequisites for students to become involved are U.S. citizenship, a bachelor’s degree and a high grade point average.

"Fulbright does not have a GPA requirement, but you have to have a high GPA," Weber said, although he did not specify a minimum average.

Weber said Fulbright is a year-long federal grant, meaning students who are accepted into the program will receive enough funding to live abroad in the country of their choice. The money comes from Institute of International Education, an outlet of the United States Department of State.

"If it is viable to (the student’s) career, it’ll be really exciting," Weber said.

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs David Bell said, as the Fulbright Program Advisor, he talks to students and guides them through the Fulbright process.

"It is a coveted award because it gives students a tremendous ability to study in their chosen countries," he said.

Bell said the program has great credibility in the academic world and is very competitive.

Director of Fulbright Student Program Outreach Tony Claudino will be speaking at the Fulbright meeting on Wednesday and answering student concerns. Weber said the application process involves speaking with Bell and submitting an online application through the Institute of International Education at www.iie.org.

Top students will be selected, a faculty interview will be conducted and the top choices and a campus rating will be sent to the IIE, she said. The finalists are then recommended to the country of their choice through the IIE, and the students’ chosen countries make the final decision, she said.

Bell said the University deadline is tentatively set for the Sept. 15 while the international deadline is Oct. 20. He said students interested in the program are welcome to contact him at any time throughout the year at [email protected].

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