When Fulbright student programs open for applications on May 1, scholars around the world will have the opportunity to compete for some of the most prestigious scholarships awarded.
Fulbright awards are given to undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty looking to expand their knowledge base or research into international dimensions, and sometimes provide travel, tuition and living costs.
For Michigan State University scholars, an office exists to help with the application process. Part of International Studies and Programs, the Fulbright office offers comprehensive services to faculty and students applying to Fulbright programs.
Fulbright programs are a funding source for domestic faculty and students and international scholars on MSU’s campus.
The Office for International Students and Scholars helps transition new Fulbright students and scholars to life at MSU to ensure a good experience for the international students and scholars who come to campus.
With a special focus placed on internationalizing the student experience at MSU, it is no surprise that domestic and international students have traveled to and from MSU as part of the Fulbright program since its inception in 1946.
“The benefits of hosting Fulbright students are immeasurable,” said Mary Gebbia-Portice, coordinator of MSU’s sponsored international student program. “The students add to both individual classroom conversations with their unique backgrounds and campus diversity by serving as ambassadors of underrepresented countries.”
Andrey Tikhonov, an English teacher and musician from Arkhangelsk, Russia, was selected by the Institute of International Education for a Fulbright program at MSU for the 2008-2009 academic year. He will be featured by the U.S. Department of State on their Web site.
Tikhonov brought more than just the international perspective to MSU, though. He also is vision impaired, and has worked countless hours to help raise awareness on the issue of international disability services.
Through his time spent at the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities at MSU and taking part in the Visiting International Professional Program, Tikhonov made contact with various groups interested in the issue of international disability services, which has led to special lectures and musical performances by him and others with similar stories.
By sharing his story at various events, and demonstrating his talent with both the violin and piano despite his disability, he has raised awareness of the importance of disability services in mid-Michigan and around the world.
As one of more than 40 Fulbright students from more than 25 countries currently studying at MSU, Tikhonov enjoys the opportunity to gain life skills in an international setting. As part of his program, he is a Russian language teaching assistant and advisor to the Russian club on campus, where he assists with Russian language development and culture.
MSU recognizes the benefits of the Fulbright program and, through collaborations between International Studies and Programs and the Graduate School, has allowed increased cost-sharing for several years. In the past year alone, funding for the Fulbright program has nearly doubled.