How to get a Fulbright Scholarship?
Anne Martine AUGUSTIN
Software Engineer | Cloud Application Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Since I became a Fulbright scholar almost two years ago, many friends have been asking me this question. Recently, one more friend approached me about this, so that’s why I decide to write a blog to quickly share my experience whenever someone needs it.
This is important to note that this blog is about my own views and does not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of State, the Institute of International Education or the Fulbright Program.
First things first, I can’t tell anyone how they can get a Fulbright scholarship. The awardees are selected through a competitive process, and the criteria they used to evaluate them are not shared. However, if you are genuinely interested in improving your community and want to pursue a master’s degree,you might be a great candidate. Below are 4 recommendations that can help you stand out.
1) Your personal statement should be a story – This is a chance to show who you are, what motivate you, what you have achieved, and what your future objectives are. I recommend starting with a paragraph that summarizes your core values, beliefs, and your essence. Consider it like pitching you in 2-3 sentences. Try to answer the question who you are. Then move one with the key events that you think have shaped you the most. Try to answer the question: what have impacted you the most growing up? Discuss your achievements chronologically. Remember to always link them back to your motivation. Conclude with what you want to accomplish, and consistently stay your true self!
2) Your study objectives must be realist – Your objective with this essay is to prove that you have what it takes to complete graduate studies in the field. Showcase how your past experiences prepared you to pursue the program you want. It is also important to highlight how pursuing this degree will benefit the country. Don’t be vague.
3) Have your essays reviewed – Ask native English speakers to review your essays. If you can’t find any, ask friends who have a good level.
4) Improve your english – Continue to improve your speaking, writing and listening in English.
If you are selected for an interview, we can discuss further how you can prepare for it.
Key Facts:
- The application generally starts late January and ends around April;
- You will need three letters of recommendation so start planning early;
- Follow the US Embassy Facebook page to keep updated
Some useful links
WASH Manager @ UNICEF | Climate resilience
5 年Thanks for sharing and very good tips.?The personal statement is key. Why you and not someone else ? What's your contribution to your community is key. Leadership skills with concrete examples may help and very important during the interview. For the study objectives, I will add to start researching early?about the university, what you would love to study and how it could help you grow and?the link with your contribution. I remember at first, I though about natural resources. Browsing the university field,?I realize I loved water resources better and I?was able to link it with the bigger problems?within the country but also my personal goals. For the?English skills, it's important to start early especially for the listening as the interviews are in EN. If someone is selected the person won't have enough time to prepare the GRE and the Toefl (my own experience). So I would suggest start mastering your EN skills... Nowadays, there are podcast, social media, articles.... Thanks again for sharing with the community.
ingenieur Travaux/ Responsable logistique
5 年thank you!
CEO of Inno100 | Co-Founder of Kaw Academy | Software Engineer | AI Trainer
5 年thank you a lot
Ingenieur civil
5 年It's very useful. thanks!!!!
Chief Executive Officer at Tezber LLP;
5 年Great article, thanks Anne!