Starting Early: Fulbright Summer UK Program
Students who apply for the Fulbright Summer Institutes in the UK come from all backgrounds and have a multitude of goals. Danielle Schaf, Samantha Lucas, Sarah Feustle and Sarah Schroder all decided to apply to a variety of programs sponsored by the US-UK Fulbright Commission in the U.K. this summer.
Danielle Schaf, a sophomore triple major (anthropology, forensic science and writing and rhetoric), applied to study at the Durham University Summer Institute. She learned about the scholarship at the CFSA Reception at the Chancellor’s House last semester when a previous recipient talked about her experiences at a Fulbright UK Summer Institute. Durham University offers Danielle the opportunity to learn archeological excavation techniques and anthropological training. This would be her first time traveling outside of the U.S. and she is eager to be immersed in another culture and to see the world through a new lens. CFSA assisted her throughout the application process with regular advising meetings. Danielle says the assistance she received helped her to gain confidence in her application and herself: “The Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising is not only a resource, but a place that genuinely cares about an individual and their dreams. They’ll do everything in their power to help you accomplish your dreams—an attribute that I am forever grateful for.”
Samantha Lucas is a freshman studying musical theater. She applied to study at the AIFS Summer Institute at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Samantha has a passion for Shakespeare and Elizabethan theater. Samantha worked extensively with CFSA, producing nine or ten drafts before submitting her application. Samantha believes, “studying at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre would be a dream. I would be honored to join this community of storytellers, creators, collaborators, artists, innovators, and most importantly, promoters of change.”
Sarah Feustle, a freshman magazine major, applied to the Fulbright Summer UK program at University of Westminster. As an aspiring cultural journalist, this program would give Sarah the opportunity to practice the profession she wishes to pursue first hand. Sarah believes, “Studying media and art in London would give me invaluable experience doing the kind of work I hope to do in the future. I’ve never lived in a big city before, so I would love to see how living in a city – especially one in another county – would change my perspective.” She hopes to take the lessons she has learned this year in Newhouse and make them come to life through her writing in London.
Sarah Schroder is a sophomore studying international relations who would like to study at SOAS University of London through the Fulbright Summer Institute. Sarah is particularly interested in courses about nongovernmental organizations and social movements that directly connect to her specialization in international law and organizations. As a student heavily involved with the UN Children’s Fund and UNICEF, Sarah believes the opportunity to study abroad will give her a more global perspective. This could be her first taste at traveling abroad and wouldn’t be her last, as she hopes to study abroad through Syracuse and as a part of a future law career.
All three of our applicants offered advice for future applicants:
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The application is lengthy and you will benefit from assistance. Make appointments with CFSA!
- Have multiple people read your application and essay.
- Focus, buckle down and do it.
- Have confidence in yourself and do not be afraid to apply.