TU Celebrates Two Fulbright U.S. Student Program Semi-Finalists

Towson University is proud to announce two Fulbright U.S. Student Program semi-finalists. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program is one of the most competitive intercultural exchange programs in the nation. The program provides funding for individually designed study/research projects and English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Programs in over 140 countries worldwide and grants are awarded in nearly all fields and disciplines. Ten TU students and recent graduates worked closely with the TU Fulbright campus advisors to apply for the 2019-20 application cycle.

Morgan House

TU alumnus Morgan House is a semi-finalist for the ETA grant in Nepal. Morgan graduated in spring 2017 with a major in Sociology and Anthropology and a minor in International Studies. Before graduating from TU, Morgan studied abroad in Japan. He worked closely with his TU Fulbright campus advisor, Dr. Sam Collins, to submit a competitive application. Morgan has a strong desire to make connections with other cultures and a love of working with and helping people. His background in anthropological studies, experience teaching teenagers and young adults, and working with adults with autism will serve him well as a Fulbright ETA.

TU alumna Seanne Coates is a semi-finalist for the ETA grant in South Korea. Seanne graduated in December 2018 with a Mass Communication major and minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. Seanne was a member of the Honors College and worked closely with Mrs. Rio Napoli throughout the application process for this prestigious grant. Seanne applied for the ETA because she wants to help children reach their language goals. She has a love for intercultural learning and is especially interested in South Korean culture. Seanne’s previous involvement with the Students Achieving Goals Through Education (SAGE) program and experience working as a camp counselor have prepared her to excel as a Fulbright ETA in South Korea.

Seanne Coates

During their grants, Fulbrighters meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences. The program facilitates cultural exchange through direct interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home, and in routine tasks, allowing the grantee to gain an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things, and the way they think. Through engagement in the community, the Fulbright ETAs interact with their hosts in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity, and intellectual freedom, thereby promoting mutual understanding.

As semi-finalists, Morgan and Seanne are among the top candidates for this prestigious opportunity for international scholarship. Fulbright finalist will be announced later this spring. Are you interested in cultural exchange, community engagement, and making a difference in the world? Visit our website for more information about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program today!

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This post was written by Villamar, Katherine H.