The Fulbright Program is considered one of the world's most distinguished and recognized scholarships, directed by the United States government to establish cultural and educational exchanges between the US and other countries.
The program operates in over 160 countries, including Bangladesh, where more than 300 students and teachers get into it through a rigorous process every year and become known as Fulbright scholars after completion.
The beginning
Tahmida Hossain Shimu, former lecturer at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) and currently working as a Product manager, Technology, in Daraz, attended the program from 2017 to 2019 at Texas A&M University.
This author had a conversation with her about her success, experience, and suggestions for future program candidates.
Ms Tahmida was inspired to pursue studies abroad during her time as an undergraduate civil engineering student, “MIST already had a budding culture of students going abroad to obtain fully-funded graduate degrees and asking for advice and suggestions from the alumni who achieved it.”
“While working as a lecturer in MIST,” she explained, “I started looking for study opportunities. I spent the first year taking the required tests (i.e., GRE, TOEFL) to be eligible for applying to US universities. Then in the second year, I applied to 3 or 4 US schools and got into all of them.”
Though she had already secured the path to higher studies abroad, her father motivated her to apply for the Fulbright program, “In April 2016, my father showed an article in a newspaper about opening applications for the Fulbright Scholarship.”
It was a bit late as the deadline was just 2 days apart. However, she had everything ready and could apply on time.
“I was selected among many applicants through a rigorous interview process. As I informed in the application, the Fulbright program chose Texas A&M University as my graduate school, from where I already had the offer letter. This distinguished scholarship carried costs of studying, transportation, and living for the duration of my Master’s program,” she said remembering her journey of entering the program.
Cultural exchange
One of the key goals of the Fulbright Program is achieving intercultural exchange by introducing international students to community services and orientation programs.
Ms Tahmida said, “We participate in these programs where we learn American manners and etiquette, and get together to discuss ongoing problems around the world, ranging from politics to societal topics like racial disparity, women empowerment, labour laws, and many others as well as discuss the national problems and try to find solutions from an American perspective.”
The scholars also participate in community services to generate goodwill, such as helping community members with gardening and other outdoor activities, cleaning roads within a community in the ‘Road Adoption’ program, etc. To connect with the American community and society, Fulbright scholars must participate in these programs and closely learn their culture and values.
Fulbright scholars gain an excellent opportunity to represent their home country on US soil and are treated with the utmost respect.
“Earning respect as Fulbright scholars in the US brings great pride and responsibilities on our shoulders as we must represent our country in the best possible way. I had the chance to network in the academic community and experience cultural and institutional exchange with renowned people while studying in the US,” Ms Tahmida describes.
Remembering the ‘issues’
Though the Fulbright program has many advantages, there is a major drawback for students who want to settle abroad.
“As soon as you sign up for this program, you must return to your home country after completing your studies in the US. The scholars have their next duty to contribute to their countries with the knowledge and experience from abroad and help develop. Generally, after completing the Fulbright program, scholars are required to stay in their home country for two years cumulatively.”
The Fulbright scholars have the opportunity to work full-time in the relevant field in the US after completing studies under some criteria for a temporary period, usually 12 to 15 months. This program is called Post Degree Academic Training where Ms Tahmida worked as an engineer.
Getting ahead in the job market
“Fulbright program definitely helped me gain the upper hand in seeking opportunities in the job market. Even in the US, I always got positive responses from my academic advisor and other professors whenever I wanted to collaborate with their research, even though not working as an RA,” Ms Tahmida explained how she enjoyed an edge over others in the job market.
“After returning to Bangladesh, I shifted my career orientation from engineering to corporate start-ups. Though I did not have any business experience, my identity as a Fulbright scholar gave me ample opportunities to work hard, network with people and gain enough experience in this field.”
The cultural and community programs she participated in back in the US also made communications much easy for her.
Inspiring the aspirants
Inspiring other Bangladeshi students also gives her a fulfilling experience, “I get to motivate and influence aspiring students, discuss career opportunities after studying abroad, and personally mentor students motivated to tap into new opportunities.”
Ms Tahmida’s first suggestion is to start early. She said, “I had to apply for the program in a very short time, but let this be not an example.”
She suggested taking enough time to submit the application, deliver the necessary documents, and write the required essays that show your purpose and a plan/vision on how you will bring back value from your Fulbright experience to your home country after your program ends.
“Also, be prepared and be honest, answer precisely in the interview what you wrote in your application, don’t overcomplicate and exaggerate about yourself and your goals, and state honestly why this is the next step for your career and where you are at now,” she concluded.
This year’s Fulbright scholarship deadline is June 30, 2022. To know about the requirements and details, visit: https://bd.usembassy.gov/27452-fulbright/
