The Fulbright Program offers scholarships for students and instructors to study abroad.

There are separate categories of Fulbright awards that cover different experiences. There is one for students to study abroad and awards for faculty to teach or research abroad. A representative for the Fulbright program will be visiting campus in March.

Tara Giblin, dean of the school of science and humanity, received a Fulbright award. She spent a year on her application, requesting the opportunity to see how scientists worked in a different culture. When she got her letter of acceptance, Giblin was “happier than I had been in years,” she said.

Giblin applied to work in Nepal, a country located in South Asia. The country is home to eight of the world’s highest mountains, including Mount Everest. The population in Nepal is approximately 26,494,504.

Giblin took her husband and two daughters, who were nine and eleven at the time, with her. They lived in an apartment for six months. While her husband homeschooled her kids, Giblin taught at a medical school. She worked with Nepali faculty to become better teachers. The adjustment was easy for the family because the people of Nepal were friendly and welcoming. It was a life-changing experience for Giblin and her family.

As for students who want to study abroad, Giblin encourages them to apply for a Fulbright. “Don’t be afraid of the adjustment or academic credentials. Don’t let doubt stop you,” Giblin said.

Recipients of a Fulbright are independent when abroad, but the program is safe, and the experience in the end is well worth it.