What is Fulbright?

I am graduating very soon, and while I am very excited for what is to come, I am also nervous to start a new chapter since UMASS has been such a great place to call home for the past couple of years. UMASS has also prepared me very well for post-grad life and has supported me greatly in making post-graduation plans. There are many options after graduation, it can become very stressful. Should I go straight to grad school? Should I get a job right away? What jobs should I look for? I went through these questions in my mind. I always knew I wanted to travel and live abroad for a while, but also wanting to add to my teaching resume. I discovered Fulbright, which is a highly competitive government based scholarship award. Recent graduates can either do research in another country or be an ETA or English Teaching Assistant. I applied to be an ETA in Spain which is a great fit with my Spanish major and education minor. The process of applying is pretty lengthy and time-consuming so I highly recommend giving yourself plenty of time to apply. I cannot recommend enough applying through UMASS, you can apply at large with the rest of the nation, but ONSA, the Office of National Scholarship Advisement will support every step of the way. They read your essays and will answer any questions or doubts you have. They are located right here on campus, in the honors college. Continue reading →