UW-Madison was ranked 11th nationally among research institutions for the number of accepted Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholars, announced by the Chronicle of Higher Education Tuesday.
The Fulbright fellowship awards students one year of study, research or assistant teaching abroad. For the 2007-'08 program, 24 UW-Madison students were named Fulbright scholars, with 18 officially accepting the award.
Masarah Van Eyck, Division of International Studies communications director, said the six who declined the award were offered research grants or had accepted other jobs.
Fulbrights foster a strong tradition of international exchange and collaboration - to have a strong number of recipients is really an indication of UW-Madison going global, like any great research university has to do in the 21st century,"" she said.
According to Van Eyck, the Fulbright fellowship award offers an opportunity for students to gain access to a global environment to enhance their research.
Alison Carter, a Fulbright 2007-'08 winner and UW-Madison grad student, will be studying anthropology in Cambodia for her fellowship.
Carter said the application process is very specific about choosing study destinations.
""When you apply for a Fulbright you apply to work in a specific country and your application is tailored specifically for that country,"" she said.
She said after submitting an application on campus, applicants have an interview with a UW-Madison faculty member. A committee reviews all the applications and selects the best to send to a national Fulbright committee in Washington, D.C., who makes the final decision.
The cost of these fellowships and the extensive application process proves to be worthwhile for the UW-Madison institution and the demanding need to expand globally.
""Fellowships like these equip our students with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly global environment,"" said Gilles Bousquet, dean of the Division of International Studies and the director of the International Institute. ""We are proud that UW-Madison's students are on the forefront of global competence and engagement; it is testimony to the strength of our area and international environment.""
According to a statement, the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs sponsors the Fulbright U.S. Student Program with financial support provided by an annual appropriation from Congress to the Department of State with contributions from governments and host institutions.
