Junior Political Science/International Studies major Emilie Turner likes to learn about different cultures, and this summer she’ll get a chance to do just that as a participant in the prestigious Fulbright Summer Institute in Wales.
Turner, who’s from Fishers, Indiana, will spend June 25 to August 6 at three internationally renowned Welsh universities, Cardiff University, Bangor University, and Aberystwyth University, focusing on the theme of contemporary Wales: industry, politics, culture, and change. She also will explore the geography, culture, heritage, and history of Wales by visiting museums, galleries, parks, castles, and islands.
“It’s an exciting program because not only will we be taking classes, but they’ll be incorporating historical sites and landmarks into the classes,” she said. “So we’ll be able to go explore the history and geography of Wales at the same time.”
The US-UK Fulbright Commission selects participants through a rigorous application and interview process. In making these awards the Commission looks not only for academic excellence but a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright Program and a plan to give back to the recipient’s home country upon returning.
The Commission is part of the Fulbright program conceived by Senator J William Fulbright in the aftermath of World War II to promote leadership, learning and empathy between nations through educational exchange. Award recipients and summer program participants will be the future leaders for tomorrow and support the ‘special relationship’ between the United States and United Kingdom.
Fulbright Summer Institutes cover all participant costs. In addition, Fulbright summer participants receive a distinctive support and cultural education program including visa processing, a comprehensive pre-departure orientation, enrichment opportunities in country, a re-entry session and opportunity to join its alumni networks.
Turner, who participants in service projects through the Intercollegiate YMCA and Blue Key Honor Society, plans to go to law school and possibly go into international law.
“I love to learn more about people and how to understand different cultures as it relates directly to international relationships,” Turner said. “I’m also excited to teach others about our culture, politics, economic viewpoints, and social environment.”
Media contact:
Marc Allan
mallan@butler.edu
317-940-9822