Bell Time Magazine Autumn/Winter 2015 | Page 9

BellTIME BellTIME Fulbright Awards - Support to Study, Research or Teach in the USA EducationUSA Advice on Studying in the USA The USA can offer a wealth of educational opportunities for Irish and International students. With thousands of 3rd level institutions to choose from and no official ranking system for US colleges and universities, the best option for each student will depend on what course and college meets their individual requirements—academic, financial, and personal. EducationUSA provides students with information on how to apply to and attend U.S. colleges and universities. This service can help applicants through the selection and application processes, and offers information on admission exams and funding. Based in the Fulbright Commission offices in Dublin, an EducationUSA Advisor is available to answer general queries from students, teachers and guidance counsellors by phone or email. Students who are considering study in the USA are advised to start their research at least 12 to 18 months prior to the academic year in which they hope to attend begin their course. You can visit www.fulbright.ie for basic information on how to begin this process and then contact an EducationUSA Advisor at [email protected] for further information. In April each year, EducationUSA holds an Information Seminar in Dublin. The date for the 2016 Seminar will be posted on the Fulbright website and social media channels in early spring. Teachers and Careers Advisors are welcome to invite an EducationUSA Advisor to visit their school and present on opportunities to study in the USA. Contact [email protected] for further information. Key Events: Spring 2016: EducationUSA Seminar, IBAT Dublin Autumn 2016: Higher Options, RDS Dublin “An emphasis on leadership, broader global knowledge and passion for success are the hallmarks of U.S. universities.” - Sonya Hakobyan (International Student EducationUSA) 16 pedagogical transformation through musician-teacher partnerships in schools, “Fulbright Scholarships offer a means of international partnership to exchange ideas, promote mutual understanding and gain rich insights into each partner country’s social, cultural, economic and political landscapes. My Fulbright experience will not only feed into research projects but also directly influence and inform my teaching, course design, course coordination, professional development courses and community projects. Not bad for a year’s work.” Fulbright Each year, the Fulbright Commission in Ireland provides amazing opportunities for Irish or E.U. citizens to study, research and teach in the U.S. The Fulbright Program is active in 155 countries, its worldwide purpose is to increase mutual respect and understanding between the people of the United States and people of other nations through educational and cultural exchange. “We must try to expand the boundaries of human wisdom, empathy and perception, and there is no way of doing that except through education.” Senator J. William The Fulbright Irish Awards are open to postgraduate students, scholars and professionals in all disciplines and include a monetary grant, visa administration, accident and emergency insurance, and a range of cultural and professional programming. The Award period in the U.S. can range from 3 weeks to 12 months depending on the Award type. Annual applications are welcome in all disciplines including Science, Technology, Law, Business, Arts, Humanities and Irish Language. This year, 31 Irish and E.U. citizens were awarded grants to go to the USA through the Fulbright Commission in Ireland. Awardees include 9 Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTAs) who are currently teaching the Irish Language to Americans across 8 institutions in the USA. Successful FLTA applicants range from graduate students, to school teachers, 3rd level tutors and other professionals. Further information on the Fulbright Awards is available at www.fulbright.ie or contact [email protected] with any queries. Key Events: 6th February 2016: TEDxFulbrightDublin at Smock Alley Theatre April 2016: Fulbright Roadshow to 3rd level institutions 31st August 2016: 2017-2018 Fulbright Irish Award Application period opens Síne Nic an Ailí was a Fulbright FLTA to the University of Montana in 2014-2015, “Fulbright offered me the chance to experience life both as an educator and as a cultural ambassador of Ireland abroad, living and breathing the culture of the United States.” Ailbhe Kenny was a Fulbright Scholar to New York University and Columbia University in 2014-2015. She investigated the potential for Fulbright Awardees Kevin Leahy and Gillian Murphy with Minister for Diaspora Affairs Jimmy Deenihan TD, Professor John Hegarty, and US Ambassador to Ireland Kevi