Full of Fulbrights

Tufts students were among the top recipients of Fulbright scholarships this year at U.S. research universities. Fulbright scholarships for 2010–11 were awarded to 17 students. Only 11 research universities had more recipients than Tufts.

“We’re thrilled about the large crop of Fulbrights coming out of Tufts this year,” says James Glaser, academic dean for the School of Arts and Sciences. “This is another demonstration that we are preparing our students well to go into the world and make a difference. Our students are venturing to some exciting and challenging places for what I’m sure will be some extraordinary experiences.”

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright program provides funding for students, scholars, teachers and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching and teaching in elementary and secondary schools. The Tufts students will be doing a range of work, from studying urban development and public health to teaching English as a second language in, among other countries, Mexico, Bangladesh, India and Nigeria.

“Tufts has an enormously talented pool of Fulbright applicants every year,” says Laura Doane, director of advising and scholarships at Tufts, who advised students through the competition. “This abundance at the undergraduate level is largely attributable to our excellent international relations program, outstanding Programs Abroad office and opportunities for international exposure through the Institute for Global Leadership and initiatives such as the Summer Scholars Program.”

Among local schools, Harvard students also earned 17 scholarships, and Boston College received 16.