ANN ARBOR – For the third straight year, students from the University of Michigan have received more Fulbright grants than those from any other public university in the U.S.
The grants – one of the U.S. government’s most prestigious awards – were provided to 29 students at U-M to study, conduct research or teach English overseas for six to 12 months in 2015-16. Recipients were chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential.
The only U.S. institution that received more Fulbrights for students this academic year was Harvard University, which had 31.
The students’ interests range from studying migrants in Mexico and researching urban flooding in Indonesia to investigating how preparations for the Olympics affect low-income communities in Brazil.
“The students at U-M display a public ethos that is an example to all of us,” said James Holloway, vice provost for global and engaged education. “As a group, they seek constantly to engage the world and make a positive difference to the international community. Our strong representation in the Fulbright competition is a reflection of this global perspective, supported on a foundation of strong academic preparation.”
Fulbrights were also awarded to five U-M faculty members, which put the university No. 6 on the list of top-producing institutions in the U.S.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright program seeks to increase mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries as well as help the recipients achieve their academic goals. More than 1,900 U.S. students, artists and young professionals from 100 different fields are offered Fulbrights each year.
U-M topped the nation in Fulbright student grants in 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2010-12.
Crucial to U-M’s success has been the staff at the university’s International Institute who provide individual advising to applicants throughout the application process.
“It is no accident that U-M once again leads the nation as the top-producing public university,” said Pauline Jones Luong, the institute’s director. “The faculty and staff at the International Institute are deeply committed to international education and global engagement. They play an enormous role in inspiring and preparing students to participate and succeed in this competition.”
Full list of top-producing institutions
