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Editorial: More Fulbright aid, more good will

Oct. 30, 2009

Claire Taylor | Lariat Staff

The Obama administration recently affirmed its commitment to the U.S. Fulbright Program, the most widely recognized and prestigious international exchange program in the world, by requesting an increase in funding and affirming the need for growth and expansion in the program.

Established in 1946 to fund the "promotion of international good will through the exchange of students in fields of education, culture and science," the Fulbright has proven to be a vital thread in keeping the fabric of an international society together and functioning.

The program is sponsored by the Department of State and financed by both the United States and partner governments abroad, and will send 1,551 students and 1,250 scholars abroad this academic year. Obama requested a nearly $20 million increase in funding for the 2010 fiscal year, a request that is both reasonable and commendable.

From its inception, the Fulbright Program has aimed to increase international understanding through symbiotic relationships between Americans and people of foreign cultures in which information, skills and knowledge are exchanged. The highly competitive program provides funding for students and scholars to complete graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.

Fulbright student grants are available in more than 155 countries around the globe. This past academic year, Baylor had a record number of students apply to the program, and five students were awarded Fulbright scholarships.

The exchange of educational ideals and purposeful outreach to different cultures in an effort at mutual understanding is a crucial aspect of having an effective international agenda. Certainly the collaboration and exchanging of ideas across borders is an essential component of finding solutions to worldwide problems. In an increasingly globalizing world, it is important that we not only share name brands, clothes and food across borders, but goals, ideals and intellect as well. The fact that the current administration sees the urgency of this need is reassuring and a great example of forward thinking.

Students applying for the program are responsible for coming up with a project that will help to advance the Fulbright's goal of promoting mutual understanding among nations through engagement in the host community. The rigorous application process forces students to gain a deeper understanding of their chosen country. Developing a compelling project along with obtaining a more intimate familiarity of the language leads to more well-rounded students here and abroad, whether they are awarded the Fulbright or not. Cultural connections students are responsible for sustaining play a major role in solving international problems. Increased funding and broadening of this program at the urging of the administration is definitely a step in the right direction.

The Chronicle of Higher Education reported that Fulbright officials are also working to diversify the applicant pool and host institutions, including an effort to bring a greater number of community colleges into the program. Programs are growing in key countries such as China and Indonesia as well, with the State Department asking partner countries to begin shouldering more of the cost to the fellowships.

No matter what field a student is hoping to enter, a better understanding of stronger connection to the international realm is essential to success. The administration's support of such a strategically important program will continue to foster healthy relationships and meet the shared needs of the international community. By supporting the Fulbright's fundamental principles of international partnership and mutual understanding, our administration is nurturing the kind of cultural growth that is essential to the development of a healthy society both here and abroad.

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