Emma Blandford posed for a photo by a remaining section of the Berlin Wall during a trip to Germany a few years ago.
The 23-year-old Ohio University graduate and current post-secondary student at The University of Toledo recently received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarship to Germany, where she will continue her studies in education and German.
Blandford is one of more than 1,500 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad for the 2010-11 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. She will stay in Dresden, Germany, where she will work in the Hans-Erlwein Gymnasium.
“It’s a little scary because I’ll actually be teaching in a German school and doing lots of research over there, but I couldn’t be more excited,” Blandford said. “I’ve wanted to go back for a long time now, and this scholarship gives me the chance to do the two things I love, teaching and German.”
Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is a flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.
Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields.
“It’s a very long applying process, full of essays, recommendations and language tests,” Blandford said. “I applied in October, found out in January that I had made the first round, and then found out that I had received the scholarship in March.”
“Emma has worked relentlessly on achieving greatness here at the University,” said Dr. Sammy Span, UT director of academic engagement. “Receiving the Fulbright Scholarship award to Germany just shows her commitment and dedication. Her actions should encourage others to strive for greatness and to explore their world.”
Since its establishment in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late U.S. Sen. J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the Fulbright Program has given about 300,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists and scientists the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.
