Thousands of international students, including Kenyan teachers pursuing advanced studies in the U.S. under the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, have been left stranded in the country.
This follows an abrupt suspension of their funding by the U.S. Department of State.
According to the scholars, the decision has taken effect midway through the academic year, leaving scholars without financial support for tuition, rent, and basic necessities.
Yassmin Moursy, a Fulbright scholar has termed the situation as a humanitarian crisis.
According to Yassmin, the affected scholars, many of whom had left stable jobs and livelihoods in their home countries to pursue further education, have found themselves in limbo.
“This is a humanitarian crisis and a violation of our contracts as Fulbright scholars. We came here with a commitment to academic excellence and cultural exchange, only to find ourselves abandoned in a foreign country with no support,” she stated.
Also Read: US Program Allowing Kenyan Teachers to Kickstart Careers in America
Kenyan Teachers Among Those Stranded Without Food and Rent
With stipends suddenly stopped, they are unable to afford rent or food, and some universities are threatening to cancel their enrollment due to unpaid tuition fees.
Further, their return flights are not being covered, leaving many trapped without a way forward.
“Spring semester tuition has not been paid, and some universities are threatening to cancel our enrollment.
“To make matters worse, our return flights are not being covered, leaving us in a situation where we cannot even return to our home countries,” she explained.
The scholars are asking for help from humanitarian rights organizations and allies, as well as policy makers.
At the same time, Geoffrey Jones, a Professor at Harvard Business School, has called on US President Donald Trump to stop the immorality, saying that it also painted the country in a negative light.
“Imagine the stories the non-American holders will tell in their countries about the madness gripping the United States, and imagine the young American citizens left high and dry around the world, probably unable even to pay their rents,” he questioned.
Also Read: Govt Announces 2-Day Deadline for Fully Funded Scholarships
About the US Fulbright Scholarship
Every year, the program selects 4,000 students or professionals from across the over 140 partner countries to go to the US for studies or professional projects.
Established in 1946, Fulbright is an exchange program dedicated to offering education and cultural exchange opportunities to teachers, scholars, and other professionals.
However, in Kenya, Fulbright offers grants for teachers, scholars, students and professionals to advance their careers or studies in the US.
Also, it offers fully funded opportunities for scholars to pursue master’s degree in US universities.
The professionals and students then return to their home countries to incorporate their learnt cultural practices and knowledge in their practice.
Beneficiaries have the opportunity to engage with diverse cultures and individuals from various backgrounds and become part of Fulbright’s extensive alumni network, expanding their professional connections.
The program offers financial support to non-U.S. citizens to cover their expenses during their studies, teaching, or research endeavors.
However, the funding amount varies based on factors such as the assigned university and the nature of the recipient’s profession.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates.
