Opportunities such as one to kickstart your career in the United States, one of the world’s most sought-after destinations among professionals, do not come so often for teachers or any other profession.
However, Fulbright– a US government funded program has been committed to offering young professionals and students across the world an opportunity to work or further studies abroad.
For instance, the US Embassy in Kenya on Monday, September 25, shared a story of one Zainabu Momanyi, a Kenyan teacher of Kiswahili who has been working as a foreign language teaching assistant at the Northwestern University.
The foreign language teaching assistant program allows early career educators to experience and learn teaching skills from the resources provided.
According to the Embassy, Ms Momanyi- a graduate of Kibabii University joined the University to help Americans learn Swahili language and the culture.
Further, the Embassy explained Momanyi’s desire to use her exposure in the US to impact on her career as an educator once she returns to the country after the end of her career.
On her way to earning recognition as an accomplished teacher, Momanyi has helped to design education programs in Kenya which gave her an added advantage in the Fulbright program which is usually competitive.
In addition, Momanyi has taken part in community-oriented initiatives including the Watoto Tucode Mashinani- which aims at imparting basic computer skills to children in marginalized communities.
But Momanyi is just one of the many beneficiaries of the exchange program.
About Fulbright
Fulbright, established in 1946, Fulbright is an exchange program dedicated to offering education and cultural exchange opportunities to teachers, scholars, and other professionals.
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.
In Kenya, Fulbright offers grants for teachers, scholars, students and professionals to advance their careers or studies in the US.
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Later- after the end of the grant period, the professionals and students return to their home countries to incorporate their learnt cultural practices and knowledge in their practice.
Privileges
Besides studies and carrying professional projects, beneficiaries get to interact with various cultures and people from different backgrounds.
In addition, the beneficiaries join Fulbright’s pool of alumni, hence expanding their professional networks.
The program provides funding for the non-US citizens to cater for their needs in their studies, teaching or research stint.
However, the amount awarded varies according to various factors including the university of assignment or nature of profession.
Eligibility
To make the cut, one must have at least an undergraduate degree or a masters’ degree.
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Further, the US-sponsored program insists that applicants should be highly motivated individuals, leaders in their academic fields and committed to public service.
How to apply
Applications for the program are usually submitted through the respective US embassies.
In Kenya, the US Embassy has dedicated platforms where applicants send their details for assessment.
Besides the teaching assistant program, Fulbright also offers fully funded opportunities for scholars to pursue master’s degree in US universities.
