Georgia State Honors College Student Paris Stroud awarded a place on a Fulbright Summer Institute to the UK

2016 May 16

Paris Stroud, a Georgia State University Honors College student from DALLAS, Georgia studying international economics and modern languages has received a place on a Fulbright Summer Institute to study in Wales on one of the most prestigious and selective summer scholarship programs operating world-wide.

The US-UK Fulbright Commission is the only bi-lateral, transatlantic scholarship program, offering awards and summer programs for study or research in any field, at any accredited US or UK university. The Commission is part of the Fulbright program conceived by Senator J William Fulbright in the aftermath of World War II to promote leadership, learning and empathy between nations through educational exchange. Award recipients and summer program participants will be the future leaders for tomorrow and support the 'special relationship' between the US and UK.

As a participant, Stroud has been selected from a strong applicant pool to experience the UK on a six-week summer program. The Fulbright Wales Summer institute takes place at three internationally renowned Welsh universities; Cardiff University, Bangor University and Aberystwyth University focusing on the theme of Contemporary Wales: Industry, Politics, Culture and Change.

Stroud, the first Georgia State University student to receive a place on a Fulbright Summer Institute said, "This program is everything that I am interested in pursuing as a career. I truly believe the opportunity to study in and experience Wales through the Fulbright Summer Institute is going to be the gateway to my future plans of becoming a foreign service officer. I am so appreciative of the national scholarships and fellowship advising staff, specifically Anthony Byrd, coordinator of national scholarships and fellowships. Anthony assisted me through every step of the process from reviewing my personal statement, to mock interviews, to even letting me use his office for my phone interview." Stroud continued, "I hope my experience sets the tone for other Georgia State students to apply for and attain national scholarships and fellowships. If there is something you are interested in, apply for it - you never know."

Penny Egan CBE, Executive Director, US-UK Fulbright Commission said, "In the 70th year of the Special Relationship, we can celebrate American students seeking study abroad opportunities through our Summer Institute program. This is a unique opportunity to get a taste of British higher education while interacting with students from across the globe. As part of a diverse and high-achieving cohort, these students will gain immensely from the experience."

The Commission selects participants through a rigorous application and interview process. In making these awards the Commission looks not only for academic excellence but a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright Program and a plan to give back to the recipient's home country upon returning.

Fulbright Summer Institutes cover all participant costs. In addition, Fulbright summer participants receive a distinctive support and cultural education program including visa processing, a comprehensive pre-departure orientation, enrichment opportunities in country, a re-entry session and opportunity to join our alumni networks.

About the US-UK Fulbright Commission:

The US-UK Fulbright Commission was created by treaty on 22 September 1948. The Fulbright Program aims to foster mutual cultural understanding through educational exchange between the US and the UK. This it achieves through its Awards program for US and UK citizens and through its EducationUSA Advisory Service. The Fulbright Commission offers grants at postgraduate and postdoctoral level for study in any discipline and at any accredited institution in the US and UK, as well as a number of special exchanges programs for shorter projects or for younger scholars. It is funded by a range of partners including leading US and UK universities, charities and both governments. For more information visit fulbright.org.uk.

About the Summer Institutes:

Each year, the Commission supports around 60 UK and US undergraduate students to undertake a demanding academic and cultural summer programs at leading institutions in the US and UK respectively. This year we are hosting the following nine Summer Institute programs at host institutions across the UK: AIFS Summer Institute at Shakespeare's Globe; University of Bristol Summer Institute; Durham University Summer Institute; University of Exeter Summer Institute; King's College London Summer Institute; Queen's University Belfast Summer Institute; SOAS, University of London Summer Institute; Scotland Summer Institute (at the University of Dundee and the University of Strathclyde); and the Wales Summer Institute (at Cardiff University, Bangor University and Aberystwyth University). For more information visit fulbright.org.uk/fulbright-awards/exchanges-to-the-uk/undergraduates.