Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 28: St Aloysius College (Autonomous) in collaboration with the United States – India Educational Foundation (USIEF) organised a mentoring programme on the application process for Fulbright-Nehru, Fulbright-Kalam and other Fulbright fellowships on Thursday, April 27 in Fr L F Rasquinha Hall, LCRI Block.
Maya Sundararajan, regional officer, Shinu Shoba Vincent Fulbright programme coordinator, United States – India Educational Foundation (USIEF) were the chief guests for the inaugural programme. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, principal, presided over the function. Dr Alwyn D'Sa, registrar, Dr Shashikiran Nivas, coordinator and Dr Ronald Nazareth, dean of international collaboration were present. As many as 176 participants from different institutions took part in the programme. Dr Ronald Nazareth, dean of international collaboration welcomed the gathering and Yuktha, a student of MSc chemistry compered the programme.
The United States – India Educational Foundation (USIEF) promotes mutual understanding between the nationals of India and the US through the educational exchange of outstanding scholars, professionals and students. Since its inception, USIEF has awarded approximately 20,000 Fulbright, Fulbright-Nehru, and other prestigious grants and scholarships in almost every academic discipline.
In the rapidly evolving field of international education, United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) offers a fresh perspective in educational advising, fellowship support and facilitating academic dialogue between the US and India.
USIEF is committed to promoting dialogue on issues of contemporary interest among Fulbrighters and local communities. USIEF features visiting and returning Fulbrighters at seminars and roundtables, provides forums for interfacing with civil society through collaborative lectures and facilitates greater communication through e-enabled mediums.
USIEF has identified priorities for future development with meticulous and strategic planning. USIEF continues to explore viable ways in which the Foundation may respond to requests for services from both Indian and US universities interested in linkages. It continues to reach out to underserved regions and communities.
In the inaugural address Maya Sundararajan, regional officer, USIEF explained the goals and objectives of Fullbright scholarships. She said Senator Fulbright's proposal to the US Congress was simple yet remarkable: using proceeds from the sales of surplus war property to fund the 'promotion of international goodwill through the exchange of students in the fields of education, culture and science'.
The Fulbright programme is now the largest educational scholarship programme in the world and operates between the US and more than 150 countries. India has one of the largest Fulbright Programs worldwide, with approximately 20,000 fellowships and grants awarded to Indians and Americans to date. The Fulbright programme, in collaboration with universities, schools, binational Fulbright commissions, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and private sector agencies awards students, scholars, teachers and professionals whose achievements and potential make them outstanding representatives of their societies merit-based grants to study and/or do research in a variety of academic fields and disciplines. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program comes from the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs through an annual appropriation by the US Congress. She encouraged the participants to take part actively in such programmes.
In his presidential address, Dr Praveen Martis SJ emphasized the need of the internationalisation of higher education. He said International exposure helps us not only in gaining the best quality of education but also help to gaining many soft skills that will be invaluable in our professional lives and to transform our life and lifestyle, Elevates your credentials. You get the opportunity to meet a variety of people from different countries while you are studying abroad. This will give you the best opportunities to network and grow your professional and career circle.
In the first session Maya Sundararajan, regional officer, USIEF Chennai Shinu Shoba Vincent, Fulbright programme coordinator, USIEF Chennai gave a lecture on Fulbright-Nehru, Fulbright-Kalam and other fellowship categories - An Overview
In the second session Pooja Prabhu, 2021-2022 Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral and Research Fellow PhD Candidate, Department of Computer Applications Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal gave a Presentation on writing an effective Statement of Purpose (SOP), identifying host institution, getting letters of recommendation, role as a cultural ambassador and U.S. experience.
In the post-lunch session Dr Venkateswaran Narayanaswamy, 2022-2023 Fulbright-Nehru Scholar to India, associate professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA enlightened the participants on preparing for a lecturing experience and writing an effective research proposal.