Nineteen graduate students have received Fulbright fellowships, according to a May 25 announcement.  

Recipients will pursue opportunities for research or teaching English abroad during the 2016–17 academic school year. This marks the first year that half of UChicago applicants received a fellowship; last year 34 percent of UChicago applicants were selected. Four students were designated alternates this year, so that they will be offered awards if additional funding becomes available. Two students have declined the fellowship and will pursue other academic opportunities instead. 

This year’s fellowship winners include Ph.D. students and students from the Divinity School, School of Social Service Administration, and Pritzker School of Medicine. Most will use the funding to conduct research for their doctoral dissertations. Eight of 19 winners study history, while the other students’ fields range from Germanic studies to sociology. Those students will travel throughout Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.   

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest educational exchange program in the country and aims to facilitate cultural exchange abroad. The award covers living, travel, and research expenses. Applicants must provide a study proposal, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. 1,500 grants are offered worldwide each year.