Steven P. Girardot, vice provost for Undergraduate Education, and Kate Kirk, associate director of International Student and Scholar Services, were granted International Education Administrators (IEA) awards to study global education in France and South Korea through the Fulbright Scholar Program.
"Fulbright provides opportunities for international exchange that further develops global perspectives and builds relationships," said Amy Henry, Executive Director of the Office of International Education and Georgia Tech's liaison to the U.S. Fulbright Scholar Program. "The values and goals of Fulbright align perfectly with our mission to improve the human condition and the Institute Strategic Plan. In the words of Senator J. William Fulbright himself, 'International educational exchange is the most significant current project designed to continue the process of humanizing mankind to the point, we would hope, that [humans] can learn to live in peace'”.
Fulbright Scholar Awards are prestigious and competitive fellowships that provide unique opportunities for scholars to teach and conduct research abroad. Alumni include 61 Nobel laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 76 MacArthur Fellows, and thousands of leaders and world-renowned experts in academia and many other fields across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Since its inception in 1946, more than 400,000 “Fulbrighters” have participated in the program.
The program helps U.S. international education professionals and senior higher education officials create empowering connections with their counterparts in other countries. In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation.
Girardot, who received a grant to go to France in October, anticipates that it will be a transformative experience.“Given that (pre-COVID), more than 50% of our undergraduates engaged in global opportunities during their time at Georgia Tech, as well as our strong partnership with France (which includes GT-Loraine), I am excited to have an opportunity to learn more about French higher education and identify opportunities for more partnerships and collaboration," Steven said. "I also want to acknowledge the support and resources provided by the Office of International Education in helping to support this program and navigate the application process.” The grant — awarded to 12 people per year — is open to senior-level university administrators such as deans, directors, vice presidents, provosts, and presidents. The program will consist of briefings, campus visits, appointments with selected government officials, networking and cultural activities, and meetings with French international education professionals.
Kirk will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with international partners in educational, political, cultural, economic, and scientific fields during her time in South Korea. “I am humbled to be chosen as a Fulbright recipient to represent Georgia Tech as part of the Fulbright International Education Administrators Program to South Korea," Kate said. "This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues in Korea, discuss trends in the field, and look toward opportunities for building partnerships that enhance the mission of intercultural exchange. This opportunity also uniquely positions us to explore possibilities for partnerships and knowledge sharing in the realm of sustainable development." The grant — awarded to eight people per year — will take place in June. It is open to experienced international education administrators such as foreign student advisors, study abroad advisors, and international student office directors.
Participants develop new perspectives and insights for improving internationalization opportunities on their campuses. The benefits of a Fulbright Scholar Award extend beyond the individual recipient. Fulbright Scholars raise the profile of their home institutions as well.
Interested in applying for a Fulbright Program?
Georgia Tech faculty and staff who are interested in Fulbright programs may contact Amy Henry, Executive Director of the Office of International Education (OIE). Students who are interested in Fulbright opportunities may contact Karen Mura, Prestigious Fellowships Advisor in the Office of Undergraduate Education.