Name: Emma Labovitz
Degree: BA in Political Science and Global Studies, Minor in Spanish
Graduation Year: 2018
Fellowship Award: 2019-2020 Fulbright Study Grant, Suzana Rodrigues Award to the Netherlands
What are your current or future career plans?
Following the completion of my Fulbright, I will return to the U.S. to pursue my Ph.D. at UNC-Chapel Hill. Through a sociological lens, I will continue to explore migration. In the end, I hope to teach at a university, sharing with students my passion for migration and the practical application of research.
What inspired you to apply for this award?
I didn’t hear about Fulbright until my professor, Dr. Michael Behrent, told me about his own experience as a Fulbright recipient. Upon further research, I was drawn to the program’s emphasis on relationships as a means for cultural exchange. Spending a year learning from the global community and challenging myself to live outside my sense of normalcy seemed like too good of an opportunity to pass up.
What is a highlight of your experience in the program so far?
Similar to the reasons I applied, the highlight of my experience is rooted in the relationships I’ve made since living here. Within my master’s program, I’ve learned, both academically and interculturally, with people from all over the world. The diversity of our classroom provides dynamic perspectives and new questions to some of the most substantial challenges of migration. I’ve enjoyed being challenged in my friendships and sharing within the day to day exchange of living abroad.
What was the most challenging part of the application process and what advice do you have for future applicants?
I think what I have found most challenging and the advice I’d give to future applicants go hand in hand. The length of the process can be quite daunting. The due date can seem far away, yet summer passes, and everything is suddenly expected. Having a clear direction and timeline is essential to complete an application successfully. I began to think about where I wanted to apply and what I was interested in doing almost six months out from the due date of the application and began drafting my statements by early summer. Feedback and revisions are crucial! One more thing, be courageous, and apply! I know several brilliant people who would have been exceptional Fulbrighters and opted out rather than applying. There is nothing to lose, so give it a go!
Emma on a weekend excursion during her Fulbright year.
Emma Labovitz
