THIS WEEK! Chika Unigwe events!

• March 4th, 2025
• in International Main

The English Department is excited to continue their Spring 2025 Visiting Writers Series Tuesday, March 4^th and Wednesday, March 5^th with Nigerian-born novelist Chika Unigwe. They hope you will make every effort to attend her afternoon masterclass/lecture as well as her reading and Q&A the following evening. Faculty, staff and students are all invited.

Explore the World Through Education Abroad Opportunities

• February 13th, 2025
• in Education Abroad International Main

The University of Alabama not only offers countless enriching learning opportunities on campus but can also help students find empowering experiential learning endeavors around the globe.

Zachary Cole, a junior from Madison who is majoring in mathematics with a minor in actuarial science, had a strong desire to learn and travel the globe. So much so that his first trip abroad would be his first time on an airplane.

Cole worked closely with UA’s Education Abroad and External Scholarships and Fellowships offices to secure awards that have allowed him to achieve his goals of studying abroad. He offered some words of wisdom to those who are considering education abroad.

What sparked your interest in seeking study abroad scholarships?

My interest in study abroad awards stemmed from both a financial need and strong desire to experience learning in an international setting. I knew that studying abroad would provide invaluable academic and personal growth, but cost was a major factor. Discovering scholarships through Education Abroad and External Scholarships and Fellowships gave me the confidence to pursue these opportunities.

What was your first education abroad experience?

I traveled to Japan through the Gilman Scholarship, alongside a few other scholarships, through UA, which made the experience possible. During my time in Japan, I took courses both in religion and popular culture.

Through this, I had the chance to immerse myself in the culture, history and language. One of the highlights was visiting significant cultural sites such as Meiji Jingu Shrine, which deepened my understanding of Japan’s traditions.

What was it like having your first experience on an airplane be an international trip?

The experience was both exciting and stressful. Navigating massive airports like Atlanta and Haneda Airport in Tokyo without any prior experience was definitely a challenge, but in the end, it was completely worth it.

How has studying abroad made an impact on your life?

Studying abroad has significantly enhanced my time at UA by broadening my academic perspective, helping me develop a more global mindset and connecting me with so many amazing people. It also strengthened my adaptability, problem-solving skills and cross-cultural communication skills that will benefit me both personally and professionally.

Do you have any additional education abroad trips planned?

I have been selected for the Frederick Douglass and Daniel O’Connell Global Internship program, which will take me to Dublin, Ireland, for eight weeks. As a Douglass-O’Connell Global intern, I will complete academic coursework, immerse myself in my Irish work placement, participate in all program activities, and actively engage with instructors and peers throughout the experience.

How have UA’s Education Abroad and External Scholarships and Fellowships offices helped along the way?

I worked closely with both offices, which were incredibly helpful throughout the process. They guided me through applications, provided resources and ensured I had everything I needed for a successful experience.

What advice would you give to any student who may be considering studying abroad?

I would encourage them to take the leap. The experience is life-changing, and there are so many resources available to make it financially feasible.

Start researching early, apply for as many scholarships as possible and don’t hesitate to reach out to UA offices for guidance. It’s an opportunity that truly transforms your education and worldview.

Students interested in experiential learning opportunities abroad can contact the Education Abroad office or Office of External Scholarships and Fellowships to get started.

UA Graduate Named Fulbright-John Lewis Civil Rights Fellow

• September 26th, 2024
• in International Main

Written by Bryant Welbourne  | 2 min read

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Sean Coffman Atchison, a May 2024 graduate of The University of Alabama, has been named a Fulbright-John Lewis Civil Rights Fellow.

Atchison, a native of Chatom, was one of 29 awardees from around the nation selected to receive the fellowship that is a new part of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. This new fellowship provides access to activities such as a dedicated lecture series, leadership training and other professional development activities, as well as a capstone seminar after the completion of each awardee’s Fulbright Program. These activities are in addition to, and complement, the fellows’ Fulbright projects.

Through the Fulbright-John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship, Atchison will continue his research project in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that focuses on civil rights movements abroad by seeking to understand the modern landscape for aspiring political and social leaders in Brazil.

“Growing up in Alabama, we learn early on the legacy of John Lewis and the other civil rights icons who have bled for us to have a more perfect country,” Atchison said. “John Lewis is an American hero and to be a part of this fellowship recognizing his legacy is a deep honor.

“This fellowship will help facilitate this research through greater networking opportunities, resources and a deeper understanding of the history and tenets of nonviolent civil rights movements.”

Established through bipartisan legislation in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs created the Fulbright-John Lewis Civil Rights Fellowship in 2024 to honor the legacy of the civil rights leader and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives John Lewis.  The fellowship is designed to inspire future generations to carry on his vision of nonviolent civil rights work and provides expanded learning opportunities to Fulbright U.S. Students to promote studies, research and international exchange on nonviolent movements that establish and protect civil rights around the world.

Atchison is a summa cum laude graduate in Latin American studies through UA’s New College. He received a Fulbright Student Research Award earlier this year. Atchison plans to attend Georgetown University to pursue a master’s degree in Latin American studies following his fellowship.

The Long and Safe Road: International Graduate Helps Others

• July 31st, 2024
• in Capstone International Services International Main

(Original Article: https://news.ua.edu/2024/07/the-long-and-safe-road-international-graduate-helps-others/)

Sunday Okafor likes to help others. Before he started studying for his doctorate in civil engineering at The University of Alabama, he knew he wanted to help make roads safer for everyone.

“I love to see a more efficient transportation system; I love to see how we can ensure the safety of people who are moving from one place to another,” Okafor said. “My dissertation was on the idea of instead of looking at the historical crashes to prevent future ones, why not try to do something to prevent the crashes from happening in the first place?”

A first-generation student from Nigeria with five siblings, Okafor came to UA in 2021 after finishing his master’s degree in civil engineering in the United Kingdom. In three short years at UA, he is set to cross the stage in August before heading to Arkansas to work as a project engineer for Garver, an engineering and consulting firm.

He began looking at UA because he had some friends who were already studying here, but he ultimately chose UA for the support and resources offered to international students.

“That understanding of the international community is very important to me,” Okafor said. “Being able to integrate easily and have people that can guide you, the support here, that was a big deal for me to make that decision to come to UA.”

He has presented his research and served on a panel at conferences such as the Transportation Research Board annual meeting and the ITE annual meeting. He also earned the honor of being named a 2024 ITE Young Leader to Follow.

On top of continuing his educational career at UA, Okafor served as the president of the African Students Association and vice president of the UA students’ chapter of the Institute of Transportation Engineers.

Okafor said he has honed his interpersonal skills through these conferences, as a Graduate School Ambassador, and as part of the first class of Graduate Ambassador Influencer Network, GAIN for short, Influencers — a group of students who promote the Graduate School on campus and through social media. He said the experiences he’s had at UA not only made him more confident but also more compassionate.

It is possible to do great things even if you are from a very humble background.

“Emotional intelligence and patience are some things that being an ambassador has helped me fully develop,” Okafor said. “It taught me to be patient with people and put myself in their shoes when I’m trying to respond. Being calm and well-receptive in terms of my responses, it helps those students.”

In his own time, Okafor extends his role as an influencer on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on LinkedIn. He gives advice on applying to graduate school in the United States, and he hosts informational webinars for those students. However, as he transitions to working in the field, he will likely not be on as much, and his content will shift to be more career-centered.

Though his time at the Capstone is coming to a close, Okafor is glad for his experience and the professional development opportunities he received at UA. He wants to encourage others to take a leap of faith and never let others impact their belief in themselves.

“It is possible to do great things even if you are from a very humble background,” Okafor said. “I never doubted what I could do. I always know that whatever I want to do, I can achieve it if I put my mind to it.”

Fulbright Language Teaching Assistants at ELI

• July 29th, 2024
• in English Language Institute International Main

Quechua is the ancient language of the Incas and the native language of three future Fulbright Language Teaching Assistants (FLTAs). Mercedes Velarde (Peru), Jairo Mariscal (Bolivia) and Elsa Cain (Ecuador) spent six weeks at the English Language Institute in the summer before traveling to three U.S. universities to teach Quechua in 2024-2025. Their time at the ELI gave them the opportunity to perfect their English and adapt to U.S. culture, but their main purpose will be to promote the Indigenous language of their countries and help to preserve its use.

The FLTAs learned Quechua from their parents and grandparents, who often suffered discrimination due to the language they spoke. Today there are systems in place to help people maintain Quechua, but migration from the countryside to the cities means that most young people now speak only Spanish. The FLTAs all expressed pride in their Indigenous language and culture. Elsa said, “Through our scholarships others will realize the importance of Quechua and help the new generation to become interested.”

Transformative Experience: Students Hike Spain’s Camino de Santiago

• July 10th, 2024
• in Education Abroad International Main

Exploring the sites and experiencing the culture of different countries is a must when studying abroad. A group of 10 UA students took it to a new level this summer.

The group hiked over 230 miles in 27 days from St. Jean Pied du Port, France, to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, along the famous Camino de Santiago, a route traveled by pilgrims since the ninth century.

“As much prep as I did, nothing could have prepared me fully for what the experience would be,” said Nick Pate. “It was the hardest thing I had ever done while also being the most fun experience of my life.”

Guided by history professors Drs. Margaret Peacock and Juan Ponce Vazquez, the students were immersed in multiple cultures as they were challenged both intellectually and physically.

“I organized this trip after hiking a portion of the Camino de Santiago with my daughter in 2019. I have been a long-distance thru-hiker for decades and have seen how hiking can teach some of life’s most important lessons,” Peacock explained.

Those lessons translated well for the students on this excursion.

Immersive Education

Sophia Biernat believes the trip made for an entirely unique learning experience.

“As we traveled across Spain on foot, we became active participants in our environment. Hiking through multiple regions of Spain helped us understand the distinct cultures and climates that exist within the country,” she said.

Ponce Vazquez is a native of Spain who has completed the hike before. He said the physical strenuousness of the trip didn’t detract from the academics.

“Margaret and I gave mini, impromptu lectures on the road about Iberian medieval history, current Spanish culture, outdoor leadership, the meanings of pilgrimage and many other topics. But the most incredible thing was that students ended up teaching each other,” he said.

“They gave presentations along the way of different sites: fortresses, monasteries, cathedrals. Two-thirds into the trip they could talk in elaborate ways about Romanesque and Gothic art, and they naturally gravitated towards and wanted to visit every historical building we found along the road.”

The pilgrimage, which the students documented on Instagram, not only took them out of the classroom but their comfort zones as well.

“This trip was meant for me to go on,” said Nathaniel Sonmez. “For me, the hike was about testing myself and proving that I could make it through something like this.”

“I had not been very physically active since high school and doing this hike enabled me to push my limits. I’ve become much more confident in myself and made friendships that I believe will last a long time,” added Summer Pettis.

“I can tell people that I’ve hiked across a country — how many people can say that?”

A Walk to Remember

Peacock and Ponce Vazquez created an experience the group won’t soon forget.

“Unlike most study abroad programs, students had to physically work really hard every day and we were right there with them every step of the way. It allowed us to get to know each other in ways that would be unthinkable in any other ordinary academic setting,” explained Ponce Vazquez.

“We laughed together, sang together, thought together and suffered together when our feet hurt at the end of the day.”

Friendships weren’t formed just between students.

“We got to see so many things that normally wouldn’t be accessible on a normal study abroad trip, but this trip also allowed for us to build better connections with our professors since the group was so small and always together,” said Sonmez.

Study abroad opportunities can be life-changing for the teachers as well.

“Between us, we were able to create an exciting, challenging and safe experience for the students. It is hard to put into words how transformative this experience was,” said Peacock.

“When I feel anxious or stressed, I remember the quiet of the ninth-century churches that we visited in every village, the expanse of the land as it stretched out before us and the capacity that all of us have to face any challenge when we have our friends with us.”

Added Ponce Vazquez, “This was a transformative experience that will stay with students for the rest of their lives. It will certainly stay with me. I consider myself lucky for having been able to walk alongside my colleague and this incredible group of young men and women.”

Scenes from the Journey

Visit the Capstone International Center website to learn more about UA’s other study abroad opportunities.

2 UA Faculty Named Fulbright Scholars

• June 10th, 2024
• in International Main

Note: The story was updated June 11, 2024 to reflect the addition of Dr. Tori Jessen as a recipient of the Fulbright International Education Administrator Award.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Two University of Alabama faculty members have received Fulbright awards for educators to teach and research around the globe.

Dr. Anwarul Haque, associate professor of aerospace engineering and mechanics, and Dr. Jaye Johnson Thiel, associate professor of early childhood studies, are UA’s latest Fulbright Scholars. In February, UA was recognized as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Students for the seventh time in nine years as well as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for the first time. UA was one of 12 universities in the nation to receive both designations.

The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers over 400 awards in more than 135 countries for U.S. citizens to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world. College and university faculty, as well as artists and professionals from a wide range of fields can join over 400,000 Fulbrighters who have come away with enhanced skills, new connections and greater mutual understanding.

Haque was invited to teach a graduate course in solid mechanics at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He will also take part in developing a joint research program as well as organizing research seminars and workshops in collaboration with university faculty members.

Haque’s field of expertise is solid mechanics, structures and composite materials. His research focuses computational and experimental stress analysis, impact/high strain rate loading, additive manufacturing and advanced composite materials. Haque’s research projects are sponsored by U.S. government agencies such as NASA, the National Science Foundation, Army and Navy, and private companies 3M and Boeing.

Thiel has been awarded the Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Early Learning at the University of Calgary and Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Education at the University of Alberta. Her scholarship explores children and youth hobbies, art making and play to expand understandings of the constructions of childhood in the Southeastern U.S.

Through her Fulbright, Thiel will engage in a research project that focuses on the relationships between young people and their show animals at junior livestock showing events in rural Alberta, Canada. This project will contribute to a larger study, the Rural Southern Childhoods Project that was funded in part by the Creative Arts Research Initiative at UA.

In addition to UA faculty, Dr. Tori Jessen, assistant director of international partnerships and scholarships with the Capstone International Center, was selected for a Fulbright International Education Administrator Award to Germany. Jessen will spend two weeks in Germany, alongside other U.S. university administrators, completing an intensive and immersive study of German higher education. Not only will these two weeks include visits to German universities, but the award is also structured to introduce participants to Germany’s leading educational figures and relevant government officials.

Jessen works with UA faculty and staff to create meaningful international partnerships, as well as acting as an advisor for Fulbright student awards. The IEA Fulbright award will allow Jessen to create important German connections that in turn will sustain future UA and German collaboration.

The UA Capstone International Center offers guidance to students and faculty on a variety of prestigious international awards including Fulbright Awards. The Capstone International Center website provides information for faculty members to learn about Fulbright awards as well as students interested in Fulbright and other awards.

UA Students Receive U.S. Fulbright Program Awards for 2024-2025

• May 16th, 2024
• in International Main

Note: The story was updated May 23, 2024 to reflect the addition of Kyrsten Myrup as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Award recipient.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The Fulbright Program has selected 14 University of Alabama students for various awards for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Fulbright is the most prestigious United States international exchange program, offering opportunities for students, scholars and professionals. The Fulbright Award of the U.S. Department of State offers one-year grants for independent study and research, and for English teaching assistantships overseas. The highly competitive program selects approximately 1,500 award recipients from more than 11,000 applicants annually.

“Each year, the talent, determination, and wide-ranging interests of our students continue to both amaze and delight me,” said Dr. Teresa Wise, associate provost of international education and global outreach. “I know that all of our Fulbright winners will pursue their interests with a passion and purpose either ignited or nurtured during their time at UA.”

“I look forward to seeing them build on their UA experiences to advance the Fulbright mission of creating mutual understanding among all peoples of the world. Congratulations to all our winners and alternates.”

In February, UA was recognized as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Students for the seventh time in nine years as well as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for the first time. UA was one of 12 universities in the nation to receive both designations.

Fulbright Student Research Award recipients

Sean Coffman Atchison, a native of Chatom, is a May 2024 summa cum laude graduate in Latin American studies through UA’s New College. Sean received a Fulbright award to research “Future Power Makers: Perceptions of Democracy among Brazilian College Students and the Impacts of U.S. Foreign Policy” at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. Post-Fulbright, he plans to attend Georgetown University to pursue a master’s degree in Latin American studies.

Lucy Besch, of St. Louis, graduated in May 2024 with a master’s degree in economics and bachelor’s degree in economics and international studies, with minors in Spanish and social innovation and leadership through the Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program.  She was selected to participate in the Binational Business Program, which consists of work at a Mexican company and international business classes at Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México in Mexico City.

Eden Blackwell, of Jackson, Mississippi, is a doctoral candidate in the department of anthropology, focusing on biocultural medical anthropology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Public Health from Tulane University. She will be conducting research on the holistic impacts of climate change on human wellbeing in agricultural communities in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Jonathan Clayton, of Hartsville, Indiana, will research arsenic’s correlation with pressure variations in water distribution systems in cooperation with Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary. Graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from LeTourneau University and with a master’s degree in environmental engineering from UA, Jonathan is a third-year doctoral student focusing on water distribution system challenges. He also has a passion for teaching K-12 and university students about environmental engineering and water literacy.

Ania Gruchala, of Clarendon Hills, Illinois, received a Fulbright award to research “Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Floodplain-Peatland Ecosystems in Poland” at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Warsaw, Poland. She is a May 2024 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering and minor in social innovation and leadership through the Dr. Robert E. Witt University Fellows Program.

Morgan Holder, of Scottsboro, received a Fulbright award to study at the University of Roehampton in London, United Kingdom, where she will earn a Master of Fine Arts in dance and embodied practice. She plans to study the intersection of dance and neurodiversity. Morgan is a May 2024 summa cum laude graduate with her bachelor’s degree in dance and English, with honors, and minor in the Blount Scholars Program.

Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Awards offer U.S. students the opportunity to serve in an English classroom overseas, assisting the teacher and exchanging culture with the people of the host country.

Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Award recipients

Brady Allen, of Montgomery Village, Maryland, graduated magna cum laude, earning his bachelor’s degree in environmental science with honors. Brady was selected to teach English in Indonesia.

Lukas Baltzer, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, graduated magna cum laude from UA with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in fall 2023. Lukas is currently an MBA candidate through UA’s STEM Path to the MBA program. He will be serving as an English teaching assistant in Lithuania.

Berwyn “Sierra” Dugger, of Montgomery, is a psychology and German major. She is a member of Delta Phi Alpha German Honor Society, St. Francis University Parish and Baby Steps at UA. Sierra plans to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology. She was selected to teach English in Germany.

Millie Dukes, of Millbrook, is a May 2024 summa cum laude Honors College graduate in economics with a minor in Spanish. She was a member of the Pre-Law Association and has been selected to teach English in South Korea.

Eric Fager, of Orange, Massachusetts, is a May 2024 summa cum laude Honors College graduate, and member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history and political science, with a minor in the Blount Scholars Liberal Arts Program. He was selected to teach English in Taiwan.

Kyrsten Myrup, of Lexington, Kentucky, is a May 2024 summa cum laude Honors College graduate and member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society. She earned dual degrees in French and environmental science, minoring in Russian and liberal arts through the Blount Scholars Program. Kyrsten was selected to teach English in Moldova.

Julian Wyatt, of Moundville, is a May 2023 graduate in international studies and German. Julian is a member of the Delta Phi Alpha Honor Society. He plans to pursue a career as a Naval officer. Julian was selected to teach English in Germany.

Additionally, three students were awarded alternate status in this year’s national competition and may have the opportunity to serve abroad if more funding becomes available or if a finalist is unable to participate. They are Joseph Arnold (United Kingdom), Jordan Bosarge (Greece) and Aaron Silvis (Czech Republic).

Students with an interest in applying for next year’s Fulbright program can learn more at international.ua.edu or email fulbright@ua.edu.

Contact: Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, bryant.welbourne@ua.edu, 205-348-8325

ISSS Receives 2024 Sybil R. Todd Award for Excellence in Partnerships

• May 13th, 2024
• in Capstone International Services International Main

On May 9, 2024, International Student & Scholar Services was honored by the Division of Student Life with the Sybil R. Todd Award for Excellence in Partnerships.

The Todd Award is named for Dr. Sybil Todd, Vice President for Student Affairs from 1998 to 2003. This award is presented to individuals or organizations outside of the Division of Student Life who have demonstrated excellence in partnership and whose service to all our constituents is of an exceptional nature.

From Discouraged to Determined: Graduate Aims for the Stars

• May 1st, 2024
• in Capstone International Services International Main

From Discouraged to Determined: Graduate Aims for the Stars

April 29, 2024 Written by Grace Owens 

(Original article: https://news.ua.edu/2024/04/from-discouraged-to-determined-graduate-aims-for-the-stars/)

Growing up, Sindhu Belki was often discouraged from reaching for the stars.

Belki knew she wanted to pursue a career in aeronautics from a young age, but she realized she would have to leave her home country to achieve those dreams.

“I grew up in Qatar, and we don’t have a space industry. But ever since I was little, I always dreamed of being an astronaut,” she said.

Now, Belki is set to graduate this spring with her bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from The University of Alabama.

Although leaving her home country and her family seemed scary, Belki knew she had to in order to pursue her dreams. As soon as she stepped onto The University of Alabama’s campus, she knew this was the place where she was meant to be.

“Right from the beginning, it felt like everyone at The University of Alabama wanted to make a difference in my life and my career,” she said.

After she decided to commit to The Capstone due to the wealth of scholarships offered, she immediately felt at home and ready to pursue her passion.

It felt like everybody I talked to was heavily invested in my education and ensuring that I got to pursue my education. Throughout my time here, I have felt nothing but warmth and joy.

Sindhu Belki

Since arriving at The University of Alabama, Belki has garnered many accolades and scholarships. She received the Zed Factor Fellowship, which highlights underrepresented minorities in the aerospace industry, and the Brooke Owens Fellowship. She also served as the project manager of the Alabama Rocketry Association, UA’s student-run rocketry club. Under her guidance, the team placed 18th nationally. She also represented UA at the 74th International Aeronautical Congress, where she presented her first paper on small satellite launch services. At the conference, she was one of the youngest delegates ever, at just 21 years old.

During her time at UA, Belki was able to network with many people in the industry, making connections that helped her secure internships.

“A lot of [UA] alumni go on to work in big-name companies like NASA and SpaceX,” she said.

Belki hopes her accomplishments and actions will inspire young girls to pursue their passion.  This summer, she will be participating in a series of educational talks across Qatar in collaboration with universities and high schools across the country. While in Qatar, she hopes to highlight the space industry’s importance and continuous impact on the world and on our daily lives.

After graduation, Belki will begin a Master of Aerospace Engineering this fall at Georgia Tech — and credits The University of Alabama for helping her get there.

“Bama felt like the only place where I could be anything I wanted to be. I was able to define my identity here, and I will truly miss it,” Belki said.