UA Grads Receive Fulbright Scholarships for International Study

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Seema Kumar of Shreveport, La., and Elyse M. McLaughlin of Birmingham, recent graduates of The University of Alabama, have received Fulbright Scholarships to study abroad during the 2012-2013 school year.

Fulbright Scholars receive round-trip transportation, tuition, book and research allowances and living expenses for an academic year in an effort to increase mutual understanding between people in the United States and people in other countries.

Both students’ Fulbright Scholarships are English Teaching Assistantships.

Kumar received a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Santander, Spain. She will be teaching various subjects to local students age 13-15 and serving as a mentor for the Global Classrooms program in preparation for their upcoming international conference in New York.

During her time in Spain, Kumar will also be conducting several projects that she presented to the Fulbright Commission during her application process. These projects are aimed at improving cross-cultural understanding and exchange.

At UA, Kumar majored in Spanish and biology. After completing this Fulbright, she will begin medical school in fall 2013.

McLaughlin received a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Cosenza, Italy, where she will be teaching in a local high school.

McLaughlin also plans to volunteer with area preschool programs to observe the implementation of Italy’s famous approaches to early childhood education– specifically the Reggio Emilia and the Montessori Method. She says this will help her to develop new perspectives on teaching and its methods and how to creatively implement emergent literacy activities and multicultural experiences in the early childhood classroom.

McLaughlin majored in interdisciplinary studies through UA’s New College with emphasis on early childhood development and dance and minored in Italian. She then earned a master’s degree in human development and family studies.

Upon completion of the Fulbright, she plans to work with preschool children in the classroom while continuing to study teacher training and education.

The Fulbright Scholarship Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars and professionals.