The Zen of Fulbright: The Unofficial Guide to U.S. Fulbright Scholarships

by Thomas M Burns

$13.99

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Author: Thomas M Burns

Publisher: Don Davis Publishing

Paperback:
ISBN 10: 0991547209
ISBN 13: 978-0991547203

The Zen of Fulbright shares stories and advice from Fulbright Scholars about what it's like to be part of one of the world's most prestigious scholarship programs. Program alumni include Nobel Laureates, members of Congress, Pulitzer Prize winners, and foreign heads of state, and in this guide Fulbright Scholars talk about how to make the most of the incredible opportunities a Fulbright Scholarship can offer.

Compiled from over 100 interviews with Fulbright Program alumni, campus Fulbright advisers, and study abroad specialists, this book is an unofficial guide to what the Fulbright experience is like on the ground. It includes over 500 stories and quotes from alumni, tips on applying to the Fulbright Student Program, advice from former application readers, sample application essays, and practical strategies for maximizing your potential as a Fulbrighter. Fulbright Scholars speak openly about what worked for them, what they would have done differently, and how you can learn from their mistakes.

Written by Fulbrighters for future Fulbrighters, this is the book we wish had been available before starting our own Fulbright Scholarships. It is the most comprehensive resource available about what's possible to achieve as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar.

Review

"The Zen of Fulbright is extraordinarily well researched and presents a comprehensive overview of the Fulbright program--an impressive feat in that the Fulbright program is offered with slightly different parameters in each of the 150 countries in which it is active, and is notoriously difficult to describe. The book showcases collections of quotes providing a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences--which sometimes are contradictory, but by disagreeing, demonstrate the range of experiences that the program can encompass."
-Michelle Johnson, Fellowships Adviser, Reed College

"Thomas has created what must be the most extensive guide to Fulbright out there, for applicants as well as recipients of the Fulbright Scholarship. At right around 300 textbook size pages, this unofficial guide to Fulbright leaves you with a very thorough understanding of what the Fulbright program is like, what makes for a strong application and how to make the most of your life in the field. In addition, in every section, there are dozens of stories and lengthy quotes from Fulbrighters in the sidebars which give great context to the content in every section. This, along with sample application essays, gives you a full perspective on the program in a way I've never seen before. This is the guide I wish I would have had when I was applying for the Fulbright Program. You're so lucky to have it available to you."
-Travis Hellstrom, author, The Peace Corps Volunteer's Handbook

"The Zen of Fulbright is a must-buy if you are considering applying for a Fulbright or are already a successful grantee. I was awarded a Fulbright Grant for the 2016-2017 academic year, and this book was my bible throughout the application process and the grant year. Before coming across The Zen of Fulbright on Amazon, I had a difficult time finding quality information from successful grantees online, apart from the occasional blog post. I have yet to find a more comprehensive and accurate guide on how to compile a strong application, and then once awarded, how to start the grant feeling prepared to take on your year. In retrospect, many of the pitfalls and mistakes grantees mentioned in the book I saw or experienced first-hand. I recommend reading this book either as a candidate who wants to make their application the best it can be or a successful grantee who wants to get the most out of their Fulbright year. Despite the density of information, it is also an easy, light read with enough examples and stories to make it enjoyable. It's also almost impossible to find sample essays elsewhere, so that alone makes it worth the purchase!
-Sydney Bowie, U.S. Fulbright Scholar to Spain

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The Zen of Fulbright: The Unofficial Guide to U.S. Fulbright Scholarships