Penn State students are traveling around the world to conduct research, teach English, attend masters degree programs and more as part of the Fulbright Program, a highly sought-after nine-month international educational exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State. This is the seventh story in a series of essays written by Penn State student Fulbright winners who have returned from or have just embarked on their trips.
While the official total won’t be released until November, at least 15 students have been offered the scholarship this year, according to Penn State’s University Fellowships Office. Last year, 11 Penn State students received the prestigious scholarship. For more information about applying for the program, visit the University Fellowships Office’s website. Click here to read more Fulbright Features.
It is difficult to describe enrolling in a university several hundred years older than your entire country. On my first day, I walked through the main building, a castle-like structure dripping in Gothic embellishments, through displays of historical artifacts and up opulent staircases. I was only there to pick up an ID card, but it was then that I realized what a wonderful year this was going to be.
As a U.S. United Kingdom Postgraduate Fulbright Scholar, I will be pursuing a master’s degree in biostatistics at the nearly 600-year-old University of Glasgow. The purpose of the Fulbright Program is to facilitate cross-cultural understanding between the United States and countries around the world. Through the exchange of scholars, faculty and teachers, both countries benefit enormously.
In the year that I will spend here, I hope to deepen my understanding of Scottish and British culture. My particular interest lies in public health. I was drawn to Glasgow because of the unique health challenges the city faces. It also presents the rare opportunity to watch these challenges be tackled by the city itself. Local universities, institutes and the Scottish National Health Service are studying and improving the health of Glasgow citizens every day. It is my hope that my master’s dissertation will go some small way toward supporting these efforts.
This is a very interesting time to arrive in Scotland. My plane landed mere days before the country was to vote, and ultimately reject, a referendum for complete independence from the United Kingdom. Scotland has always had an independent streak, forged in rolling Highland hills and wind-swept islands, and it is justifiably proud of its unique cultural identity within the United Kingdom. The streets and valleys bear the names of great thinkers who have swelled Scottish pride: Robert Burns, Colin Maclaurin, James Watt, James Hutton, Lord Kelvin. This is a country of festivals, whisky, tartan, vistas and world-renowned hospitality. That is to say, this is a country beloved by its inhabitants, and it is a unique privilege to be able to watch them decide, peacefully and intelligently, the future of Scotland, whatever form that may ultimately take.
As the emotions of the referendum diffuse, my attentions have turned to appreciating the finer points of Scottish culture. Despite British cuisine being the butt of many jokes, the food here is fantastic. Scottish game, seafood and produce are of the highest quality. And my personal advice is don’t knock a good haggis with a side of ‘neeps and tatties (turnip and potato) until you’ve tried it. On the whole, the Scots are a gregarious and friendly lot. No more so than at a ceilidh (“kay-lee”), an evening of traditional folk dances where friends and strangers alike stomp, clap and twirl to chase away cold nights. If a chill lingers, there are many diverting pubs where a pint or a wee dram of whisky will warm you to the bone.
As I begin this extraordinary year, I am excited by all that remains to learn, see and experience.