A Latina/Latino studies student was one of two University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students to receive places in the Fulbright Commission’s Summer Institutes program — a selective summer scholarship program.
Second-year student Cecelia Escobar, who is double majoring in political science and Latina/Latino studies, was selected for the three-week Understanding Northern Ireland” summer program at Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland. Lindsay Bitner-Mitchell, a communications major, was the other U of I student selected for the program.
At Queen’s University, Escobar will be introduced to the rich tapestry of historical, cultural, political and socioeconomic factors that combine to make Northern Ireland a unique place. This experiential program will situate Queen’s, the city of Belfast and the north of Ireland within the key conversations that shape our wider world.
Escobar and the other program participants will learn about Belfast and explore the country alongside peers from across the world’s seven continents.
"I am most excited to learn about the history of Northern Ireland and Belfast, particularly in relation to the ‘Troubles,'” said Escobar, who was born and raised in Chicago and graduated from Jones College Preparatory High School. “I hope to gain insight from scholars and conflict management professionals at Queen’s University Belfast that I can incorporate into my studies here at U. of I.”
The summer institutes form part of the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission’s work to promote leadership, learning and empathy between nations through educational exchange.
Fulbright Summer Institutes cover participants’ major costs and provide them with a distinctive support and cultural education program, including comprehensive predeparture guidance, enrichment opportunities in the U.K. and an opportunity to be part of the Fulbright alumni network.
The commission selects participants through a rigorous application and interview process. In making these awards, the commission looks not only for academic excellence but a focused application, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills and a plan to give back to the recipient’s home country upon returning.
“The U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission selected 32 rising scholars from across the entire U. S., with the U. of I. as the only institution with more than one recipient,” said David Schug, director of the National and International Scholarships Program at Illinois. “Another outward sign that our students are fantastic.”
Editor's note: This story was adapted from a story on the University of Illinois News Bureau website.