Hunter Smith, Broken Bow High School alumni, has received a place on a Fulbright Summer Institute to study at Queen’s University Belfast on one of the most prestigious and selective summer scholarship programmes operating worldwide.
Hunter Smith has been selected by the US-UK Fulbright Commission to experience the UK on a four-week summer programme to Queen’s University Belfast. There, Hunter will be studying ‘Education for Transformation’ which will investigate different educational philosophies in the UK and how those philosophies compare to different parts of the world. Hunter will have hands on experiences talking to students and educators in Northern Ireland about how their educational practices are utilized in the classroom.
He will also have the opportunity to listen to multiple educational professionals from the United Kingdom speak about new innovative educational practices from around the world. In addition, Hunter will meet lawmakers from the British Parliament and discuss how the national public education system is shaped in the United Kingdom. The Summer Institutes form part of the US-UK Fulbright Commission’s work to promote leadership, learning and empathy between nations through educational exchange.
Commenting on receiving the place, Hunter said: “I am very grateful for the opportunity to study at a prestigious institution like Queen’s University Belfast to expand my passion for learning about educational development and to become a better educator in the future. As a Fulbright summer programme participant, I hope to gain educational experience that I can present to the NWU Education Department and my peers.”
Hunter continues “Also, I will incorporate what I learn in Northern Ireland in my own classroom someday and hopefully, a school building or district farther down the road as an administrator. I want to become a well-rounded educator who can build lessons that are individualized for each of my students so they can find success in my classes. Creating excitement for learning while also preparing my future students for high education is a skill that I will learn while at Queen’s University Belfast. I am excited to interact with other participants from around the world and to learn firsthand in a new culture. I hope this experience will enable me to see the world from a broader perspective.”
Fulbright Summer Institutes cover participants’ major costs and provide them with a distinctive support and cultural education programme, including comprehensive pre-departure guidance, enrichment opportunities in country 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.
Penny Egan CBE, Executive Director, US-UK Fulbright Commission said: “Study abroad is a truly transformative experience for so many of those who are able to participate in it. I know this year’s cohort will make the most of this opportunity to immerse themselves in British\ culture and I’m sure this experience will leave a lasting impression, on both the Summer Institute participants and on those they meet and mingle with during their time here.”
