Wheaton News

Wheaton College has been recognized as one of the top colleges for students winning Fulbright Scholarships, according to a list released this week by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

With seven students receiving Fulbrights to study in 2018–19, Wheaton tied for the ninth spot out of 12 in a list of the top 46 bachelor’s institutions across the country for producing Fulbrights. Wheaton also had one of the highest success rates on the list, with nearly half of the 15 students who applied for a Fulbright receiving the award.

Students and recent alumni received Fulbrights in 2018 to travel and teach in Germany, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, the Republic of Georgia and Taiwan. Since 2000, Wheaton students have won 107 Fulbright Scholarships, and more than 240 national awards overall.

“Being a top producer recognizes the talents of our students, their desire to be global leaders, and the tremendous support and mentorship they receive from their faculty and advisors throughout their time at Wheaton,” said Steven Viveiros, dean of advising and academic success in Wheaton’s Filene Center. “A year as a Fulbright Scholar provides Wheaton students with an edge as they pursue endeavors in post-graduate education, research or in their future careers.”

Many Wheaton students receive the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship, which allows them to bring a greater global awareness to their work as future educators, Viveiros said. Others pursue study and research opportunities, enabling them to build on their academic interests and develop international relationships with scholars and experts in their respective fields.

Advisors work with students in all class years to begin planning for Fulbright applications and to support students in building valuable cultural experiences throughout their Wheaton career, Viveiros said.

“In the junior year, we actively engage in reflection and defining how Fulbright would fit their future goals as we undergo the formal application process for the award,” he said.