Three Western Michigan University graduate students have the opportunity to continue their studies and research in Spain as recipients of Fulbright scholarship awards.
Alicia Acosta, a recent graduate in Spanish secondary education, and Patrick Harris and David Terry, both doctoral students in medieval history, received the grants for the 2012-13 academic year.
A native of Marshall, Mich., Acosta, was raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and has lived in five countries. She earned a bachelor’s degree from WMU in secondary education and is pursuing her master’s degree. She plans to use her Fulbright award to travel to Spain as an English teaching assistant.
Harris of Harrison, Mich., will travel to Toledo, Spain, to undertake archival work for a project titled, “The Latinization of the Mozarab Community in Toledo.” He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Oakland University, a master’s degree in Eastern Classics from St. John’s College and a master’s degree in history from Eastern Illinois University.
Terry, of San Marcos, Calif., will travel to Barcelona, Spain, and conduct archival research for his project titled, “Merchant, Pirate Crusader: Identity and Cultural Interaction on the Medieval Mediterranean.” He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of North Dakota.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is designed to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” The program has provided almost 300,000 participants–chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential–with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.
Established in 1946, it is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.
Alicia Acosta’s thoughts on the award
