New Fulbright Student Program Offers Students Opportunities

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill., Jan. 8 -- Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville issued the following news release:

Undergraduate students looking for an exciting storytelling opportunity through National Geographic and the U.S. Department of State are encouraged to explore the options available through a new Fulbright Student Program. The application deadline for those interested is Feb. 28.

The National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship is open to U.S. citizens and provides students the chance to spend an academic year overseas engaged in digital storytelling in as many as three countries. Students chosen to participate in the program will tackle a globally significant social or environmental topic.

Fellowships are made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the National Geographic Society.

"The accessibility of new digital media tools and platforms has afforded individuals from all fields of study the chance to tell stories and share those stories with audiences on a global scale," said Ron Schaefer, director of the SIUE Center for International Programs and distinguished research professor of English language and literature.

According to the Fulbright website, "Fulbrighters will undertake an in-depth examination of a globally relevant issue, comparing and contrasting how that issue is experienced across borders. Using a variety of digital storytelling tools, including text, photography, video, audio, graphic illustrations and/or social media, Fellows will tell their stories, or the stories of those they meet, publishing their work on National Geographic media platforms with the support of National Geographic's editorial team."

Benefits of receiving the fellowship include funding for travel, as well as a stipend and health insurance, and instruction by National Geographic editors in digital storytelling techniques, such as blog writing, video production and photography.

Applications are being sought for the following themes: Biodiversity, cities, climate change, cultures, energy, food, oceans and water. More information is available at http://us.fulbrightonline.org/fulbright-nat-geo-fellowship#faq.

Learn more about Study Abroad opportunities available by viewing the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z52EkyjLYZA) on SIUE's YouTube channel.

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