Brittany Wilson, a senior, majoring in math and creative writing, has been recognized as a semi-finalist for a Fulbright U.S. Student Program English Teaching Assistantship to Taiwan for the 2024-2025 academic year. The Fulbright Program, operating in more than 160 countries, is widely regarded as the most prestigious international exchange program.
As a semi-finalist, Wilson was endorsed by the National Screening Committee of the Institute of International Education, positioning her for final consideration for a Fulbright Award. The semi-finalists are chosen by Fulbright’s U.S. National Steering Committees, with applications forwarded to host country committees for final selection.
“The Fulbright was more of a reach application, but I fell in love with the idea that I could be a Fulbright English teaching assistant,” Brittany explained. “So I applied, but not without the support of my professors and advisors. They believed in my ability to be a part of this great opportunity. Without their encouragement, I would not have applied and been a semifinalist.”
“Brittany worked hard on her application and had excellent recommendations. I was thrilled that she wanted to apply to Taiwan because Millsaps has had a long history of presence there, from Millsaps Hall of Famer and Fortenberry Award winner Katy Beth Miksa ’07, who lived there for seven years, to KJ Stone ’18, who has been living in Taiwan continually since their Fulbright award five years ago,” said Dr. Lynn Raley, Millsaps College Fulbright program advisor. “In addition, Millsaps has an exchange program in Taiwan with Tunghai University, and an annual summer study-abroad program.”
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, administered by the U.S. Department of State, fosters cultural exchange by offering grants for individuals to study, conduct research or teach English abroad.
Recipients benefit from joining a distinguished network of Fulbright alumni, many of whom are leaders in various fields including 62 Nobel Prize laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize recipients, 78 MacArthur Fellows and 41 former heads of state or government.