Rana Aabed, an Honors senior and presidential scholar, has advanced to the 2024 Fulbright competition semi-finals. The psychology major is a candidate for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) in Turkey. The ETA initiative in Turkey strives to enhance English language programs at developing institutions all around the country.
Aabed applied to the program in hopes of taking advantage of scholarship opportunities. These chances include promoting cultural interaction, challenging herself, improving her language abilities, and obtaining experience living and working elsewhere.
“This experience enables applicants like me to immerse ourselves in a new culture, gain a better understanding of global perspectives, and foster cross-cultural connections.” Teaching English to Turkish kids as a US ambassador with Palestinian American heritage will be a wonderful global and collaborative experience,” Aabed remarked.
Aabed wishes to be a school psychologist and hopes to work in a low-income district in Michigan. Her ultimate purpose is to serve her community by bringing about good change and making a difference in students’ lives. Aabed believes that teaching through the Fulbright program will benefit her future ambitions, and she hopes to be selected as a finalist and travel to Turkey.
“The Fulbright scholarship will challenge me to step outside my comfort zone, adapt to new environments, and develop resilience and independence,” Aabed said in a statement. “Being chosen as a Fulbright scholar is a tremendous honor that I am delighted to undertake. [The scholarship] is widely recognized and can help you raise your reputation, credibility, and marketability in both academic and professional settings.”
Anne Eisenberg, Dean of the Honors College, urged Aabed to apply for the Fulbright Scholarship. “Rana will be an extraordinary ambassador for the U.S. and the EMU,” Eisenberg stated. “She is an active and engaged learner who has demonstrated the dedication to service and leadership that we expect of our presidential scholars and Honors students in general.” She is personable, outgoing, and will make her lesson enjoyable and engaging.”
Dr. Carla Damiano, the EMU Fulbright program advisor, guided Aabed through the selection process and gave input on her application materials. Only one of every four Fulbright applicants obtains an award, and there were roughly 1200 ETA scholarships in 2023-24.
“Rana’s personal background and convictions make her an attractive contender. “She is highly motivated to achieve her objectives, enthusiastic, and an excellent communicator,” says Dr. Damiano.
Aabed’s father encouraged her to apply for the Fulbright Scholarship. He taught English at the collegiate level in his home nation of Palestine before moving to the United States. Her experiences at EMU also encouraged her to apply.
“My educational experiences at EMU have equipped me with cross-cultural communication abilities, which I intend to use if awarded the Fulbright fellowship. As a community engagement lead at the Honors College, I have had the opportunity to contact with a variety of communities in Ypsilanti. “My strong communication skills, flexibility, and leadership abilities will help supplement my work abroad,” Aabed says.
For more information about the Fulbright Scholarship Program, contact Dr. Carla Damiano at cdamiano@emich.edu.
