The Fulbright Summer Institute: A Testament to the Value of International Educational Exchange Programs
The Fulbright Summer Institute is an initiative of the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission designed to promote leadership, learning, and empathy between nations through educational exchange. In 2019, the commission selected only 60 young Americans, including Ari Kelo, a freshman from the University of Illinois, among thousands of applicants, to participate in this fully-funded summer program at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.
Ari Kelo, a graduate of Northside College Preparatory High School in Chicago, was pursuing a dual degree in theater and political science. He was involved in several improvisational comedy groups and actively participated in Chicago and central Illinois politics, focusing on areas such as voting rights, LGBT safety, and gun violence. Kelo saw Shakespeare’s timeless stories as a way to inspire community growth and learning, and he was thrilled to work alongside theater practitioners at the Globe and participate in scene rehearsals and workshops on stage combat, movement, dance, and design.
As a Fulbright summer program participant at the Globe, Kelo aimed to discover the underlying, universal truths of Shakespeare that were true across cultures, whether American, English, or otherwise. He was excited to learn how to elevate those truths on stage and use them to inspire others. Kelo felt honored to be selected for this program and is confident that he would gain valuable skills that will help him pursue his goal.
David Schug, the director of the National and International Scholarships Program at the University of Illinois, noted that Ari Kelo was in fine company as the eighth University of Illinois student to be honored in the past five years. The Fulbright Summer Institutes covered major costs and provided participants with a distinctive support and cultural education program, including comprehensive pre-departure guidance, enrichment opportunities in the country, and an opportunity to be part of the Fulbright alumni network.
The commission selected participants based on their academic excellence, application, range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, and plan to use and share their experience upon returning to the U.S. Penny Egan, the executive director of the U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Commission, noted that studying abroad was a truly transformative experience for many, and she believed that the cohort would make the most of this opportunity to immerse themselves in British culture.
Ari Kelo’s participation in the Fulbright Summer Institute at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre was a testament to the value of international educational exchange programs. Such programs offer unique opportunities for students to learn and grow in ways that they might not otherwise experience. The Fulbright Commission’s emphasis on academic excellence, extracurricular activities, ambassadorial skills, and plans for sharing the experience upon returning home ensures that the benefits of these programs extend far beyond the participants themselves.
In addition to the personal growth and cultural enrichment that Ari Kelo would undoubtedly gain from this program, his experience might also serve as an inspiration to others. By sharing his experience and the skills he learned, he could encourage others to pursue their dreams and engage in international educational exchange programs. As Ari Kelo worked to inspire community growth and learning through Shakespeare’s timeless stories, he would be adding to the growing legacy of the University of Illinois students who were honored with this prestigious opportunity.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/I-qmJUmj5Uo
- https://news.illinois.edu/view/6367/792721
- https://chat.openai.com/
- https://readloud.net
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