Saint Mary’s class of 2016 alumna Eleanor Jones was awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarship Tuesday. Jones, who majored in global studies during her time at the College, received the English Teaching Assistant Fulbright Grant in Mongolia.
According to a College press release, Jones is one of 1,900 U.S. citizens to travel abroad for the 2017-2018 school year through this program. She is also the ninth Saint Mary’s students to receive this scholarship since 1965.
“I will be working at the Mongolian University of Life Sciences as an English Teaching Assistant,” Jones said in an email. “I still can’t believe that I received the grant.”
According to the press release, Jones graduated manga cum laude in 2016. She received the Outstanding Senior Award from the Saint Mary’s Alumnae Association. During her time at Saint Mary’s, she led a food recovery program which donated unused food from the dining hall to the Center for the Homeless in South Bend and partnered with Dining Services to start a composting program.
Jones said she worked closely with Dr. Laura Elder, the College’s Fulbright Advisor, to complete the application, which consists of a personal essay, a purpose of grant statement and academic transcripts.
Jones said Saint Mary’s offered an abundance of intercultural experiences, which helped her on her path.
“During my time at Saint Mary's there were many opportunities to practice intercultural competency: the Intercultural Leadership Portfolio Program, my study abroad experience in South Africa, participation in the SUSI Program, working in the Center for Women's Intercultural Leadership office, and, of course, my global studies coursework,” she said. “The experiences were what inspired me to apply for the Fulbright and, I believe, helped in my success in being awarded a grant.
“I really appreciate all the professors who have supported me throughout my time at Saint Mary's and their continued support after my graduation.”
Jones said she has been in South Africa since August volunteering with the Open Arms Home for Children.
“It has been a wonderful learning experience,” she said. “I feel so fortunate to be able to continue traveling and learning about new cultures through this Fulbright.”
