Fulbright Recipient Spotlight: Vanessa Diaz, ETA, Jordan
Vanessa Diaz, from Maywood, New Jersey, received her bachelor’s of fine arts degree in graphic design from VCU in 2015. Diaz will be teaching English to secondary school students in Jordan as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant. After her Fulbright year, Diaz plans to pursue a master’s in an 
interdisciplinary program for Intercultural Communication, and then go on to work as a Graphic Designer for a nonprofit in the Middle East.
What is your research focus or proposal for your Fulbright award?
My focus is to teach English in a way that can allow me to understand how English is understood in an Arabic speaking country. As a designer, it is important to understand my audience, which I plan to continue designing in Arabic and English. I will develop a workshop consisting of two courses each month. The objectives of the workshop will include: introduction into typography, introduction into digital realm, and the creation phase. This will allow me to integrate my Graphic Design degree with Arabic typography. In addition, it will allow me to collaborate with other fellow Jordanian artists, engage with my students outside the classroom, and other local attendees.
What initially drew you to apply for the Fulbright?
As a Colombian-American bilingual Graphic Designer, my perspective of language is artistic, philosophical and practical. Given my experience with students from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and United States, I have vast experience working in foreign settings. Jordan is a great transition from learning formal Arabic to their colloquial dialect. I look forward to immersing myself in daily routines and lifestyles like that of the local population.
What do you plan on doing in the future?
I plan to pursue an Masters in an interdisciplinary program for Intercultural Communication. This will allow my Graphic Design degree to merge with my openness to immerse myself in other cultures. After graduate school, I hope to work as a Graphic Designer for a nonprofit in the Middle East working with children and/or refugees.
What advice would you give to future applicants?
Do not be alarmed if you have to reevaluate yourself in a way you have never before. Sometimes you shine brighter than you think you do, and this we must take and share it with the world and learn how to document it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I apply for a Fulbright?
Vanessa and her ten fellow recipients from VCU worked with the National Scholarship Office (NSO) at Virginia Commonwealth University. The NSO works with VCU alumni, graduate students, and undergraduates who wish to compete for prestigious national and international scholarships, such as Fulbright. If you are interested in applying for Fulbright or other nationally or internationally competitive scholarships, please contact the NSO at natlscholar@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6868.
How many students from VCU are awarded the Fulbright?
With this latest group of Fulbright Student Scholarship recipients, 42 VCU students and recent alumni have been offered Fulbright awards since the National Scholarship Office was created in 2005.
Can you tell me more about the Fulbright?
Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program aims to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills. Sponsored by the United States Department of State, the Fulbright Program provides funding for students, scholars and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching and teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Learn more at us.fulbrightonline.org.