National Scholarship Office

Fulbright Spotlight: Catherine Porter

VCU alumna Catherine Porter spent one year in the Democratic Republic of Congo, fully funded by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Learn more about what a Fulbright research grant experience could look like for you!

What program/country did you choose and why?

Democratic Republic of Congo – U.S. Student Study/Research Award. This program allowed me an extra year of research toward my PhD and strengthened my community ties and networks in southeastern Congo.

What made you want to apply for Fulbright in the first place?

I knew about the network that came with the Fulbright and the continuing benefits that Fulbright alumni receive. Additionally, it facilitated extra funding for an entire year of research. 

What was your most memorable experience during your grant year?

The arrival of six new ambulances sparked hope and community spirit. A vibrant parade and a ceremony blessed these vehicles, renewing their commitment to health and safety. As they drove through the streets, everyone clearly appreciated the effort behind these vital services. Their deployment to designated stations symbolized a promise to care for those in need. 

What did a typical day look like?

My schedule depended on the political situation. In a typical week, I would attend the university two to three days until mid-afternoon, where I worked with local historians. The rector, who is also a historian, shared my interests. On alternating days, I would visit a religious archive and examine actual documents, look at paintings, or sit in their garden and drink Cokes with friends. On weekends, we would go to a local café for hot tea and biscuits or explore local markets. Some days, we would relax in the back garden under the avocado trees and listen to the church choirs sing.

What did you discover about yourself?

I realized that it’s much easier to go with the flow. I’m generally anxious, but sometimes, I just have to let things happen.

Post-Fulbright, what are you doing now?

I am a university professor who consults on human rights and gender issues in Central Africa.

In what ways did your Fulbright program inform your current/future path? Anything unexpected?

The extra year in the Congo helped build a stronger community there, which solidified my understanding of my career path, but it did not necessarily change it.

What advice would you give to prospective Fulbright applicants?

Start early, and don’t get discouraged. Your application should be targeted specifically to the country you want to work in and not be generic. You should also ask several people to read it so you have as few errors as possible and it doesn’t have jargon.

The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The program operates in over 160 countries worldwide. Over 2,000 grants are given to graduating seniors, recent alumni, and graduate students to conduct research, carry out creative projects, pursue a year of postgraduate study, or teach English abroad.VCU’s National Scholarship Office (NSO) assists students and recent alumni with the application process for the Fulbright Program and other esteemed awards. To learn more about external funding opportunities, schedule an appointment with a member of the NSO staff.

Some text has been edited for clarity.

Categories Fulbright Award
Tagged Fulbright Award