National Scholarship Office

Fulbright Spotlight: Emma Cregan

VCU alumna Emma Cregan spent one year in Indonesia, fully funded by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Learn more about what Fulbright could look like for you!

What program/country did you choose and why?

I was intrigued by a UN-sponsored project using wayang to promote family planning in Indonesia.  Wayang is a classical Indonesian puppet theater known for its elaborate puppets, complex music, and storytelling. I applied for a Fulbright Artist’s Research grant to see how theatre traditions are used to discuss contemporary issues like climate change and gender equality.

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

I’ve always been interested in diplomacy and international relations, and the Fulbright program allows people to participate in international diplomacy while satiating their curiosity through research. I was also drawn to Fulbright’s mission to promote peace through exchanging knowledge.

What was your most memorable experience during your grant year?

I became good friends with the members of Flying Balloons, one of the theatre troupes I interviewed. They invited me back to their house, where we ate persimmons and smelled chocolate from a local gelato factory. I also got to see their collection of pet lizards.

What did a typical day look like?

After breakfast, I would order a bike using the ride-sharing service Grab. The biker would drive me to an artist’s studio where I would film an interview or performance. I would usually eat lunch or dinner with the artist. Then, I would head home to review and edit the footage I collected over the day.

What did you discover about yourself?

I discovered I’m not as introverted as I used to think I was. I really prefer working on a team to working solo, and over the course of my Fulbright year, I tried to seek out more opportunities to work with other people.

Post-Fulbright, what are you doing now?

Last year, ClimArts commissioned me to create a short film about the Indonesian nonprofit TORAJAMELO. I also participated in ClimArts’ storytelling workshop for artists advocating climate protection. I am currently writing for the online publication Comic Book Resources, and in my spare time, I volunteer for Planned Parenthood through its Ambassador and Developing Leaders programs.

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

Fulbright had a tremendous impact on my professional path. After my Fulbright experience, I wanted to continue working in diplomatic circles and international relations, so I am applying to graduate school to obtain a master’s in international affairs.

What advice would you give to prospective Fulbright applicants?

If you plan to collaborate with others, contact them and make plans before you arrive in the country so you can hit the ground running once you get there. This was partially due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic, but I couldn’t interview some of the artists I originally planned to speak to because they were out of the country or became busy with other obligations.

NSO was extremely helpful throughout the application process. Fulbrighters from other universities have been surprised when I’ve told them how much support VCU students get from NSO. After you return from your Fulbright experience, take advantage of all the different events and training opportunities offered to alumni through Global Ties and Exchange Alumni. You get a lot of help with professional development, and you can also meet some amazing people who are also interested in international cooperation.

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.

Categories Fulbright Award
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