A University of Alabama at Birmingham student from Aurora, Illinois, Ayush Jain, has been selected for the U.K. Fulbright Summer Institute affording him the opportunity for a one-of-a-kind educational, cultural and social experience in Wales, United Kingdom.
“These incredibly competitive Summer Institutes are a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to travel and study with a diverse, international cohort of their peers,” said Michelle Cook, Ph.D., director of the Office of National and International Fellowships and Scholarships. “Participating in a Fulbright program is also a chance to engage in grassroots diplomacy through cultural immersion. During his time in Wales, Ayush will represent not only UAB but the United States as well.”
Jain is a neuroscience major in the College of Arts and Sciences pursuing an accelerated master’s degree in public health, and an Honors College student. After a highly competitive selection process, he has been selected to participate in the three-week program offered to U.S. undergraduate students to help them expand their travel experience while exploring the culture, heritage and history of the United Kingdom.
Jain chose the program hosted by Aberystwyth University in Wales “to immerse in the rich Welsh culture, including learning the language and trying new foods like bara brith, all while learning more about the Welsh identity,” he said.
UAB’s Office of National and International Fellowships and Scholarships works closely with the UAB Education Abroad team to guide students through the scholarship process and help them manage the logistics of international travel. Contact fellowships@uab.edu for more information about study abroad programs and scholarships.
The theme of this program is “Identity and Nationhood through the lens of Wales,” and it will provide insights into the politics of Wales, the United Kingdom and wider Europe. The program encompasses a comprehensive overview of the impact of economic and social change, structural and political reform, the relationship of the monarchy with the Welsh nation after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and the implications of changing dynamics of identity and nationhood.
As a public health student, Jain is interested in understanding the health care system of the United Kingdom as he aspires to use his knowledge to advocate for societal needs and inspire others to take meaningful action for the betterment of their communities. Experiencing life in Wales will help him further his understanding of public health and social dynamics.