By Hunter Keip, staff writer

A LVC graduate recalled details of her 10 months abroad as part of the Fulbright Program.

Hannah Pell, a 2016 physics and music major, spoke to students after returning from Austria; her overseas experience was made possible by the Fulbright Program.

The Fulbright Program, created by Arkansas Senator J. William Fulbright, gives approximately 8,000 awards annually to students who want to travel and work abroad.  Pell was awarded a grant allowing her to study abroad and serve as an English teaching assistant to students in Austria last year.

“The Fulbright program gives you the opportunity to live and work abroad,” Pell said. “It’s invaluable.”

Pell’s application process took two years to complete.  She recommended all students who are interested in working abroad to go on Fulbright’s website and contact Dr. Phillip Benesch, professor of politics, for further information.

“Being awarded a Fulbright grant creates a new set of options for students, a great level of recognition and graduate schools look for honors like this,” Benesch.

Benesch suggest students talk to him during their sophomore or junior year if they are interested.

Currently, LVC has two graduates abroad who received Fulbright grants: Jasmine Olvany ’17, a biochemistry and molecular biology major, who is in Hungary and Megan Lough ’17, an English and secondary education major, who is in Bulgaria.  The two women left the first week of September.

After her Fulbright experience, Pell plans to attend graduate school at the University of Oregon.

“When you have a track to follow, you get lost and Fulbright allowed me to reflect on myself for the better,” Pell said.

If interested in the program, students can reach Dr. Benesch at benesch@lvc.edu.