The Fulbright Program has selected seven Michigan State University students as finalists for the 2026–27 academic year, including recent Global and International Studies (GLIS) and Anthropology alum Catelyn Arnold.
Arnold graduated in 2026 with both degrees, along with a minor in Korean. During her time at MSU, she studied abroad in South Korea, interned at the local Refugee Development Center, and became passionate about language education, education justice, and cross-cultural exchange.
Her Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship will take place in Korea, an interest that began with language study and grew significantly during her junior-year semester abroad.
“Living there gave me an appreciation for the country's culture, history, and educational system, and I knew I wanted to return in a more meaningful capacity,” Arnold said. “Fulbright offers the opportunity to build genuine relationships with students and the local community while continuing to improve my Korean language skills and deepen my understanding of international education and global exchanges.”
Arnold hopes the experience will help her build a career centered on education, international exchange, and student support. Through her future work, she strives to create opportunities for students to engage across cultures and form meaningful global connections.
“Receiving a Fulbright is an incredible honor and represents the culmination of years of studying Korean language and culture,” Arnold said. “I'm grateful for the opportunity to return as a Fulbright ETA, where I hope to learn from my students and community just as much as I hope to contribute. I'm excited to continue building meaningful cross-cultural connections through education.”
Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s premier international academic exchange program. Each year it provides opportunities for exceptional Americans and participants from 160 countries and locations to study, teach and conduct research abroad, advancing knowledge, science and industry through international exchange and collaboration. Fulbright alumni achieve distinction and are recognized as leaders in government, business, science, technology, research, education and the arts.
“Congratulations to the impressive group of MSU scholars and students offered Fulbright Program awards for the coming academic year,” said MSU Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Laura Lee McIntyre. “The inquiry and innovation represented in their projects exemplify the university’s long-standing commitment to global engagement — and to our founding mission to advance knowledge and transform lives.”
Portions of this article previously appeared on MSU Today.