St Aloysius College (Autonomous) Mangalore, in Collaboration with United States – India Educational Foundation (USIEF) Organised a mentoring program on the application process for  Fulbright-Nehru, Fulbright-Kalam and other Fulbright Fellowships  on Thursday April 27, 2023 in Fr L F Rasquinha Hall, LCRI Block.

Ms. Maya Sundararajan , Regional Officer, Ms Shinu Shoba Vincent  Fulbright Program Coordinator, United States – India Educational Foundation (USIEF) were the chief guests for the inaugural Programmme.  Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ , Principal, Presided over the function.  Dr Alwyn DSa , Registrar,  Dr Shashikiran Nivas , Coordinator and  Dr Ronald Nazareth , Dean International Collaboration were present.  176 participants different Institutions took part in the programme. Dr Ronald Nazareth, Dean International Collaboration Welcomed the gathering and Ms Yuktha, Student of M Sc Chemistry compered the programme 

The United States – India Educational Foundation (USIEF) promotes mutual understanding between the nationals of India and the U.S. through the educational exchange of outstanding scholars, professionals and students. Since its inception, USIEF has awarded approximately 20,000 Fulbright, Fulbright-Nehru, and other prestigious grants and scholarships in almost every academic discipline.
 
In the rapidly evolving field of international education, United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) offers a fresh perspective in educational advising, fellowship support and facilitating academic dialogue between the U.S. and India.

USIEF is committed to promoting dialogue on issues of contemporary interest among Fulbrighters and local communities. USIEF features visiting and returning Fulbrighters at seminars and roundtables, provides forums for interfacing with the civil society through collaborative lectures and facilitates greater communication through e-enabled mediums.

USIEF has identified priorities for future development with meticulous and strategic planning. USIEF continues to explore viable ways in which the Foundation may respond to requests for services from both Indian and U.S. universities interested in linkages. It continues to reach out to underserved regions and communities.
In the Inaugural address Ms. Maya Sundararajan, Regional Officer, USIEF explained the goals and objectives of Fullbright scholarships. She said Senator Fulbright's proposal to the U.S. Congress was simple yet remarkable: using proceeds from the sales of surplus war property to fund the "promotion of international good will through the exchange of students in the fields of education, culture and science. “The Fulbright Program is now the largest educational scholarship program in the world and operates between the U.S. and more than 150 countries. India has one of the largest Fulbright Programs worldwide, with approximately 20,000 fellowships and grants awarded to Indians and Americans to date. The Fulbright Program, in collaboration with universities, schools, binational Fulbright Commissions, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and private sector agencies awards students, scholars, teachers and professionals whose achievements and potential make them outstanding representatives of their societies merit-based grants to study and/or do research in a variety of academic fields and disciplines. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program comes from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs through an annual appropriation by the U.S. Congress. She encouraged the participants to take part actively in such programmes.

In his Presidential address Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ emphasized the need of internationalisation of higher education. He said International exposure helps us not only in gaining the best quality of education but also   help to gain many soft skills that will be invaluable in your professional lives and to transform our life and lifestyle,  Elevates your credentials.  You get the opportunity to   meet a variety   people from different countries while you are studying abroad. This will give you the best opportunities to network and grow your professional and career circle. 

In the first session Ms. Maya Sundararajan, Regional Officer, USIEF Chennai Ms. Shinu Shoba Vincent, Fulbright Program Coordinator, USIEF Chennai gave a lecture on Fulbright-Nehru, Fulbright-Kalam and other fellowship categories - An Overview.

In the second session Ms. Pooja Prabhu, 2021-2022 Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral and Research Fellow PhD Candidate, Department of Computer Applications Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal gave a Presentation on writing an effective Statement of Purpose (SOP), identifying host institution, getting letters of recommendation, role as a cultural ambassador and U.S. experience.

In the post lunch session Dr. Venkateswaran Narayanaswamy, 2022-2023 Fulbright-Nehru Scholar to India, Associate   Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA enlightened tha participants on preparing for a lecturing experience and writing an effective research proposal.