For the Eighth Time in Nine Years, Haverford is a Top Fulbright Producer

Haverford College is once again on the U. S. State Department's list of top producers of participants in its Fulbright U.S. Student Program. The honor marks the eighth time the College has been recognized in the past nine years for its ability to place forward-thinking scholars into the country’s prestigious international exchange program.

“Haverford’s impressive track record of Fulbright recipients speaks volumes about our students’ boundless curiosity as well as the impact of a Haverford liberal arts education in today’s world,” says Haverford President Wendy Raymond. “I’m proud of our four new Fulbright scholars, who will represent our nation and Haverford on the global stage. Their Fulbright experiences will no doubt make vital contributions to communities of learning as teachers and researchers.”

Four recent graduates received Fulbright awards for the 2023-2024 academic year, an impressive number for a small liberal arts college like Haverford. They are currently engaged in compelling work across three different continents.

Born to Indian immigrants, Rhea Chandran ’23 is studying prostitution in India, where more than three million women are licensed sex workers.

After spending a semester in Madrid, Ellie Keating ’23 wanted to give back to the Spanish capital through her English Teaching Assistantship (ETA). She is currently teaching high school English there and helping to lead her school’s Global Classrooms Model UN program.

Nicholas Bayan Mostaghim ’23 is advancing his knowledge of the emerging nanobiotechnology field at the world-renowned at École Spéciale de Lausanne in Switzerland. He’s helping develop blood glucose sensors for those living with diabetes that do not require implants or finger pricks.

Driven by a commitment to service and fueled by Quaker values instilled in her at Philadelphia’s William Penn Charter School, Rachael Garnick ’17 is teaching primary school English in the Canary Islands, the Spanish autonomous community off the coast of Morocco.

“Each of our four current Fulbrighters brought their full selves into their applications, weaving together their academic, professional, and personal experiences to tell a compelling story of who they are and the contributions they seek to make in the world,” says Director of Fellowships and Assessment Jason Chan. “To know they're now cultivating connections with their host countries with the intellectually curious, culturally engaged, and community-oriented spirit that's characteristic of Haverford graduates is exciting.”

Since its establishment in 1946, the Fulbright Program has sought to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the rest of the world. It is the world’s largest and most diverse international education exchange program, and more than 400,000 people hailing from 160 countries have participated in it. They include recent graduates, teachers, scientists, and artists who return from their experiences with a better understanding of their host countries and their people as well as a broader network of colleagues and friends that transcends borders.

More information on the program is available online at us.fulbrightonline.org. The application for the 2025-2026 grant cycle will open on April 2, 2024, with an application deadline for Haverford students and alumni on September 3, 2024. Those interested in applying are highly encouraged to contact Chan this spring.

“Haverford's continued recognition as a top producer of Fulbright recipients reflects the caliber of our students and alumni, who are well-poised and well-prepared to engage with people and communities across the globe,” Chan says. “It also speaks to our mission of preparing students for lives of integrity, ambition, and purpose as scholars, creators, citizens, and practitioners. Along with the campus community, I look forward to seeing the impact our current and future Fulbrighters will have in the world.”

Read more about Fords who have won fellowships, scholarships, or grants.