From 2018 to 2019, Merin McDivitt participated in the Fulbright-García Robles Binational Internship Program in Mexico City, soon after graduating from the U-M with a degree in Spanish and International Studies. She interned at a digital advertising company and took master's courses at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México. The scholarship was a 10-month grant which included time to travel and explore Mexico City.
In Mexico, all Fulbright grants are officially called “Fulbright-García Robles” in honor of the legendary Mexican diplomat Alfonso García Robles, who received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in nuclear disarmament. This emphasizes the mutual nature of the Fulbright Program – over 100 Mexican grantees arrive in the U.S. every year, studying or teaching at institutions, including the University of Michigan.
“Both aspects of the grant gave me enormous insight into Mexican culture and society,” Merin said. “The master's courses really immersed me in a top Mexican university education, and the internship strengthened my understanding of digital media and communications immeasurably. The combination of classes and work experience helped build my intercultural competencies, especially between Mexico and the U.S., as well as in Latin America more broadly.”
Merin also created a website called “The Gringa's Guide to Mexico City,” inspired to allow other visitors to have as wonderful of an experience as she did in Mexico.
She said that so many aspects of her life today — where she lives, what she’s been able to accomplish, her understanding of the binational relationship — have been deeply influenced by the Fulbright program. Expressing that the alum community is so unique, she said that she has had the chance to meet hundreds of Mexican and U.S. Fulbright scholars, many of whom she’s stayed in touch with.
“When I was applying for the grant, I was convinced that I wouldn't get it — so convinced that I almost didn't send in my application,” Merin said. “A lot of us feel imposter syndrome and get discouraged, but I have friends who've received a scholarship on their second or even third try! I would strongly encourage students to seek out opportunities like this — and if you do receive a grant, make it your mission to encourage others, making the process less intimidating and more accessible.At the same time, for many of us in RLL and the humanities more generally, there is a lot of pressure to be “practical” after graduation, a lot of negative rhetoric around the value of humanities degrees, and a great deal of anxiety about what careers we're suited for. Take the time you need to try things out and find your niche. RLL gives you a truly world class education, and I promise that the skills you've learned will be extremely valuable.”
From 2018 to 2019, Merin McDivitt participated in the Fulbright-García Robles Binational Internship Program in Mexico City, soon after graduating from the U-M with a degree in Spanish and International Studies. She interned at a digital advertising company and took master's courses at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México. The scholarship was a 10-month grant which included time to travel and explore Mexico City.
In Mexico, all Fulbright grants are officially called “Fulbright-García Robles” in honor of the legendary Mexican diplomat Alfonso García Robles, who received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in nuclear disarmament. This emphasizes the mutual nature of the Fulbright Program – over 100 Mexican grantees arrive in the U.S. every year, studying or teaching at institutions, including the University of Michigan.
“Both aspects of the grant gave me enormous insight into Mexican culture and society,” Merin said. “The master's courses really immersed me in a top Mexican university education, and the internship strengthened my understanding of digital media and communications immeasurably. The combination of classes and work experience helped build my intercultural competencies, especially between Mexico and the U.S., as well as in Latin America more broadly.”
Merin also created a website called “The Gringa's Guide to Mexico City,” inspired to allow other visitors to have as wonderful of an experience as she did in Mexico.
She said that so many aspects of her life today — where she lives, what she’s been able to accomplish, her understanding of the binational relationship — have been deeply influenced by the Fulbright program. Expressing that the alum community is so unique, she said that she has had the chance to meet hundreds of Mexican and U.S. Fulbright scholars, many of whom she’s stayed in touch with.
“When I was applying for the grant, I was convinced that I wouldn't get it — so convinced that I almost didn't send in my application,” Merin said. “A lot of us feel imposter syndrome and get discouraged, but I have friends who've received a scholarship on their second or even third try! I would strongly encourage students to seek out opportunities like this — and if you do receive a grant, make it your mission to encourage others, making the process less intimidating and more accessible.At the same time, for many of us in RLL and the humanities more generally, there is a lot of pressure to be “practical” after graduation, a lot of negative rhetoric around the value of humanities degrees, and a great deal of anxiety about what careers we're suited for. Take the time you need to try things out and find your niche. RLL gives you a truly world class education, and I promise that the skills you've learned will be extremely valuable.”
