The U.S. Government celebrated the Fulbright Scholarship award ceremony in Quito on June 9, 2023. During this event, 19 Ecuadorian professionals from various academic disciplines were awarded scholarships to pursue graduate studies in the United States.
The ceremony was organized by the Fulbright Commission of Ecuador and featured several notable attendees, including Debra Hevia, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador; Andrea Ibáñez, Deputy Secretary of Higher Education; and rectors of educational institutions in Ecuador. Alumni of Fulbright programs also participated.
Debra Hevia remarked on the significance of this opportunity for the scholars: “I celebrate the achievements of these extraordinary professionals who are about to embark on the greatest adventure of their lives. And I invite you to seize this opportunity and become agents of positive change. Just as you will now learn from the United States, the United States will also learn much from you. Their perspectives, ideas, and contributions will help foster greater understanding and appreciation for Ecuador, its people, and its remarkable cultural heritage.”
The Fulbright scholarship provides coverage for living expenses, medical insurance, airfare, educational supplies, a stipend, and potentially tuition fees depending on each student's profile and university funding availability.
Fulbright is a global educational exchange program that began in 1946 and has been active in Ecuador since October 1956. It offers cultural and educational exchanges for outstanding students and professionals from both countries. The program boasts alumni that include Nobel Prize winners, heads of state, and Pulitzer Prize recipients.
Among this year's beneficiaries is Paiwa Acero from Cañar who studied Civil Engineering at the University of Cuenca. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in civil engineering at the University of Illinois in Chicago while serving as a research assistant.
Jorge Espinoza from Guayaquil is another fellow who graduated as a Geological Engineer from Littoral Polytechnic School. His goal is to conduct earth science research to mitigate natural risks affecting human development in his country. He will study geosciences at Colorado State University while working as a research assistant.
These educational exchanges are valued by the United States for their role in enhancing academic enrichment and fostering better binational understanding between U.S. and Ecuadorian cultures.