How a Timorese Medical Doctor Secured the Fully Funded Fulbright Scholarship for a Master's in Public Health at Saint Louis University

My name is Edvanio da Costa Guterres de Jesus Fernandes, and I am from Timor-Leste. I am a medical doctor with over three years of experience in the fields of maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, and nutrition. Having witnessed the significant challenges women and children face in accessing health services in my community, I was inspired to pursue further education in this field. I am currently pursuing a master's degree in public health with a concentration in maternal and child health.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I received a fully funded scholarship from The Fulbright Scholarship Program in 2023, which has enabled me to pursue my master’s degree at Saint Louis University in Missouri , United States of America.

Educational Background

I hold a bachelor’s degree in general medicine from the National University of Timor-Leste, where I graduated with a GPA of 3.68. After graduation, I secured a job related to my field of study and spent over three years working in the areas of maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, and nutrition.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the University in Missouri?

For the Fulbright Scholarship, I did not apply directly to my institution. Instead, the scholarship program handled the application process on my behalf, and I was only required to submit the necessary documents. As an international student, I was also required to have an English certification. I dedicated my time to practicing on English course platforms like Duolingo, which helped me significantly in preparing for the English exam.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Fulbright Scholarship?

I started preparing the required documents earlier before the application opened in my country and conducted research on YouTube and other websites, where I found helpful content and information on how to write an essay and choose a degree. This research gave me valuable insights to plan my master's degree major. I highly recommend choosing a degree that aligns with your professional experiences.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe that I was able to stand out by highlighting the challenges and needs in the health sector of my home country, which I encountered during my work experience. I also emphasized how my degree will contribute to and support the country's health sector in addressing these challenges.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Are Going Through the Process Again?

I think I have done great.

What Advice Would You Give for Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

For those looking to apply for a scholarship like the Fulbright scholarship, I advise starting early and being genuine in your application. Highlight your unique experiences and how they relate to the scholarship's mission. Networking with previous scholars can also provide invaluable insights.

Finally, I would be happy to share my photo for the scholarship recipient feature! I hope this gives you a solid framework for sharing your own experiences as a Fulbright scholar, and I wish you the best on your journey!