How a Tunisian Business Graduate Earned a Fulbright Scholarship to Pursue a Master’s in Marketing Analytics at Clark University, USA

My name is Emna Achour, and I’m from Tunisia. I’ve always believed in learning as a way to grow and move forward, both in life and in one's career. Before I even graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I applied for the Fulbright Program because I knew I wanted to dive deeper into marketing analytics. It felt like it beautifully blends creativity with data-driven thinking, something that just made sense to me. I was curious about how companies use data to make decisions, and I wanted to be part of that process, helping turn numbers into strategies that actually matter. For a field like that, the U.S. felt like the best place to learn, not just because of the academic resources, but because it’s a place where marketing and technology are constantly evolving. I knew studying there would challenge me in the right ways and give me a broader perspective on the kind of work I want to do.

Educational Background

I graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Tunis Business School. I majored in Marketing and minored in Business Analytics, finishing with a 3/4 GPA. My coursework gave me a strong foundation in both areas, which made me feel confident diving deeper into the world of analytics. I understood the fundamentals well and felt ready to explore more advanced, applied topics.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I was fortunate to be selected for the Fulbright Scholarship, which covered my tuition and offered a monthly stipend to support living expenses. Thanks to that support, I pursued a Master of Science in Marketing Analytics at Clark University, a program that aligned beautifully with my academic background and future goals.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Institution?

When I started preparing for institutions, I was actually abroad doing an internship. That made things a bit chaotic as I didn’t have much time outside of work, which really affected my GRE preparation. My score wasn’t the strongest, but I did well on the TOEFL, partly because I was already familiar with the structure. Thankfully, my Fulbright advisors were incredibly supportive throughout the process. They helped me identify universities and programs that made sense for my profile, and in the end, I got accepted into three different institutions: George Washington, Clark University, and California State University, Long Beach.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Fulbright Scholarship?

In terms of preparing for the scholarship and exams, YouTube was a lifesaver. I used it to understand the format of the tests and followed along with practice videos. I also timed myself while practicing to get better at managing the pressure of the real test environment. It wasn’t perfect, but it helped me improve my pace and gain more confidence.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

One thing I believe helped my application stand out was that I had clarity. I knew exactly what I wanted to do, why it mattered to me, and how this degree would help me get there. I had a clear career plan, and I used my statement of purpose to show how this opportunity wasn’t just a dream, but a necessary step toward my long-term goals.

But the journey wasn’t all smooth. One of the most intense moments came after I had been accepted. I was told that, due to funding limitations, I would not be receiving the scholarship after all. It felt like the floor had been pulled out from under me. I had done everything right, but still, it seemed like it wasn’t going to happen. Then, a month later, I received another email saying that someone else had declined their offer, and I was next in line. Just like that, I was back in. That moment changed everything for me.

It was the highlight of my journey, not because it was surprising, but because it taught me so much. I learned how to sit with uncertainty and disappointment without giving up. I learned that timing really matters, and sometimes what’s meant for you will find its way back to you. It taught me resilience, gratitude, and trust.

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

If I could do one thing differently, I would dedicate more time to preparing for the GRE. A stronger score could have opened up even more options, and it’s worth putting in the effort if you have the time.

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

To anyone thinking of applying for a Fulbright or a similar scholarship, my biggest advice is to be honest with yourself. Ask: Is this really what I need at this point in my journey? If the answer is yes, then that sense of purpose will shine through in your application. Be authentic, have a strong “why,” and let your unique story guide your writing. Don’t use AI tools to write your statement; use your voice. Your story, with all its ups and downs, is powerful. Having a clear career plan made a big difference for me. I knew exactly why I needed this degree and how it would help me get closer to the kind of impact I want to have. That clarity gave my application direction, and it kept me grounded throughout the process. And remember: even when things don’t go as planned, stay open because sometimes the most meaningful parts of your journey show up in ways you didn’t expect.