How a Mongolian Educator Earned the Fully Funded Fulbright Scholarship to Study International Educational Development at Columbia University

My name is Indra Amarjargal, and I am an educator from Mongolia. In 2022, I was selected as a recipient of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, a milestone that marked the beginning of a deeply transformative academic and personal journey. I submitted my application just five minutes before the deadline, an experience that now feels symbolic of the vulnerability, courage, and urgency that often accompany bold decisions. At the time, I was 26 years old, with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the National University of Mongolia. I had graduated with a GPA of 3.1, but the real substance of my education emerged not from grades, but from lived experiences that shaped how I view teaching, learning, and public service.

Educational Background

Initially, I had intended to become a journalist. Throughout university, that goal shaped my coursework, internships, and worldview. However, after some time in the field, I began to reconsider. It was not a single event but rather a gradual realization that my passion for communication and inquiry might be better served in the classroom. I became an English teacher, a decision that drew on my fluency in the language, which I had developed through an unusual path of self-study via Disney films, cartoons, and song lyrics. While my spoken English was strong, I lacked academic fluency at first, and teaching became the training ground where I refined my reading, writing, and instructional skills.

I started teaching middle school students in a private school at the age of 21. Over the next four years, I transitioned into public education and eventually began teaching Global Perspectives, a subject that allowed me to integrate my background in journalism with critical thinking and social studies. Working closely with students during this time deepened my awareness of the systemic challenges within Mongolian education. I began to see the disconnection between students, teachers, school administrators, and national policy frameworks. These insights, coupled with my desire to become part of the solution, led me to apply for Fulbright. I didn’t want just another degree. I wanted the intellectual foundation and policy expertise to address the deep-rooted issues I had encountered firsthand.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Columbia University?

When the time came to select preferred institutions, I did not initially aim for Ivy League universities. I assumed I might have better chances with mid-tier schools. But after passing the initial screening and completing the interview, where stakeholders asked pointed questions about my motivations and long-term goals, I began to recognize that my story and background carried weight. I was ultimately accepted to all of the universities on my list, including the University of Pennsylvania and Teachers College, Columbia University. Fulbright recommended TC based on its stronger financial aid offer and alignment with my academic interests.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program Scholarship Details

Through university placement, I was matched with Teachers College, Columbia University. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program provided nearly $50,000 in aid over two years, covering tuition, a monthly living stipend, and related fees.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program Scholarship?

Applying to Fulbright was an intensive process. I prepared over the course of a year, focusing on the technical screening, IELTS preparation, and refining my personal statement and study objectives. Interestingly, I relied solely on the official Fulbright website for information rather than seeking guidance from previous recipients. My experience teaching in both private and public schools proved valuable, particularly as Fulbright gives preference to applicants with at least two years of public service. I believe my balanced perspective across both sectors helped strengthen my application.

How Is (was) Your Experience at Columbia University?

Studying at Teachers College, Columbia University was an extraordinary experience. The institution provided a robust support system for international students, starting with a well-structured orientation. My department cohort was large and diverse, and each professor brought a distinct research approach to the classroom. I was fortunate to be assigned an advisor who had conducted extensive research in Central Asia and had even lived in Mongolia for two years. To study under her mentorship was both affirming and intellectually invigorating; her understanding of my context and goals made the academic experience even more meaningful. My field of study was International Educational Development, with a concentration in Global Governance and Policy Studies. I focused my research on secondary teacher workforce issues, a topic I had engaged with directly in my teaching career and one that has become increasingly urgent both in Mongolia and globally.

Teachers College also gave me the rare opportunity to explore subjects outside of my core focus. The elective requirement allowed me to pursue a long-held dream of studying painting and figure drawing. Amid the intensity of thesis writing and academic deadlines, spending time in the art studio provided a kind of grounding I hadn’t realized I needed. The experience reminded me that education should nourish the whole person, not just the intellect.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out was my clear sense of purpose. I wasn’t applying for the sake of studying abroad; I had a mission rooted in experience, and I was seeking the tools to serve a cause bigger than myself. My sincerity and dedication came through, and that made all the difference.

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

When looking back, the most difficult part of the Fulbright application process was the waiting. It is a year-long journey with several stages, technical screening, interviews, university placement, and visa logistics, and progress is often unclear until the very end. For those applying with family members, coordinating their documents and plans can add additional layers of stress. Fulbright does not assist with housing, so proactive planning is essential. In terms of test preparation, I used past IELTS exam papers rather than any official guidebooks. As for the interview, my best advice is to revisit your personal statement and study objectives in depth. Anticipate questions and be ready to speak honestly about your goals and values.

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

Today, I am back in Ulaanbaatar, working on a grant project coordinated by the American Councils for International Education, with support from the U.S. Embassy. It’s a full-circle moment that allows me to apply what I’ve learned in service of my home country. While the Fulbright journey has ended, its impact continues to shape my work, my relationships, and my vision for the future of education in Mongolia.

To future applicants, I would simply say this: start early, be intentional, and trust your own story. You don’t need to have a perfect GPA or a flawless résumé. What matters most is your commitment to learning, your potential for impact, and your willingness to grow. And sometimes, it’s enough to press “submit” five minutes before the deadline, so long as everything that led you there came from a place of purpose.