UB Presidential Fellow, Oluwabunmi Alao from Nigeria, Pursues a Fully Funded PhD in Language Education and Multilingualism at the University at Buffalo (SUNY)

My name is Oluwabunmi Alao, and I am a second-year PhD student in Language Education and Multilingualism at the University at Buffalo (SUNY) in New York. I am from Nigeria. I chose this interdisciplinary program because it allows me to explore world languages as they relate to education and to examine how multilingualism shapes teaching and learning. Before beginning my doctoral journey, I taught English as a second language for more than six years in both private and public institutions. I hold a masters in Language Education from the University of Ibadan and a bachelor’s in English Education from the University of Ilorin.

Scholarship Details

In 2024, I received a full funding admission for a PhD program in Language Education and Multilingualism at the University at Buffalo, which covers tuition and stipends. My university is an R1 research institution, and most PhD students receive funding packages, which makes it an excellent option for international applicants.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Alongside my funding, I also got the prestigious UB Presidential fellowship.

Standardized Tests

I did not take the GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS because it was not a requirement for my program.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the PhD Funding?

I began by following scholars who talk about scholarships on LinkedIn. I joined webinars and watched YouTube videos. I was also a part of the FSS WhatsApp group, where prospective students share deadlines, tips, and we get to encourage each other. To strengthen my application, I reached out to scholars who kindly reviewed my statement of purpose (SOP) and CV. I identified programs that matched my interests, checked requirements and deadlines, and researched professors whose work aligned with mine. I sent targeted cold emails to potential advisors. This is not a requirement, but it is a great way to introduce myself, share my research ideas, and build a relationship before applying.

How Is (was) Your Experience at the University at Buffalo?

My experience at the University at Buffalo has been awesome. The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and the faculty members are highly supportive. Classes are conducted in English, and the campus community is welcoming and diverse.

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

If I could redo the process, I would start networking with potential professors even earlier to deepen those connections before applying.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

 My bachelor’s and master’s degrees, along with my teaching experience, equipped me with a strong foundation in language education, research methods, and classroom practice. I also gave my documents to scholars to review for me.

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

My advice to future applicants is that you start early. This will give you enough time to research programs and prepare adequately before the deadline. Customize your SOP and CV for each program and ask mentors to review your documents.