How Wafa Bassiouni, a Moroccan Scholar, Secured a Fully Funded Master’s in Landscape Architecture at Texas A&M University, United States Through the Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship

My name is Wafa Bassiouni, and I am from Morocco. I am an architect and landscape architect passionate about cultural landscapes, heritage conservation, and sustainable development. I earned my Master of Architecture in Morocco before receiving a Fulbright Scholarship to pursue a Master of Landscape Architecture at Texas A&M University.

My graduate studies allowed me to explore how landscape architecture can address environmental and cultural challenges at a larger scale. Through my research on the rehabilitation of the Marrakesh Palm Grove, I discovered how sustainable tourism, heritage conservation, and community engagement can contribute to building more resilient cultural landscapes.

Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship to pursue a Master of Landscape Architecture at Texas A&M University in the United States. The Fulbright Program fully funded my graduate studies, covering tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and other academic costs.

Were You Offered Any Other Scholarships?

I have been awarded an Erasmus+ Scholarship for a one-semester exchange at l’UNIVERSITA DI PISA in Italy for my architecture studies in 2020.

Educational Background

I earned my Master of Architecture from the National School of Architecture of Marrakesh, Morocco, before pursuing a Master of Landscape Architecture at Texas A&M University, where I graduated with a 4.0 GPA. My background in architecture gave me a strong foundation in design and the built environment, while my graduate studies expanded my perspective to larger territorial and ecological scales. This interdisciplinary education naturally led me toward research on cultural landscapes, heritage conservation, and sustainable tourism.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Texas A&M University?

How Did You Find Information About Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship and Texas A&M University?

I had always wanted to study in the United States, and since high school, I had actively searched for exchange opportunities there. I explored the programs offered through the U.S. Embassy in Morocco and applied for several scholarships before discovering the Fulbright Program.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Yes. I took both the TOEFL and the GRE as part of my application process. I prepared by using practice apps and completing several mock exams.

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

Preparing my Fulbright application involved much more than simply completing forms. I dedicated considerable time to reflecting on my academic goals, career aspirations, and the impact I hoped to make in Morocco after completing my studies. I focused particularly on my motivation letters, carefully tailoring them to genuinely reflect my interests and ambitions.