CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS — Four students and recent graduates from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have been awarded Fulbright grants to pursue international research, education, and cultural exchange opportunities during the 2025–26 academic year.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, administered by the U.S. State Department, funds more than 2,000 U.S. citizens annually to live and work abroad. It recognizes individuals for their academic achievement, cross-cultural skills, and potential to serve as global ambassadors.
“These students embody the values of international cooperation and mutual understanding,” said David Schug, director of the National and International Scholarships Program at Illinois.
Students to Teach and Research Across Europe
The selected Fulbright recipients from Illinois represent a wide range of disciplines — from molecular biology and literature to education and global politics. Their host countries include Turkey, Spain, Romania, and the Netherlands.
Anthony Erkan (Carol Stream, Ill.)
Erkan, a recent graduate with degrees in history and economics, will teach English in Türkiye. Fluent in English, Turkish, and German, he aims to foster cross-cultural understanding through language. Following his Fulbright, he plans to pursue dual master’s degrees at Georgetown University and work in foreign service.
Nadia Hernandez (Crestwood, Ill.)
A first-generation college student, Hernandez holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech and hearing science. She will teach English in Spain, applying her experience in special education to promote inclusive classroom practices. Upon return, she plans to continue her work as a bilingual speech-language pathologist.
David Miller (Glencoe, Ill.)
Miller, who earned an MFA in creative writing from Illinois this year, will teach English in Romania. He hopes the experience will support his goal of teaching at the university level and allow him to explore his family’s Romanian heritage, as well as translate Romanian literature into English.
Mia Rode (Lake Forest, Ill.)
Rode, a molecular and cellular biology graduate, will conduct research on gene editing therapies in Utrecht, Netherlands. Her work will focus on patient education surrounding advanced medical treatments. After completing her Fulbright, she plans to attend medical school.
“These grants show that students from Illinois are ready to engage globally — not only academically, but also through human connection,” Schug added in the university announcement.
Have you or someone you know studied abroad with a Fulbright? Share your story or experience with the international program at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
