Abstract
Educational exchange programs can play a key role in public diplomacy and economic development. During these programs, students acquire skills and networks that are considered valuable in their home country. Eventually, these programs tend to amplify students’ socioeconomic status upon their return and strengthen nations’ relationships through academic networks. This study aims to better understand the impact of educational exchange programs on international students after their experiences abroad. By using the social capital theory, this study explores the socio-economic experiences of Fulbright alumni from developing countries upon their return home. A literature review was conducted to analyze Fulbright alumni’s experiences in their home countries. How are Fulbright scholarships impacting the careers of alumni upon their return home? In what ways have Fulbright experiences abroad impacted alumni’s professional development at home? The findings show that Fulbright exchange programs allow alumni to grow their networks with fellow Fulbright alumni in other countries. These international networks not only enable these alumni to maintain relationships abroad but also create links with organizations abroad for more opportunities academically and professionally. The findings imply that individuals who are granted the opportunities of Fulbright exchange programs may benefit in several areas such as advancing their academic, professional, and international networks. While most of these alumni may indeed reach leadership positions, social inequality is deepening in most of these countries with more privileges to Fulbright alumni. The significance of this study is that it helps us understand the role of educational exchange programs in development and diplomatic relations.
Author Information
Lorraine Kouao, University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, United States
Paper Information
Conference: IICAH2025
Stream: Globalisation
This paper is part of the IICAH2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Kouao L. (2025) The Impact of Fulbright Scholarships on Alumni: An Analysis of Social Capital Upon Their Return Home ISSN: 2432-4604 – The IAFOR International Conference on Arts & Humanities – Hawaii 2025 Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 91-102) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2432-4604.2025.8
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2432-4604.2025.8
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