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Name: Brooke Cannon ‘24 
Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering 
Fulbright location: Athens, Greece
Fulbright program: Master’s Degree
Program duration: 9 months, October 2024 through July 2025

In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program enables college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals in all disciplines to pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad. Cannon applied for this highly competitive fellowship with the support of the Lehigh’s Office of Fellowship Advising. We caught up with her about five months into her nine-month program at Harokopio University, a private university in Athens, Greece. Cannon is pursuing a master’s in Sustainable Tourism Development: Heritage, Environment, Society.

What was the most challenging part of the Fulbright application process? 

The most challenging part for me was the personal statement. I wanted to stick out, but at first I was trying too hard. Fulbright is not looking for a “superficial” essay. They look for a SPECIFIC reason you NEED to be selected. Backing this up with personal experience and qualifications helped me create a successful application. 

What has been the most memorable part of your experience so far? 

The most memorable part of my experience has been traveling to the island of Mykonos with other Fulbrighters when I first arrived. We went on the last weekend of the season so the island was super quiet. We got to practice our Greek with locals, learn traditional group dances, and stroll around the cobblestone streets of a famous destination. I felt I was truly grasping Greek culture and finally felt comfortable in my surroundings. 

What has been the most surprising? 

The most surprising thing to me is the pace of life in Greece. Greeks like to start slow in the morning and enjoy the little things in life. For example, going out for coffee or for brunch is an event and should not be rushed. Enjoying the weather and good company is very important to the Greeks. 

Can you tell us about some of the sites you’ve seen/places you have visited? (Some of your favorites) 

I obviously have seen the Acropolis and Parthenon and it is absolutely magnificent. The entire city is built around the ancient UNESCO landmark. Other places I have visited are a few other islands of Agistri, Crete, and Aegina. I have been to the “Clean Monday” parade in Patras, Greece where they celebrate the beginning of Lent. Greece has mountains too, so I visited the ski resort in January. 

How does this Fulbright experience fit into your long-term plans?

I’m hoping to work in tourism management, with natural parks or preserved lands. Down the road, I may have my own travel agency. I have already made many connections with tour guides that have given me advice on this and Fulbright has given me the opportunity to travel to other countries and other parts of Greece in my free time. Because this matches up with my master’s program too, I have learned just as much traveling as I have in the classroom. 

If you could give one piece of advice to someone about to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship, what would it be? 

The one piece of advice is really take the time to fully grasp what you would like to achieve with the Fulbright grant. Don’t just pick a location and hope to find something there. Take time to research on the internet, email people on LinkedIn, and talk to professors. I was able to make a connection to a Greek alumnus of Harokopio University by reaching out to a Lehigh professor who helped make this connection for me. 

I also would say to research the country itself. Do you like the climate, the culture, etc.? Once you gather all this information, completing the application will be easier and will make you sound more authentic as well. Lastly, listen to all the advice your advisor gives you and start early!