Fulbright Students at ECC

I recently discovered that Edmonds has one of the highest concentration of Fulbright scholars in the state of Washington.  The Fulbright program has existed since 1946 and according to its founder, Senator William Fulbright, it aims to, “Bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs and thereby increase the chance that nations will learn at last to live in peace and friendship.”

Students gain scholarships to study in the US.  And these are not just your average students; they are the cream of the crop.  I have been tremendously impressed with the quality of English that these students possess.  In fact, each of them has to gain a very high score on an English proficiency exam (called TOEFL) even to be considered as Fulbrights.  These students study in the US for a year and there are about 8,000 students all over the US.

I have met students from Egypt, Indonesia, Turkey, and India.  One student I recently met from Turkey is studying airplane maintenance.  He seeks to work on jets and helicopters in the Turkish armed forces.  I am always amazed to meet a new international student at church.  And for many of these students, it is the first time in their lives that they have been to a Christian church.  It gives me great honor to welcome them with our love and God’s.

I remember hearing the story years ago that leaders such as Lenin and Mao studied in the US but were never invited into the homes of Americans.  My hope and desire is for each and every student at Edmonds Community College to be invited into our homes and our hearts.  I’m grateful for friends at my church who keep introducing me to shining new faces from all over the world.