Flexibility & Adaptability
Applications for awards to fund international research, study, or teaching often include a question to determine your ability to be flexible and adaptable, which are two essential qualities necessary for living and working in a different cultural context. Let’s look at two examples from recent winning Pitt applications to the Fulbright Program.
The first example showcases how the applicant responded to an unexpected crisis at work, illustrating the applicant’s ability to think on their feet and adapt when a situation required it:
As an intern at the White House, I played a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of events on the White House’s South Lawn. At the India State visit, I was stationed at the welcoming table, where I provided instructions and guidance to government officials. The weather that day was unpredictable, and despite some guests not being prepared, a sudden downpour caught many off guard. Responding swiftly, I coordinated a team of interns to provide assistance to the 2,000 guests, mitigating the impact. As the event progressed, challenges arose. Due to insufficient seating and rising temperatures, some attendees began to feel unwell. I took immediate action by initiating communication with event supervisors and coordinating with Secret Service to arrange for additional supplies. This prompt response ensured that necessary resources were brought in without disrupting the schedule of events.
The second example focuses on the applicant’s past immersive cultural experience while studying abroad. They highlight their independence and cultural curiosity in an unfamiliar context:
I believe myself to be well-equipped to handle the challenge of living in a new cultural environment. While studying abroad in the Yucatan peninsula, I independently travelled to multiple Maya-speaking villages to ascertain Maya-Spanish bilinguals’ attitudes on indigenous language use, spending several nights in the homes of local families. In the future, I intend to pursue my interest in preservation and revitalization of indigenous and non-hegemonic languages. Ultimately, while I would especially welcome the challenge of being placed in a minority or indigenous community, serving as a Fulbright ETA anywhere in Taiwan would be an invaluable experience to serve as a cultural ambassador and advance mutual understanding.