Layla Johnson (B.S., B.A. ’24) has been named a finalist for the 2024-25 Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program. As part of her scholarship, Johnson would work in a primary or secondary school in Taiwan, helping to improve foreign students’ English language abilities and knowledge of the United States while also increasing her own foreign language skills and knowledge of Taiwan.
“I am so excited to have an opportunity to aid in educating the young minds of Taiwan,” Johnson said. “It is my hope, through these interactions, I can foster a deeper mutual understanding between our cultures.”
Fulbright is an international academic exchange program founded in 1946. The U.S. government oversees an extensive suite of fellowships and scholarships in partnership with more than 160 countries worldwide. Awardees meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences and gaining an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things, and the way they think.
Applicants are selected based on their project proposal, grant purpose, qualifications and personal attributes and aspirations in relation to the Fulbright Mission, amongst other factors.
Johnson, who holds dual degrees in psychology and Chinese Studies, credits her study abroad opportunities with inspiring her interest in the Fulbright Program. “I realized my passion for building cross-cultural understanding and learning about people from different backgrounds after studying abroad in Thailand during my spring semester of junior year and also studying abroad in London for a summer session and Peru for a faculty-led J-term.” She also thanked staff at UTulsa’s Center for Global Engagement, where Johnson assisted students considering studying abroad and interacted with international students.
On campus, Johnson served as president of Photography Club, treasurer of the Association of Black Collegians, and treasurer of Cane Breaks. She also was involved in Student Alliance for Violence Education, Psi Chi, and Psychology Club. She received the Global Graduate Impact Award and the 2024 Outstanding Student in Chinese Language Award.
“I am humbled to get the opportunity to work with such a wonderful and driven student,” said Mav Henningsen, global programs coordinator. “With a record number of applicants this cycle, I want to highlight the courage and hard work put in by the students who did not make it as finalists. As we continue to build a Fulbright culture on campus, I anticipate our number of finalists will only continue to grow.”
The University of Tulsa’s goal is to provide a study-abroad opportunity to every student to increase cultural awareness, deepen international understanding and bolster confidence.