Meet Appalachian's Fulbright Awardee: Grace Knapp
The Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships is pleased to share that three recent Appalachian State University graduates have been selected to receive Fulbright U.S. Student Program Awards as English Teaching Assistants for the 2026-2027 academic year. Each year, approximately 2,000 Fulbright U.S. Students — including recent college graduates, graduate students, and early career professionals — are selected to pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English in schools and institutions abroad.
In a series of articles, we will highlight each of Appalachian’s Fulbright award recipients and learn more about their experiences and plans abroad. The second recipient we are featuring is Grace Knapp of Greensboro, North Carolina. Grace majored in Global Studies and minored in Spanish and Political Science at Appalachian and graduated in 2025.
Reflecting on her upcoming experience, Grace shared, “I’m eager to engage with students who are actively shaping their futures through higher education, and I hope to support their English language learning through interactive, hands-on activities and creative approaches like art."
In March 2027, Grace will travel to Argentina to begin her Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA). While abroad, she will support English language learning at a post-secondary institution while promoting cultural exchange and strengthening connections between the United States and Argentina.
Grace shared this advice for other students applying for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program:
The most important advice I can give to other students interested in applying for a Fulbright ETA is to start preparing your application early. Reach out to App State’s National Competitive Scholarship Office and attend every session you can to better understand what the Fulbright Committee is looking for.
I’d also like to recognize Karen Marshall, the International Appalachian (IntApp) Advisor and Director of International Student and Scholar Services and Outreach. Karen has guided and encouraged me throughout all four years of my college career, especially as my interest in international education grew. Her work in App State’s Office of International Programs inspires me to continue in this field, and Intapp’s mission motivates me to go abroad and strengthen my global connections.
Congratulations to Grace on this outstanding achievement. We wish her all the best as she begins this meaningful international experience through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Students interested in applying should contact Fulbright Program Adviser, Dara Carney-Nedelman, at carneyndk@appstate.edu. For more information, visit the Fulbright U.S. Student Program website.
About Nationally Competitive Scholarships
Nationally Competitive Scholarships (NCS) works with the Appalachian community to recruit and support students pursuing national scholarships and fellowships for study abroad, language study, research, and post-graduate education opportunities. This is achieved through promotion, mentorship, and advising throughout the entire scholarship journey. NCS is committed to helping undergraduate and graduate students discover ways to connect their Appalachian education to their future academic and professional endeavors through scholarship opportunities. Learn more at ncs.appstate.edu.