Shwe Win, a two-time graduate of Western Kentucky University, has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) to Thailand. A refugee and first-generation graduate, Shwe will serve as a cultural ambassador and English teacher during the upcoming academic year. 

Shwe is the daughter of Sa Da and A Ma of Bowling Green and a May 2025 graduate of the Master’s in Public Health program, focusing on Global Health Administration and Epidemiology. As a Public Health undergrad (‘23), she also served as a WKU Spirit Master, one of the university’s official student ambassadors—a role reserved for student leaders who exemplify WKU’s mission of service, excellence, and engagement. 

“Being awarded a Fulbright grant is deeply meaningful,” said Shwe. “As someone who was born in the very country I now hope to return to as an English teacher, this journey has reinforced my desire to give back. I am eager to support students who, like me, face challenges in accessing educational opportunities. Through Fulbright, I hope to help others recognize the transformative power of education and encourage them to pursue their dreams.” 

Shwe says the application process was both demanding and transformative. “Applying for the Fulbright opportunity was initially daunting—I doubted my chances due to the program’s highly competitive nature. However, with the support of my peers and the OSD staff, I not only crafted a strong application but also discovered more about myself along the way.” 

Shwe credits her success to a strong support network. “I would like to first express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Grimsley and Lindsey Houchin for their unwavering support throughout the application process. Without their guidance, I wouldn’t have known where to begin, let alone come this far. Their encouragement and mentorship have truly been invaluable.” 

Shwe joins a 74-year legacy of Hilltoppers who have participated in the Fulbright US Student Program, the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government that is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.  

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research in more than 160 countries worldwide. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. 

The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments, host institutions, corporations, and foundations in foreign countries and in the United States also provide direct and indirect support.  

Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. Current students and recent graduates interested in exploring the potential of a Fulbright-funded year abroad should reach out to osd@wku.edu for advising as early as possible. The campus deadline for completed applications is September 1.