Concordia’s Chelsie Alexandre, Partnerships Coordinator, awarded Fulbright scholarship to pursue policy research in Seoul, South Korea

Concordia is proud to share that Chelsie Alexandre, a Coordinator in the Partnerships Department, has been awarded a Fulbright grant to pursue policy research in Seoul, South Korea.

Founded and established by U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946, the Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. Senator Fulbright believed that “educational exchange can turn nations into people, contributing as no other form of communication can to the humanizing of international relations.” In advancement of this humanizing cross-cultural ideal, the Fulbright Program awards grants to scholars focused on a variety of academic disciplines and exchanges these scholars through bilateral partnerships with multiple countries. Senator Fulbright’s vision of improving relations between countries all over the world is realized through this academic, professional, and cultural exchange.

Taking her skills in fostering cross-sector partnerships across the world, Chelsie will move to South Korea for a year to pursue policy research with the Peace and Democracy Institute (PDI) at Korea University. Her research will focus on the normalization of relations between North and South Korea through diplomatic connections with small- to mid-power countries, rather than major countries, such as the U.S., China, and Russia. As intended by the ethos of the Fulbright Program, Chelsie will use her academic and professional background in international relations and diplomacy to contribute to PDI’s mission of providing rigorous policy recommendations, while also addressing a very key aspect of U.S.-Korea bilateral relations. The opportunity to live in Seoul and work alongside researchers at PDI also provides access points for cultural exchange outside of the policy research.

The Fulbright Program’s continued success can be attributed to the creation of bilateral partnerships with multiple countries and their commissions, and the willingness of multiple countries to receive scholars that can exchange ideas, resources, and cultures. Although she is transitioning from the Concordia team, Chelsie will continue to be steeped in the world of partnerships. Armed with Concordia’s mission to create cross-sector partners for social impact, Chelsie will go on to benefit from the partnerships created through the Fulbright Program, while also fostering connections, dialogue, and social impact.