Whether teaching English in Kyrgyzstan, conducting medical research in Australia, studying politics in Turkey, or analyzing languages in Portugal, six Brigham Young University graduates will make new connections around the world as 2025 Fulbright scholars. These students exemplify the values of global citizenship, service, and academic excellence.
The Fulbright Scholarship is awarded to students pursuing graduate studies, research, or teaching English abroad. Over the past several weeks, we’ve spotlighted three of the Fulbright recipients to illustrate how their life paths and BYU experiences shaped them, what inspired their application, and where they hope to make a difference.
Lastly, we will learn about Andrew Bonney, recipient of the Fulbright Turkey Study Award.
Andrew Bonney has always been fascinated with Armenia and Turkey politics. After serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Armenia, Bonney fell in love with the country's politics, language, and culture. He graduated from BYU in 2023 studying middle eastern studies in Arabic, through the Kennedy Center, with a minor in economics. Bonney worked at the Carnegie Endowment for two years and currently resides in Washington D.C. with his wife and one-year-old son.
Bonney loved his experience at the Carnegie Endowment. He not only grew in his skills as a research assistant, but also as a person. Despite their different backgrounds, his coworkers were extremely caring. At the time, Bonney’s wife was pregnant, and his colleagues showed constant love through his entire work experience.
“In March before my son was born, my coworkers threw me a surprise baby shower, and I literally cried. I felt so cared for by these people who didn’t share my religious or cultural background, and yet I still have deep friendships with them,” Bonney said. “They all came to Louis’s baby blessing and still ask for pictures of him. Personally, it was a wonderful experience.”
Although the Carnegie Endowment helped prepare him for the Fulbright, Bonney had known about the Fulbright Scholarship for as long as he could remember. Growing up, he often heard his mom share her own Fulbright experience in Austria. In the summer of 2020, Bonney was enrolled in the Indiana State University language program studying Azerbaijan, after his professor, Jim Toronto, encouraged him to apply. After being in the program for only two months, Bonney taught the first course in Azerbaijan at BYU. As his interest in south-western Asia increased, Bonney discovered Turkey provided the best Fulbright program for him to help find economic or diplomatic solutions for the country. Bonney was excited when he received the news of receiving the Fulbright.
“It was very validating that all the work I had put in, both into the application, and at BYU, could be recognized by the Fulbright commission,” Bonney stated. “Maybe I shoot high, probably higher than I should, but it was nice to feel that some of those shots paid off.”
Bonney appreciates the wide range of resources available at BYU. He is thankful for his professors and to, Amy McLaughlin, National Scholarships and Prestigious Fellowships Coordinator, and James Mayo, Scholarships Coordinator at the Kennedy Center for International Studies, who always reached out about scholarship opportunities. Having a team of people wanting to help Bonney succeed and open doors is something he will always remember from his time at BYU.
For future applicants, Bonney advises to find someone who is not afraid to give painful feedback. Find someone who gives trustworthy advice and helps you feel cared for as they help you improve. Lastly, just apply.
Bonney is immensely grateful for his small family. Due to his new role as a father, Bonney is not accepting the Fulbright. He plans to work full-time learning more about U.S. domestic politics, U.S. economic policy, and U.S. financial policy before attending business school. Bonney then plans to work in international trade or international business.
“Becoming a dad has been lifechanging. I totally reassessed where my impact is going to be in the future. Maybe I will participate in global economic discussions, maybe I’ll help out with big diplomatic deals; but I will always be Louis’s dad. It grounded me like nothing else has,” Bonney said.
Additionally, Dan Raleigh and Blake Bullock, also 2025 Fulbright recipients, will represent BYU as they leave for unique destinations. Both received an English Teaching Assistant Award. Raleigh will travel to Kenya, and Bullock will head to Germany. They hope to help students grow and build connections with the cultures.
While each of these six Fulbright recipients has chosen a different path through the Fulbright program and beyond, their journeys reflect a shared commitment to learning, service, and global connection. Through their passions, involvement as BYU students, and their willingness to step into the unknown, they exemplify what it means to lead with purpose. Whether abroad or at home, their influence is just beginning.
The Fulbright application opens every April. To learn more about the Fulbright Scholarship, contact the National Scholarships and Prestigious Fellowships Office.