Senior lands Fulbright to teach, study in Spain

May 27, 2008

Michael Grafals will spend part of his summer traveling around the United States and reading American novels. That's the best preparation he can imagine for his year-long Fulbright Program scholarship.

Starting in September, Grafals will teach English to high school students in Madrid. He also plans to study Spanish literature, literary theory or comparative literature at the Complutense University of Madrid during his Fulbright year.

Grafals is the eighth Rowan student in as many years to land a prestigious Fulbright. He's also the second straight English major-and fourth Liberal Arts & Sciences student in the past three years--to earn the honor.

"This opportunity will provide the foundation for my scholarly career and aspirations," says Grafals, who plans on earning his doctorate in English.

"I know my students (in Spain) will have questions about what it is to be an American. I'm going to spend part of my summer preparing for that."

Grafals earned his undergraduate degrees in English and education, with secondary education certification, from Rowan on May 16.