By Alex Greenwood, August 27, 2025
Chitpasong “Chip” Lee, a recent University of Central Missouri (UCM) graduate, has been selected as a Fulbright Student for the 2024-25 academic year. Lee will participate in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program’s English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program in Laos, where she will spend 11 months assisting with English language instruction and engaging in cultural exchange.
Lee, who earned a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and is currently a substitute teacher in Lee’s Summit, was thrilled when she learned of her selection.
“I was in shock,” she said. “I was jumping up and down, crying. I never thought I’d actually get it. I just applied to see what would happen.”
Her Fulbright assignment holds both professional and personal significance.
“I chose Laos because of my dad,” she said. “My father’s family still lives there, and I’ve never been. It’s about connecting with my roots and really getting to know where I come from. Growing up Laotian American in Missouri is one thing, but this is my chance to see it firsthand.”
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. It is funded primarily through an annual appropriation from the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments, host institutions, corporations and foundations in the United States and abroad also provide direct and indirect support.
Fulbright grant recipients are selected based on academic and professional achievement and demonstrated leadership potential. The program operates in more than 160 countries worldwide.
Michael Makara, Ph.D., a professor of Political Science at UCM, serves on the university’s Fulbright Committee. He was himself a Fulbright Scholar in Jordan and noted how competitive the award is.
“Fulbright is one of the most prestigious cultural and educational exchange programs in the world,” Makara said. “Each year, between 10,000 and 12,000 applicants compete for about 2,000 spots. To have a UCM student selected speaks volumes about their dedication and potential.”
Lee’s application stood out not only for her volunteer work and cultural engagement but also for her academic achievements at UCM. She was named the Outstanding Senior in International Studies and received the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award in the Humanities, which recognizes exceptional academic performance and contributions to the college community.
Makara said Fulbright opportunities are transformative.
“It’s not just about teaching or research,” he said. “It changes how you see the world and how you see your own country. It’s about breaking down borders and building cross-cultural understanding.”
While awaiting pre-departure orientation and required training in teaching English as a foreign language, Lee is brushing up on her Laotian language skills by speaking with her family and immersing herself in books, music and films.
“I’m pretty fluent, but I want to be fully prepared,” she said. “I think the hardest part will be being away from home for so long. I’m excited, but I know I’ll miss my family — and American cheeseburgers.”
The ETA role will keep her busy. In addition to teaching, she will complete community volunteer work. She hopes the experience will serve as a stepping stone toward a career in diplomacy, foreign aid or international education.
“I want to do something that makes an impact globally,” Lee said. “This feels like the right next step.”
Lee credits her professors for encouraging her to pursue opportunities she never imagined.
“Dr. (Henry) Wambuii and Dr. (Darlene) Budd were huge influences. They were so open, helpful and always willing to answer questions, even the small ones. They made me feel like I could do this,” she said.
She also values the close-knit atmosphere at UCM.
“It’s a smaller community, which made it easy to build relationships,” she said. “My professors knew me by name, and I felt supported the whole way.”
Makara said Lee exemplifies the type of student Fulbright seeks: academically strong, service-oriented and eager to immerse herself in another culture.
“Chip’s story is a testament to what’s possible when a student combines talent, drive and a genuine desire to serve others,” he said. “She’s going to be an incredible ambassador.”
As her August departure approaches, Lee remains both a little nervous and very hopeful.
“Fulbright is a huge responsibility, but it’s also an incredible gift,” she said. “I’m grateful for everyone who helped me get here: my professors, my family and the university. I just hope I can give back as much as I’ve been given.”
Students interested in learning more about the Fulbright Program are encouraged to contact Makara at makara@ucmo.edu.