Editors’ Note: This story was updated on March 30 to reflect new information from Matthew Loar.

Fulbright finalists and other fellowship applicants from Washington and Lee University face uncertain study abroad paths as the effects of the Trump administration take hold in Lexington.

Last month the State Department froze the grants that fund international exchange and study abroad programs, according to the New York Times. The State Department has not announced when or if funding will resume.

Three programs have the greatest impact on university students: the Fulbright Program, which provides grants for international study, research, or teaching to people with bachelor’s degrees; the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), a scholarship that fully funds international research of certain languages during the summer; and the Gilman Scholarship, which provides funds to low income students for internships or study abroad.  For the past seven years, Washington and Lee has been a top producer of Fulbright students, according to the Columns. Additionally, a record number of Washington and Lee students received the CLS last year.

The programs give students unique opportunities to study, research and teach abroad, said Matthew Loar, director of fellowships and student research.

“These programs play an important role in preparing not just W&L students but all students for engaged citizenship in a global and diverse society,” Loar said.

The university currently has 30 semi-finalists for the Fulbright Program, according to Loar. There has been no official communication from the Fulbright program about if or when finalists will be notified. Normally, 50% of semifinalists would have been notified of finalist status by now. This year, no one has.

“We all put in a ton of work for these applications,” said semi-finalist Elena Lee, ‘25. “It’s disheartening to know that we’ve all made it this far of our own merit, just to find out that there’s a chance the program won’t run because of something that is so far out of our control.”

The status of payments for current Fulbright Scholars are also unknown, according to an article by the Washington Post. Payments for visiting scholars have been paused, and grantees in certain countries have been receiving significantly reduced paychecks or none at all, potentially leaving them without resources outside of their home countries.

However, the Fulbright Program is established partly through bilateral treaties, which are binding agreements typically formed between two sovereign nations. Because of this, it is more difficult to wind down the Fulbright Program compared to other State Department programs, said Loar. Despite this, the status of the program is still in jeopardy.

Due to the current uncertainty of the program, Loar has suggested for the semi-finalists to “plan as if it won’t happen.” Additionally, he has made the decision to hold off information sessions for juniors and seniors interested in applying for the program in the fall until there is clarity about the State Department’s funding.

Some current semi-finalists for the Fulbright are disheartened by the potential loss of the opportunity.

“It’s tough to think you have a solid option and then have it withheld,” said semi-finalist Liv Ullmann, ’25.

Had Ullmann received the Fulbright, she planned to do public health research related to tuberculosis control and response in Kenya.

“As someone interested in global health, Fulbright is also an opportunity to meet future professional collaborators across different borders and countries,” Ullmann said.

Due to the uncertainty of the Fulbright Program, many semi-finalists have been looking towards other opportunities.

Lizzy Nguyen, ’25, said that although she wanted to teach English in Vietnam with the Fulbright, it wasn’t central to her plans. She said she hopes to “go with the flow” and remain as optimistic as possible.

Semi-finalist Austin Molitor, ’25, said he will likely commit to a math PhD program for next year, since a few of those programs have guaranteed funding. Molitor has been having difficulties knowing where to go next year, he said. But not having the Fulbright as an opportunity has limited his options, which he said has made it easier for him to make a decision.

Some funding for the Gilman Scholarship is being processed, according to the Institute for International Education. Two Washington and Lee students have received funding so far, but eight more are still waiting on funds, said Loar.

Although the CLS has announced results for finalists, there has been no indication about when or if they will receive their funding.

“It’s definitely been a big bummer to follow the defunding of Fulbright. I think my senior year…has been disrupted by the destabilization of job opportunities, fellowship opportunities, etc.,” said Ullman.