Shaneberger Strengthens PhD Studies with Fulbright Experience in Sweden
Political science PhD student Jennifer Shaneberger traveled to Sweden for her 2023–2024 Fulbright Scholar experience. There she worked with Linköping University’s Division of Migration, Ethnicity, and Society to explore issues affecting migrants in Sweden.
“I was able to complete 39 interviews with migrants, six interviews with national level politicians, five interviews with citizens, and two interviews with business representatives,” she said. “I also gained a network of Swedes that I can call on to answer questions in the future.”
Shaneberger, whose focus is on international relations and comparative politics, visited Swedish cities where migrant communities experienced integration problems to better understand the conditions impacting them.
“I completed interviews and ethnographic research to discover how political rhetoric impacts migrant labor-market integration,” she said. “The interviews, along with the ethnographic data I collected from the experience, will be the foundation of the qualitative chapter in my mixed methods dissertation.”
Shaneberger appreciated the team dynamics at the university, engaging with colleagues through campus meetings, courses with guest lecturers, and participating in the Swedish Association of Political Science Conference. She made valuable connections in the country and beyond through the Fulbright network, learned about a post-doctoral opportunity that she will apply for, and formed a deeper understanding of possible avenues for future employment.
“As a Fulbright, I was able to present my research to the US Ambassador to Sweden, the Minister of Education, and many scholars,” she said.
Shaneberger’s family accompanied her to Sweden, giving them an unforgettable adventure and a priceless educational experience.
“My daughter attended school there, taught in Swedish, and my husband found a niche community of blues musicians, who became our dearest friends,” said Shaneberger.
They enjoyed taking in the beauty of Sweden, a country with a social and cultural approach steeped in an appreciation of nature and environmental responsibility. To travel during their stay, they bought a Skoda, a car that runs on compressed biogas produced from garbage waste.
“Swedes take caring for the environment so seriously, coming back to American values was a reentry shock for us,” said Shaneberger. “Swedes believe that nature is to be shared, so you can walk through woods you don’t own and not worry about trespassing.”
They also became accustomed to the snowy Swedish climate, 3:30 p.m. sunsets, a detailed and conscientious program for sorting trash, and an abundance of solar panels supplementing the power grid.
“They have a saying, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing,” she said. “We witnessed them plowing the snow off a soccer field for an after-school game under big lights.”
Back home in Tennessee, Shaneberger will focus on data analysis, completing her dissertation, and forging post-doctoral career plans. Her advice for future Fulbright Scholars is to engage with others who have done Fulbright experiences and with the support system coordinated by UT’s Undergraduate Research and Fellowships office (which also helps graduate students) and the Center for Global Engagement.
She also emphasizes the importance of making the Fulbright application essay something unique to one’s experience and goals.
“In your essay, discuss the instances in your life that led you to this work,” said Shaneberger. “Connect your research to your journey. You selected this research topic or field not just by chance, but deliberately.”
By Randall Brown