In May 1951, Smith became the first Illinois Wesleyan University student to be awarded a Fulbright Scholarship. He was also among the first recipients of the award to be working in the field of art. Forty-two other students recieved Fulbright Scholarships in art history, painting, sculpture, and graphic arts.
While in Paris, Arthur Hall Smith spent one month studying intensive French, and eight months studying fine arts at the University of Paris, France. He also studied privately with Stanley William Hayter while in Paris.
Smith also found a moment of artistic clarity when his French land-lady told him that American impressionism was "quite brutal." Arthur realized that he agreed, and changed his style to leave behind private symbolism for pure forms.