The Fulbright Program
Connecting People. Connecting Nations.
The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational and cultural exchange program, creating connections in a complex and changing world.
Led by the U.S. government in partnership with 160 countries worldwide, Fulbright offers programs for passionate and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds to study, teach, and conduct research, helping to build mutual understanding and find solutions to critical international concerns. Fulbrighters enrich their educations, advance their careers, and make meaningful contributions to communities abroad and at home. As Fulbrighters, they join a network of thousands of alumni serving as leaders across the globe.
The Fulbright Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, under policy guidelines established by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, with the assistance of binational Fulbright Commissions in 49 countries, U.S. embassies in more than 100 other countries, and cooperating agencies in the United States. The Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB), composed of 12 educational and public leaders appointed by the President of the United States, formulates policies for the administration of the Fulbright Program, establishes criteria for the selection of candidates, and selects candidates nominated for awards.
One connection at a time, Fulbright brings people together and moves nations towards a more peaceful world.
“The Fulbright Program aims to bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs.”
In Romania, the Fulbright Program has been present since 1960, bringing durable changes on Romania’s path to progress and democratization, and profoundly influencing lives and professional careers, communities at large. Since 1960, over 3700 Romanians and Americans participated in these exchanges, benefiting from funding for graduate studies, research, teaching and cultural exchanges in general.
The Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission was inaugurated in May 1993 with the support of the American and Romanian Governments, following the bilateral agreement between the U.S. Department of State and the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Commission is a bi-national, non-profit organization whose purpose is to facilitate the administration and coordination of educational exchange programs funded by both Governments. The activities of the Commission are carried out in virtue of Law No. 50/2014 and supervised by its Board of Directors.
Board of Directors
The Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission’s Board of Directors is a bi-national body with planning
and coordinating responsibilities. The Board has 10 members appointed by the U.S. and Romanian
Governments. The Ambassador of the United States to Romania and the Minister of Foreign Affairs
of Romania serve as honorary co-chairs.
Kathleen Kavalec
U.S. Ambassador to Romania
Luminița Odobescu
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Daniel F. Vișoiu
President of the Board; Registered Foreign Lawyer, Bucharest (Romania) Bar, Member of Florida (USA) Bar
July 2023 - July 2025
Alys L. Spensley
Public Affairs Counselor, U.S. Embassy
Ex officio member
Peter H. Brown
Cultural Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy
Ex officio member
Marina Coandă Bundac
Director, Bonte Foundation
September 2024 - December 2025 (first term)
Charles Vernon
Managing Partner, Vernon | David
September 2024 - December 2025 (first term)
Janina-Mirela Sitaru
Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ex officio member
Ligia Deca
Minister of Education
March 2023 - December 2024 (first term)
Madlen Șerban
Secretary General at National Commission of Romania for UNESCO
March 2023 - December 2024 (first term)
Marian Preda
Rector, University of Bucharest
May 2021 - December 2024
Alina Bârgăoanu
Dean, College of Communication and Public Relations, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration
July 2023 - December 2024 (first term)
Fulbright Team
Prof. Mircea Dumitru
Executive Director
Mihai Moroiu
American Program Director
Corina Dănăilă-Guidea
Romanian Program Director
Loredana Bucuroaia
Program Assistant
Laura Pari
Financial Manager
Mihaela Doagă
Educational Adviser
Ruxandra Rădulescu
Educational Adviser
Diversity Statement
The Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission is committed to promoting equality and providing an environment where all members of its community are treated with respect and dignity. The Commission does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, political affiliation or belief, in any of its programs, activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, award candidates, grantees, alumni, volunteers, and partners.
Fulbright International Diversity Groups
Fulbright Forward: A Diversity Podcast
Fulbright Forward is a podcast that explores the concepts of diversity access, equity, inclusion and justice in the Fulbright Program and the work of Fulbright participants and program partners in communities around the world.
This podcast features alums of the Fulbright Program who talk about their work and research, about regional and local ramifications of global diversity-related issues, and the impact their Fulbright experience has had on their personal and professional growth. Episodes will also feature advocates and professionals from diverse communities working towards greater inclusion in higher education/educational exchange.
Please note: The views expressed in this interview series are entirely those of participants, and do not represent the views of the Fulbright Program, the U.S. Department of State, or any of its partner organizations.
Check out the most recent episodes here: https://fulbrightforward.buzzsprout.com/