Romania took hold of my heart in 2015 and since then has consumed my mind and soul. As with any genuine commitment, my relationship with this beautiful, complex country has grown and deepened over time as I have learned of its many tragedies, as well as its many triumphs. I have surrendered myself to Romania. [...] As I continue my Romanian journey, I marvel over the resiliency and fortitude of the people. I am fortunate to have developed close relationships, familial in many ways, with many Romanians. And I am eternally grateful to have been granted a Fulbright and honored to become part of this amazing community.
Welcoming the 2025–2026 U.S. Fulbright Cohort to Romania
From September 24 to 26, 2025, the Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission organized its annual orientation program for the incoming cohort of U.S. Fulbright grantees. This year, 26 Fulbrighters and their families joined the event in Bucharest, with several more expected in the spring semester. In total, 34 American participants will contribute to Romania’s academic and cultural life during 2025–2026. The cohort brings together U.S. Scholars, Student Researchers, and English Teaching Assistants (ETAs), who will spend the year teaching, researching, and building connections across 14 Romanian cities.
The first day of the orientation centered on the ETAs, with sessions dedicated to education and teaching. Dr. Simona Iftimescu (University of Bucharest) opened with an introduction to Romania’s higher education system and academic culture, followed by a panel on “Best Practices for Teaching EFL and American Culture in Romania,” delivered by returning ETAs May Hong, Katlin Riley, and Haley Stevens. In the afternoon, ETAs met their university contacts from cities including Arad, Bacău, Baia Mare, Constanța, Craiova, Iași, Suceava, and Timișoara. The day closed on a celebratory note with a reception at Casa Oamenilor de Știință, bringing together new grantees, alumni, and Fulbright partners.
The second day highlighted official welcomes and cultural insights, underscoring the importance of academic and cultural exchange. The group was greeted by U.S. and Romanian representatives, including Ms. Alys L. Spensley, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy; Mr. Andrei Cosmin Luca, Director of the Department of Cultural Diplomacy, Education and Science at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Cătălina Crișan, Fulbright Alumna and Associate Professor at Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca; and Mr. Mihai Moroiu, American Program Director at the Fulbright Commission. Ms. Spensley also provided a detailed briefing on security, consular services, health, media, and public diplomacy matters.
Afternoon sessions featured insights from alumni and faculty about adapting to Romanian academic life, understanding local history and identity, and making the most of the Fulbright experience. Fulbright alumni Dr. Cătălina Crișan, Dr. Irina Stoica, and Dr. Dan Gabriel Anghel shared perspectives on academic life in Romania, while Dr. Marian Coman spoke on Romania’s history, culture, and identity. Dr. Dragoș Iliescu discussed “Emotional Tools for Shaping the Fulbright Experience,” and Dr. Ionuț Geană offered an introduction to the Romanian language.
The final day of the orientation shifted to practical topics, covering program logistics such as finances, residence permits, work-related travel, and plans for future group meetings. The program concluded with a guided visit to the Palace of Parliament, offering the new grantees a glimpse into Romania’s recent history.
We are grateful to all the speakers, alumni, and partners whose contributions enriched the program. Most importantly, the event fostered connections between the grantees and the Fulbright community in Romania, laying the foundation for a successful year ahead. We wish all our grantees a rewarding academic year and look forward to staying in touch throughout their Fulbright journey.
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More photos are available on the Commission’s Facebook page.
List of 2025-2026 U.S. Fulbrighters