Romanian Alumni Stories
"I do not feel I am exaggerating when I say that my overall Fulbright experience helped me rediscover myself as a person, helped me redefine my role in the society as a teacher and urged me to rethink my approach to doing science."
"I had spent most of my two years before the Fulbright experience doing archival research. Therefore, the sudden switch from the small reading rooms of Romanian local archives to New York did have a tinge of pleasant abruptness."
"As the overarching goal of the Fulbright program is that of „mutual understanding between people” I believe this can truly occur only when you develop your own internal models by reaching out and engaging across boundaries."
"Studying in the U.S. can be inspiring and challenging because you get exposed to different situations and unique cultures that are peculiar to the States. The Fulbright program offered me a Student Award to start my MFA in Film at Syracuse University, in Syracuse, NY."
"The different methodologies compared to the European ones, centered on extensive validations, have changed my approach in terms of conducting research. Also, the American culture has widened my perspective by introducing a fresh breeze and more commitment towards family and specific work values."
"My first interaction with an American on American soil was with an Airport security officer and after the gentleman checked my passport he said ‘you're the second Romanian I know... and the first one is Nadia Comaneci.’ That was the beginning of a magical (as I like to call it) journey as a Fulbright Student."
"It all started several years ago, at the beginning of my PhD, when I came across several papers written by Elizabeth Pilon-Smits, plant Biologist and professor at Colorado State University (CSU)."
"After spending twenty minutes in the lobby I feel already overloaded with faces, names, countries, fields of studies and names of universities from all over US. I go out to take some fresh air and the first thing I see just across the street is a huge sign reading: Munteanu's – Romanian, Hungarian and Greek food."
"The Fulbright Student grant made it possible for me to be part of a wide range of academic events (e.g. courses, conferences, lectures). In addition to the rich academic experiences, the grant gave me the opportunity to meet and share my experiences with students coming from various academic, cultural and social backgrounds."
"One month in USA...Everything's moving so fast...the people, the cars, even the time... you have to keep up. As a European at first you try to do everything fast in order to feel American, but then you realize that you aren't American and you need to stop acting as one."