Romanian Alumni Stories
"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)."
"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."
"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 basic question in finance is: "Do you like pizza or pasta?"The answer is "there is no answer to that question". The correct question should be: "Do you like pasta or Chinese noodles?"."
"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."
"United States is a realm that must be known and experienced, therefore I am grateful for the support in allowing me to have this unique experience."
"This is an opportunity more Romanian researchers should have. Our national system may then benefit greatly from such an experience – providing our system will get 'healthier,' as it has to, i.e. to achieve the 'scientific meritocracy' needed in order to have a significance in the international academic community and for the national effort of development."
"I will be first to admit that Fulbright is a magic word and a way to feel empowered. But I also realize that Fulbright is more than a new 'identity' to be proud of: it is a great responsibility and a framework that encourages you to do creative work. Being a Fulbrighter is a duty to question yourself, who you are, what is 'that thing' you could do as the highest of your potential, and how can you contribute to others' lives."
"Grad school in the US and my Fulbright experience were a big risk, but I am convinced that in 50 years from now, I will look fondly at my commencement pictures and realize that they influenced my life beyond my wildest expectations."