"My Fulbright experience at University of Illinois in Chicago, College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs reshaped the boundaries of my world and broadened my horizon. The Fulbright experience is all about helping you explore your skills to the fullest. Speaking as someone who loves a challenge, the Fulbright experience was everything I had hoped it would be."
Ana-Maria Bercu
Fulbright Visiting Scholar, 2022-2023
My Fulbright experience at University of Illinois in Chicago, College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs reshaped the boundaries of my world and broadened my horizon. The Fulbright experience is all about helping you explore your skills to the fullest. Speaking as someone who loves a challenge, the Fulbright experience was everything I had hoped it would be. Everything starts with a strong wish to apply for a Fulbright scholarship, then I meet a wonderful Romanian Fulbright team that assists me from the beginning of the application until my comeback home: „Thank you, Romanian Fulbright team!”, with You the most unbelievable dream is entirely reality.
At CUPPA, UIC in Chicago I have had the great opportunity to meet amazing colleagues who made me feel at home and in the right place for enriching my research experience in the field of public administration. Professor James Thompson reconfirmed my belief that I chose a complex and provocative domain, “the motivation and commitment of public servants”. Professor Jared Carr, the Head of the Public Policy, Management, and Analytics Department, offered me institutional support and involved me in the life of the department. Professor Lawrence Brown shared with me memorable experiences during my entire stay, from discussions on my research and common projects to chats about our families and life experiences, becoming a friend for life. Raúl Gutiérrez-Meave involved me, in turn, in fascinating discussions about public policy. Professor Jill Tao brightened the days with her amazing personality, interesting discussions about our work and sharing a good coffee at the corner coffee shop. Sarri Ann Buffill and Sharon Hayes assisted me throughout my stay at CUPPA, with enthusiasm and warmth. I am so grateful to all of them for making my Fulbright experience memorable!
From a professional perspective I have gained knowledge and the ability to overcome scientific challenges, to explore deeply and patiently, to accept other people’s views while backing my opinion with arguments. The Fulbright experience taught me that I am more than able to overcome my limits and strive to accomplish my goals. From a personal point of view, I was privileged to see my family sharing in new experiences in a country with different cultural values, to learn about different educational systems and to discover well-being from another perspective. Discovering Chicago, its wonderful fall colors, Chicagoans and their lifestyle, the music and arts scene further enriched my experience.
Once back home, I realized that the Fulbright experience would stay with me forever!
“We must dare to think ‘unthinkable’ thoughts. We must learn to explore all the options and possibilities that confront us in a complex and rapidly changing world.” (Senator J. William Fulbright)
Ana-Maria Bercu, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi
2022-2023, University of Illinois Chicago