Anca Larisa Țibucanu

Home Institution: “George Călinescu” Secondary School, Iași (English teacher);
Host University: Georgia State University, Atlanta

Looking back nostalgically to the final projects and assignments I had to make for the Fulbright TEA Program or browsing through the new apps and sites I’ve recently heard about from my international colleagues, it’s hard to believe it’s been almost three months since I’ve come back – to my students, school environment, my colleagues and to my reality as a whole.

To begin with, this scholarship was completely different from being a tourist – just (as Ramita from Nepal said) “clicking photos” of a landmark and moving on immediately. It rather provided me with the chance to absorb the American daily way of life, with all the good, the bad and the ugly – the life on the campus, the dining hall, the huge supermarkets, trying the American products, the discounts, the traffic, and so on.

Another part I really enjoyed was the field experience – observing day-to-day lessons at Cross Keys High School in Dekalb County where my group was so well-received and warmly greeted by every staff member. One week was barely grazing the surface, but I had the opportunity to share knowledge and teaching methods with the colleagues there, to feel both a teacher and a student. During this week I could confront what I knew about the American educational system “from the movies” with the reality on-site. I am extremely grateful to Jake, my co-teacher from the school who put me in contact with several of his colleagues who teach a variety of subjects, so I could observe their classes. Also, he allowed me to get involved during his own classes and to collaborate with his learners, making me feel included and welcome. By the end I felt I was actually part of the school and felt sad I had to leave. I did feel proud when some of the teachers (more or less jokingly) asked me if I didn’t want to become a permanent part of their staff.

Apart from learning, I also had the chance to see a sliver of the U.S. – visiting the host city and state, as well as a few other states by means of day-trips or weekend getaways. Being among the skyscrapers and other imposing buildings (like several Capitols), I could feel the greatness of this country, as it was meant from its very beginnings. I was lucky and extremely glad to end this scholarship with a few days in Washington DC, along all the other participants from the four host universities, exchanging opinions about the program and setting up connections for possible future collaborations.

However, what I am most grateful for is the people I met – EVERY SINGLE PERSON who was involved in this program – the teacher colleagues from 5 (FIVE) continents, our professors, program directors and volunteers at Georgia State University, Rachel and her lovely Friendship Family, Loredana at the Fulbright Commission in Bucharest – people who have made this experience unforgettable and whom I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet if it hadn’t been for this incredible opportunity.

Being in the U.S. for nearly two months has provided me with indelible memories and knowledge – yes, even after 18 years of teaching, there is still much to learn. I came back to my classes with a plethora of ideas, photos, tips, strategies, tricks, fun games and useful activities that could improve my students’ language skills and increase their love for this language, as well as this great country.