Living and researching in the U.S. as a Fulbright scholar representing Romania is a life-changing experience, and I truly believe that any student, teacher or researcher should apply. This is an effective way we could use to bring about change in our academic system, both by enriching our education and by developing new educational and cultural relationships.
Florin Oprea
Fulbright Visiting Scholar, 2021-2022
There are several moments in our career when we feel that we need a professional boost to enhance and expand our skills and competences, to continue to grow and obtain maximum satisfaction out of our work. For me, the optimal solution was to apply for a Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award, the U.S. government’s most prestigious international educational and cultural exchange program. One cannot say that it is easy, but, certainly, the reward exceeds the effort, as the Fulbright Program offers the best academic experience that one can have. Benefiting from the support provided by the amazing Fulbright team during the whole application and affiliation process is also a positive thing to this special adventure.
Looking back now, I can conclude that the Fulbright experience never ends. Returning to my home country and my home organization actually is a new beginning, a new stage of this one-of-a-kind experience, in which I have started to share with my peers and students all the ideas, memories and feelings that I accumulated throughout that time.
In a nutshell, living and researching in the U.S. as a Fulbright scholar representing Romania is a life-changing experience, and I truly believe that any student, teacher or researcher should apply. This is an effective way we could use to bring about change in our academic system, both by enriching our education and by developing new educational and cultural relationships. As a Fulbrighter, I had the opportunity to work with amazing people, such as Vice-Dean Yener Kandogan and Professor Seyed Mehdian – I am so grateful to them for all the personal and institutional support they gave me. The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award also gave me the rare opportunity to get to know the American society, to some extent, to explore Pure Michigan’s splendid attractions and to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of this wonderful State during fall season, with places and colors that I will never forget.
I am very grateful for this groundbreaking experience and I am confident that the Fulbright Program is accomplishing its aim every day, with every participant, continuing to “bring a little more knowledge, a little more reason, and a little more compassion into world affairs.” (Senator J. William Fulbright).
Florin Oprea, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi
2021-2022, University of Michigan-Flint