Salim Hiziroglu

Home University: Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Host University: Transilvania University of Brașov
Field: Forestry

My one-year assignment as a Fulbright Fellow at Transilvania University of Brașov, Romania, was not only an excellent professional experience for me, but also a natural laboratory for learning as much as possible about the culture and the country. I particularly enjoyed collaborating with the graduate students of the Faculty of Wood Engineering and Furniture Design, alongside faculty members, in my research and teaching responsibilities.

Although this was my seventh visit to the same faculty over the past 16 years, previous visits were for much shorter periods. I therefore considered myself very privileged to observe the higher education system, as well as the culture of the country, through the Fulbright program during my one-year stay in beautiful Brașov. I can confidently state that the English-language skills of people in the country and within the university environment were commendable and impressive. While I have had relatively extensive international work experience throughout my career in many Asian and European countries, this assignment was one of the most productive and enjoyable. The very professional approach of every member of the Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission was undoubtedly one of the most important contributing factors. The Fulbright experience is all about sharing and learning; therefore, I strongly recommend that my colleagues consider such an experience in their careers to enhance their international perspective.