Romania took hold of my heart in 2015 and since then has consumed my mind and soul. As with any genuine commitment, my relationship with this beautiful, complex country has grown and deepened over time as I have learned of its many tragedies, as well as its many triumphs. I have surrendered myself to Romania. [...] As I continue my Romanian journey, I marvel over the resiliency and fortitude of the people. I am fortunate to have developed close relationships, familial in many ways, with many Romanians. And I am eternally grateful to have been granted a Fulbright and honored to become part of this amazing community.
RAAS-Fulbright Conference on American Studies
From October 8 to 10, 2026, the Romanian Association for American Studies (RAAS) and the Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission co-organized the 13th edition of the RAAS-Fulbright Conference on American Studies, entitled “Journeys and Frontiers in American Literature and Culture,” at “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași, Romania.
Over three days, the conference highlighted the value of American Studies as a space for interdisciplinary exchange and critical reflection, while celebrating a significant milestone: 250 years of American independence and the continuing evolution of the American story.
The conference brought together scholars and researchers from a wide range of disciplines, strengthening academic connections, advancing American Studies in Romania, and fostering dialogue among academics, students, and Fulbright grantees and alumni.
Eighteen Romanian and U.S. Fulbright grantees and alumni presented papers on topics spanning literature, the arts, communication, linguistics, technology and artificial intelligence, community, heritage, and cultural studies. The 250th anniversary of American independence served as an important point of reflection throughout the conference, including in the keynote by U.S. Fulbright Scholar Dr. Amy Letter, “What is an American story? 250 years after the founding,” which invited reflection on the narratives through which American identity and experience have been understood over time.
The Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission congratulates all the participants, speakers, organizers, and partners whose contributions made the conference a successful occasion for scholarly exchange and collaboration.