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.
U.S. Fulbright ETAs Participate in Regional Workshop on Education and AI
U.S. Fulbright ETAs Paris Mercurio and Rylee Bordwick participated in the regional workshop “Education in the Digital Age: Innovation and AI,” hosted by the U.S.-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB) in partnership with RIT Kosovo (Prishtina, March 25-28, 2026).
The three-day event brought together Fulbright English Teaching Assistants from multiple countries across the Western Balkans, Bulgaria, and Romania, alongside educators, institutional partners, and representatives of the U.S. Embassy. The workshop focused on the evolving role of technology and artificial intelligence in education, fostering dialogue on both opportunities and challenges associated with its integration into the classroom.
Participants engaged in a series of lectures and discussions led by faculty from RIT Kosovo, exploring topics such as the impact of AI on teaching practices, student learning, and cognitive development. The sessions also addressed the role of ETAs in supporting host institutions and long-term faculty, identifying gaps in educational systems, and contributing to effective learning environments.
In addition to the academic program, the workshop provided valuable opportunities for regional exchange and networking within the Fulbright community. The event concluded with a cultural visit to the city of Prizren, further strengthening connections among participants.
Through their participation, Paris and Rylee contributed to and benefited from a broader regional dialogue on innovation in education, gaining insights into responsible and effective uses of emerging technologies in the classroom.