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.
Welcome to the 2023-2024 Group of U.S. Fulbrighters
From September 27 to 29, the Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission organized the Orientation for the new cohort of U.S. Fulbright grantees. The event, hosted at the Fulbright Commission, brought together 28 U.S. Fulbrighters and their families who recently arrived in the country. More U.S. grantees will be joining us in the second semester of this academic year, bringing the total to 36 American Fulbrighters.
Our cohort includes a diverse group of U.S. Fulbright grantees, including scholars, student researchers, and English Teaching Assistants (ETAs). They are engaged in teaching and research across a wide range of fields, including Sociology, Mathematics, Political Science, Education, Philosophy, Literature, Communication, Accounting/Finance, Music, Art History, Gender Studies, Anthropology, History, American Culture, and Filmmaking, at universities throughout the country.
The first day of the orientation was dedicated to the ETAs, with a focus on education and teaching. Sessions included “Higher Education in Romania – Overview and Processes” by Dr. Simona Iftimescu from the University of Bucharest, “University Pedagogy: Strategies for Teaching Excellence and Serving Students” led by U.S. Fulbright Scholar Dr. David Gracon, and “Best Practices for Teaching EFL and American Culture in Romania” delivered by Amy Biedermann and Andreea Ciobanu, 2022-2024 U.S. Fulbright ETAs.
In the afternoon, the ETAs participated in “Anti-Bias Training in the Classroom” led by U.S. Fulbright Alumna Allie Rigby. They also had the opportunity to meet their mentors from universities in Arad, Bacău, Baia Mare, Brașov, Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Craiova, Iași, Sibiu, Suceava, and Timișoara. The day concluded with a reception at Casa Oamenilor de Știință, where the entire group of U.S. Fulbrighters connected with other alumni, partners, and Commission friends.
On September 28, the group was officially welcomed by high-ranking U.S. and Romanian officials: H.E. Kathleen Kavalec, U.S. Ambassador to Romania, Mr. Andrei Cosmin Luca, Director, Department of Cultural Diplomacy, Education and Science, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Daniel F. Visoiu, President of the Commission’s Board of Directors, Dr. Mihaela Precup, Fulbright Alumna and Associate Professor at the University of Bucharest, and Prof. Mircea Dumitru, Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission.
Following the opening welcome, the grantees received briefings on security, political, consular, health, public diplomacy, and media matters from U.S. Embassy experts Christopher Gruber, Rebecca Molinoff, Thomas Bills, James Leggett, and Peter H. Brown.
Later in the day, Fulbright alumni Dr. Mugur Zlotea and Dr. Mihaela Precup offered insights into Romania’s academic life and culture, while Prof. Dragoș Iliescu shared some “Emotional Tools for Shaping the Fulbright Experience.” The Fulbrighters also had the opportunity of meeting Delphine Perchec, Regional Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator, Europe and Eurasia, who facilitated a session titled “Navigating Identities in Romania.”
The third day of the orientation started with a session on Fulbright logistics, covering financial matters, residence permits, work-related travel, future group meetings, and ways to stay connected. It was followed by a 2-hour Romanian Language Lesson for Beginners, led by Dr. Mona Moldoveanu Pologea, Managing Director at ROLANG School.
The event concluded with a city bus tour and a visit to the Palace of Parliament.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all speakers and participants for their presence and valuable contributions to the Orientation. Beyond the presentations and briefings, the in-person orientation provided an excellent opportunity for American grantees to connect with each other and Commission staff.
We send our best wishes for a successful academic year and eagerly anticipate staying connected throughout your Fulbright journey!
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More photos are available on the Commission’s Facebook page.
List of 2023-2024 U.S. Fulbrighters