Fulbright Foreign Student
Newsletter

A Story About Snow, Basketball and Visions

This past year has been one of the most challenging, interesting and enjoyable years of my life.  I have made friends with a wonderful group of international students.  Each of them come from very different backgrounds, giving me an opportunity to learn more about various parts of the world as well as different languages, religions, cultures and legal systems.

Emilija Marcinkeviciute, 2008-2009, Lithuania, at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law

Responding to this question, particularly to a person from Austin, is fun.  Since these two places are far away from each other and differ greatly, there was always something to discuss.  The first thing, of course, is that we have lots and lots of snow in Lithuania.  For Texans, where winter is as warm as a Lithuanian summer, my description of Lithuanian weather was like hearing a horror story.  The next response that usually followed was my reassurance that not all Lithuanian last names are as incredibly long and complicated as mine.

After my new acquaintances were disturbed by the thought of Lithuanian snow and last names, I had to say something that would convey that no matter what differences exist between Texas and Lithuania, there is always something that connects us.  And what can be better than basketball?  I would only have to mention several famous Lithuanian players and the initial astonishment regarding Lithuanian snow would dissolve.

Now that my experience as a Fulbright grantee is coming to an end, I understand that there is one other thing that connects students from Lithuania and other countries much more than basketball.  All these young and energetic people have visions for their lives, and regardless of how different these visions are, the process of creating them can only be achieved through interactions with others.

As a famous Lithuanian poet, Vaizgantas, once said, “Efforts are the same everywhere – to make life a tale and have fun reading it."

To comment on Emilija Marcinkeviciute's article on State Alumni, please click here. 

A New Adventure

In two weeks, I will start a new adventure.  I am going to study at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in California.  Naturally, this looming event has elicited a lot of emotions and questions.  I've definitively received a lot of assistance from the Fulbright office in Israel and IIE to help me feel more relaxed and begin enjoying my Fulbright experience.

The decision to study abroad and the application process are demanding both emotionally and intellectually, but I am convinced that being a Fulbrighter has alleviated some of these demands in different ways.  Besides technical issues and bureaucratic procedures, I know that I will always have someone I can trust such that if I encounter problems, people will reach out and help me make the most of this opportunity. 

I believe it is a privilege to be a part of the Fulbright Program.  The opportunity to engage with diverse cultures from the entire world, side by side, without boundaries is unique.  Tolerance and respect for different cultures are principles that, in my opinion, should be part of this world.  I am convinced that studying abroad will enable me to fully experience and learn about different cultures while teaching me a great deal about myself.

Rachel-Gideay Yaso, 2009-2010, Israel (front row, right), attending a dinner held at U.S. Ambassador to Israel James Cunningham's house; also in attendance were Dr. Negist Mengesh, Director of the Ethiopian National Project (front row, left), Attorney Yacov Gonchel (back row, right) and Dani Admasu, Director of the Israel Association for Ethiopian Jews (back row, middle)

I believe that the Fulbright Program's framework enables us as grantees to come together and learn more about the positive aspects of different cultures.  To see beyond the world the media portrays, to look past continents, to see beyond ourselves and know that we can learn from each other if we are open and sensitive.  To be a part of the Fulbright Program, which supports the ideals of understanding and peace, is to be a part of a world I'd like join.

To be a Fulbright grantee is also to know that I will be active in promoting justice and mutual understanding, aspire to excellence, knowing also that I will make mistakes and learn from them.  It is an enormous opportunity that will teach me many things academically, socially, personally and more.

I want to say thank you, to all the Fulbright staff in Israel, the U.S. Department of State, IIE and the Monterey Institute for their assistance with every problem I've encountered.  Thank you for being attentive and understanding and for helping me to make the most of this opportunity.

To comment on Rachel-Gideay Yaso's article on State Alumni, please click here. 

Working with Habitat for Humanity

Mikel Armendariz Leoz, 2008-2009, Spain (right), building houses with Habitat for Humanity in Durham, North Carolina

Shortly after starting my MBA at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, my classmates and I had the opportunity to participate in a Habitat for Humanity project.  We helped build a house for a low-income family from the Durham area.  This experience has shown me the large, positive effect that every one of us can have in the community by dedicating a bit of time to people who might not have the resources to pay for a decent house or to pay for their children’s education.  The working atmosphere was great.  All of us worked really hard knowing that our efforts were for a good cause and would help people who really needed our support.  This has been one of my best experiences in Durham so far.  After that first Habitat for Humanity project, I've participated in more, working on building new houses and planting trees in a local neighborhood.  I expect to participate in even more projects in the near future!

To comment on Mikel Armendariz Leoz's article on State Alumni, please click here.