Fulbright provides opportunities

This spring, University of Northern Iowa faculty will have the opportunity to learn about teaching and researching in more than 135 countries.

Alisha Scott, program officer at the Council for International Exchange of Scholars is holding an informational workshop on the Fulbright Program.

The goal of the 63-year-old program is to “increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries, through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills.”

The workshop, free and open to all UNI faculty, will feature a social reception time catered by UNI, a presentation by Scott about what kind of opportunities Fulbright has to offer, as well as a question and answer session.

Although Fulbright offers opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, this workshop is designed for faculty only.

“I especially think it’s important now because of all the budget cuts ... people are going to be wondering ‘how can I do my research, how can I do my travels, where can I get the money,’” said Nadia Korobova, assistant director of International Programs.

Last year, as part of the Fulbright Program, Abdennour Kharakki came to UNI from Morocco.  He studies intercultural communication and interpersonal communication. 

He said that he was interested in learning about “the fascinating interaction between apologies as aspects of linguistics politeness and the self concept as a social psychological construct.”

Sue Jordan, Secretary for the Office of International Programs, spent time with Kharakki and described his curiosity about American customs and traditions, including behavior while listening to the national anthem.

“You could not have met a more fascinating man...very gracious and very polite.  He interacted with everyone,” Jordan said.

“Fulbright does more than just send people to other countries,” said Korobova. “They provide apartments to rent, establish a personal and social curriculum and organize support for the faculty.

“It’s a matter of making a connection with another country,” she said.

The program has provided the opportunity for UNI faculty to travel and study as well.  Mohammed Rawwas, professor of marketing, has received four Fulbright awards.

He has been to Japan, the Caribbean Islands, Lebanon and Chile.  In Japan, he and his family were able to meet with the Emperor and Empress on the 50th Anniversary of Fulbright.

In addition to teaching, Rawwas and his family learned about culture and people in these countries. They were also able to travel and explore in each place they lived, even visiting Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, he said.

“Definitely, Fulbright has changed my life and made better person and teacher,” Rawwas said.

The conference takes place on April 13 in Seerley Hall. There are limited seats available so reservations will be accepted until April 3.

In addition to UNI, faculty from area universities and community colleges are invited.  There is no cost to attend, and guests are welcome to stay for only part of the workshop if necessary. 

For additional information or to make a reservation, contact Korobova at nadia.korobova@uni.edu. To learn more about Fulbright, visit www.fulbright.org.

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