The Program

The Program

I will try to keep this blog about my personal experiences in India as much as possible, but I feel I must spend a couple of posts giving credit to the program that is making it all possible (Fulbright-Hays).  So, here is the first post along those lines, and it aims to explain Fulbright in a little more detail.

Program Name:  Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad:  "Exploring India's Experiences with Selected Millennium Development Goals"

Program sponsor's: 

• Fulbright-Hays  
• Richland College
• Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District
• World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth

What it Means to be a "Fulbrighter"

Our trip is a very customized Fulbright trip.  Information about it cannot be found on the Fulbright website as other Group Projects Abroad can be.  In fact, the closest thing to our trip describes a project that focuses on elementary teachers in India, and it goes to 6 major cities (4 of those our group doesn't come near).  More information our customized agenda can be found in my next post called the "The Mission." Nonetheless, we are a Fulbright trip, and with it comes a certain meaning.The following information is shared with you from the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Handbook, appendix VI.

Becoming Fulbrighters means that we have joined a group of more than 250,000 alumni in approximately 140 countries.  We have been awarded a Fulbright grant not only for our academic and/or professional excellence but also because of our leadership potential.  What each grantee has a specific teaching, research or professional project to pursue, it is important to recognize that all Fulbrighters ultimately promote mutual understanding and respect between the United States and other nations.  In this sense, Fulbrighters are "cultural ambassadors" to their host countries and active and involved members of their communities upon returning home.

In the host country, Fulbrighters:

• Meet as many people as possible in all walks of life by speaking and writing about their countries to interested groups.
• Participate in a broad range of social and community activities in addition to pursuing their academic or professional objectives.
• Continue to learn about the history and culture of their host countries.

Upon returning home, Fulbrighters:

• Speak and write about their Fulbright experience as widely as possible.
• Support the Fulbright program in their countries through various activities such as becoming involved with alumni activities, serving on selection committees, and hosting visiting Fulbrigters.

More information about our specific 2011 project can (eventually) be found at :  http://www.richlandcollege.edu/fulbright/index.php