A Year in the Fulbright Life: Ismael’s Story

For the next year, Fulbright MENA will be showcasing a handful of students as they study in the United States with their new series, A Year in the Fulbright Life. Each month, spotlighted students will share an update as they continue on their Fulbright journey.

July 2019

Perhaps the most challenging part of coming to the United States was saying goodbye to my family and friends. Despite the hard goodbyes, arriving in the U.S was exciting; and I know I have a fantastic Fulbright journey ahead!

My pre-academic programwas at Drexel University in Philadelphia, where I became acquainted with 40 other Fulbrighters from nearly 30 different countries. Meeting other Fulbrighters who are becoming new friends and exchanging our cultures was a life-changing experience.

During my gateway program at Drexel University, I was introduced to American culture in different ways. I got acquainted with the way classes, instructors, and guest lecturers work here. The first thing I noticed about people in the United States was how friendly and helpful they are! I got a chance to interact more with Americans and American culture when I was invited to have dinner with a local family. Not only did I learn about how American families interact with each other, but I also had the chance to become friends with wonderful people I would never have met otherwise! We talked about our countries and how we are similar and different in terms of family structure, hospitality, nature, and of course, food.

One of our excursions at Drexel University was a trip to Washinton, D.C. Visiting D.C. was one of the most informative trips of my life. I learned that D.C. is not only the capital of the United States, but it’s also a great place to learn about the culture and the history of the United States from a variety of monuments, memorials, and the Smithsonian Museums.

August 2019

Having an academic background in architecture, I have always wanted to see and visit New York and Fulbright granted my wish! During my stay in Philadelphia, together with my Fulbrighter friends, we visited New York City. As expected, the city was beautiful and picturesque.

As a part of Drexel University’s community service project, my Fulbrighter colleague and I helped set up and run the Allegheny Avenue Arts Festival, a day-long block party/music festival hosted by a local music school.

Since I had some drawing skills, I volunteered to do face painting for the children who attended. The community service was yet a great opportunity to communicate and integrate with the Americans, learn from them and exchange culture.

As my Pre-Academic Program nears towards its end at Drexel University’s English Language Center in Philadelphia, it was time to say goodbye. Saying goodbye to my Fulbrighter colleagues and instructors that I befriended, perhaps, was the most challenging part. Despite being an intensive program, it was rewarding and informative. I learned so much from my Fulbrighter friends and teachers and I know I will treasure this experience and my memories for the rest of my life.

Moving into Cincinnati felt exciting, and I was looking forward to the academic journey ahead. I arrived at my home and met my American roommate. I spent my first week arranging my room, adjusting to my new life in Cincinnati, getting to know the city, and attending university orientations, where I met and made many international and local friends.

Ismael is a first-year Fulbright student from Iraq. He is studying community planning at the University of Cincinnati.

Follow updates from Ismael and other Fulbright students on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Check back here every month for more updates on the blog and Medium Series to see what Ismael does this year!