This, too, shall be in your suitcase!
Collect all of your life experiences- people we get to know, challenges we face, things we learn, and happy moments, and put them into one big suitcase. Carry it within yourself to wherever you go. This was one of the things I learned during one of the pre-academic programs from a great University of Arkansas professor, Leyah Bergman-Lanier.
I also learned from the program organizer Alannah Massey, who works at the same university, that we need to remember the different personalities of people around us, try to understand different characters and preferences, and make connections with them as long they have good intentions.
I participated in two pre-academic optional programs in the Summer of 2020 at two different universities: the University of Arkansas and Wayne State University. These programs were six weeks long. They contained many idea exchanges, meeting new people, which I now call my Fulbright family, and reinforcement of lessons that I learned during academic life while in undergrad. Great university staff and instructors enriched the experience even more. I was placed among 12–14 great Fulbright scholars from around the world. We became great friends, and we communicate continuously about how far we have come in our different journeys.
I would like to suggest to the newly coming Fulbright students to take any opportunities if they are available- before the actual academic program itself or during, even if it is virtual. Yes, it might be difficult, but it will definitely be worth it.
Also, reach out to other Fulbright grantees who are from all parts of the world. They don’t have to be those who will study at your university but anyone whom you get to know through mutual friends or other sessions held anytime. Don’t fear to ask for group hangouts with people whom you have never met before. Be open about it and just do it.
Overall, if you are offered any pre-academic optional programs, take it!
Yes, they are optional, but they are designed for you by outstanding staff and instructors from whom you will learn a lot. You will forget all your fears from the unknown and uncertainties while studying in a new country and environment. They are there to answer your questions and remove any concerns you may have about what difficulties you will face while studying here.
Hazha is a Fulbright student from Iraq. She is studying Entrepreneurship at the University of Florida.
You can find more information about the Fulbright Program, Fulbright Foreign Student Program, and the Fulbright Program for the Middle East and North Africa on our websites. To learn more about other Fulbrighters, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and visit our blog.
