Charles Bongomin
Fulbright Student from Uganda pursuing an MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution at American University in Washington, DC.

I am a Fulbright graduate student from Uganda studying International Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) at American University in Washington, DC. I completed my undergraduate degree in BA Social Sciences (Political Science and Social Administration) from Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. Prior to the Fulbright scholarship, I worked in Northern Uganda with a non-profit organization called Agency for Cooperation in Research and Development (ACORD) as a Project Officer Conflict/Governance. The Fulbright Scholarship has given me a great opportunity to fulfill my dream and aspiration to study peace and conflict at a graduate level, and later contribute to my society that has witnessed war for the last 20 years.

I have truly enjoyed my Fulbright opportunity, shared with American people the situation in Uganda, and encouraged many American friends who have visited Uganda to give hope to the vulnerable children in Northern Uganda. I continue to advocate for the plight of children and be their ambassador while in the U.S. The Fulbright experience has enhanced, deepened and widen my horizon and understanding on issues of cross-cultural dynamics, international politics and its complexities, and I know that the knowledge and skills I am acquiring shall be of great value to my society, country and the world.

HaeJin Shin
Fulbright Student from South Korea pursuing an MA in School Counselor Education at the University of Maryland, College Park

My experiences at the University of Maryland as a Fulbrighter provided me with ample opportunities to hone my knowledge and leadership skills while helping me become a more active learner, who is open to change and diversity.

Most of all, the Fulbright Fellowship allowed me to serve as a cultural mediator, searching for culturally responsive adaptations of American school counseling models to Korean educational environments. As a bilingual counselor, I was able to meet many Korean American children and their immigrant parents in Maryland and D.C. area. Unfortunately, I witnessed that little knowledge about school counseling services prevents Korean American parents and their children from collaboration with school personnel, including school counselors. While promoting mutual understanding between Koreans here and American school personnel, I learned to not only truly appreciate the uniqueness of each cultural heritage, but also I came to realize the importance of cross-cultural dialogue in this global era.

I believe that personal growth as a global citizen begins both with discovering one's positive assets and with contributing them to local, national, and transnational communities. The Fulbright scholarship enabled all this to be possible, and I am very thankful.

Enrique Bravo
Fulbright Student from Mexico pursuing at Ph.D. in Comparative Government and International Relations at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

It was an easy decision to apply for a Fulbright. First and foremost, it has reputation as a program of excellence. Fulbright is certainly the most prestigious scholarship in Mexico, it is very competitive and recognized. But it is also a great credential in the U.S. It still amazes me the very positive reactions I get form just about everyone when I mention that I am here with a Fulbright. These reactions remind me every single day that I have a great responsibility as a bearer of this prestigious grant and, of course, as a representative of Mexico. My current duty includes to get the most out of this experience and bring the best back to my country.

I look forward to returning to Mexico to give my country at least part of what both countries have given to me. My doctoral program is providing me with tools and training that will shape my professional future, either in academia, in public service, or in both. But beyond academic learning, my time in the US has contributed enormously to my understanding of the U.S., with whom Mexico has its most important bilateral relation, and even of Mexico itself. Looking at my country from outside has taught me just as much about it as growing up in it. I am grateful for having the opportunity to understand both places better. Being a Fulbrighter becomes then a lifetime commitment to excellence and to the promotion of better understanding between the U.S. and Mexico.

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