Fanta Aw and Erica Lutes

Fulbright Schuman Executive Director Erica Lutes set off for the United States on Wednesday, May 8 for a one-month educational tour that includes the EUSA and NAFSA conferences, as well as stops at universities in the Northeast region. At the European Union Studies Association conference (http://www.eustudies.org/conference.php?cid=8), Ms. Lutes presented a paper on “Advancing Diplomacy via the Fulbright Commission” with Angela O’Neill from the College in Europe in Bruges, Belgium, which receives an American Fulbright Schuman Scholar to lecture on US-EU affairs every other year (http://www.fulbrightschuman.eu/grants-for-us-citizens/grants-for-university-lecturing/). While at the conference, Erica also had the chance to meet with past, present, and future Fulbright Schuman scholars from America and the EU, spread information about the award to potential US host institutions, and learn about trends and upcoming concerns within EU studies that can be reflected in Fulbright Schuman programming efforts.

Adrian Bunea, left, and Erica Lutes, right

Dr. Adriana Bunea, a current Fulbright Schuman grantee at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, attended the EUSA conference and met with Erica and IIE program officers there, as well.

EUSA Beer Event

She says, “The 2013 EUSA conference was an excellent venue to present my current research and get high quality feedback from most well-reputed scholars in the field of EU studies. The panels in which I presented my papers were well attended and the academic debates were vivid and interesting. The conference was also a great venue for networking and further developing my professional contacts. I meet my current collaborators and discuss our current research projects, while also establishing new professional contacts and discussing ideas for new joint research projects. In addition, the conference allowed me to meet with the Fulbright officers and to personally thank them for their support and great help in making my US stay a productive and interesting one. Overall, a great and fulfilling professional and personal experience that makes me look forward to the next EUSA conference.”

Erica Lutes and Anita McBride

Marco Rimanelli and Erica Lutes

Over 60 participants came together after the conference for the Taste of Belgium networking event sponsored by Fulbright, College of Europe, and Stella Artois. Since the conference was in Baltimore, Erica also had the chance to stop by American University, where she spoke to 30 people representing over 7 universities, 4 states and the District of Columbia about the Fulbright Schuman award. There, she also had the chance to meet with William J. Fulbright Foreign Scholarship board member Anita McBride to discuss the issue of Fulbright candidates and alternates applying to more than one Fulbright program in any given application cycle. The decision to allow candidates to apply to the Fulbright Schuman program in addition to their home country program (and only accept one offer) is positive, but still pending.

Following successful efforts in previous years, EducationUSA has reserved 40 square meters in 2013 to actively promote U.S. study to a European audience and provide accredited U.S. colleges and universities a cost-effective way to showcase their institutions and programs.

Professional EducationUSA staff will be present at the Pavilion at all times to assist you in promoting educational opportunities in the U.S. and to facilitate meetings. As a pavilion participant, you will also have the option to attend a U.S. Networking Reception and invite partner institutions. By joining the pavilion, you can promote your institution in a cost-effective way.  EducationUSA will also be happy to suggest optional visits to EducationUSA advising centers, as well as secondary schools and universities in the region.

Please note that the pavilion participation fee does not include the conference registration fee. However, participating in the booth will help defray the costs associated with an independent exhibit booth, booth furniture, and the U.S. Networking Reception. Space is limited.

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.cvent.com/events/educationusa-pavilion-at-eaie/event-summary-8f0d661edcc74b6a96a1b55f29b6d929.aspx

During the first semester I received an invitation from the Institute of International Education to apply to participate in one of the ten 2013 Fulbright Enrichment Seminars for first-year Fulbright grantees. The space to attend a seminar was limited, but I was lucky to be selected to attend my first choice Seminar topic ‘Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability – Global Challenges and Local Solutions’ held in Phoenix, Arizona.

At the opening night we had a tour of the Phoenix botanical garden and an introductory lecture about the water issues Phoenix is facing. The second day a panel discussion presented us climate change mitigation and sustainable projects and actions in Phoenix and Arizona State. In the afternoon we received a short Entrepreneurship Master class and our 2-day workshop exercise was presented. We were divided in groups that each had to come up with an inventive solution for a specific societal problem. Our group proposed a solar-energy electric bike-system for Phoenix city.

Two other interesting activities were also part of the seminar. During the hospitality evening, Wesley (the other Belgian Student in the seminar) and I had a pleasant dinner night with two gentlemen, one Belgian and one French, who have been living in Phoenix for a long time.

On Saturday morning we had a community service project in which our group removed invasive plants in a local wetland.

In general I must say that the atmosphere during the seminar was fantastic!  It was an amazing experience to meet so many students and scholars from all around the world (+/- 75 different countries represented), who are all studying in different parts of the US. The Seminar definitely met its goal to increase mutual understanding between people from the US and other countries, as well as to learn about other regions in the US.

Phebe Dudek

KUL Master in Architectural Engineering
M.I.T. SMArchS Architecture and Urbanism 2014

Frank Boas, who passed away on March 16, 2013, was a resident of Brussels for over 20 years before returning to his home country, the United States. Frank earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University; and in 1958, after a period of government service, came to Belgium where he founded a highly successful law practice. Frank was an early believer in the enormous possibilities open to American business in the then newly formed European Community.

But the practice of law was by no means Frank’s only passion. From an early date he believed in two related causes. First, he was keen to help cement relations between Belgium and the United States. Second, he was convinced that the exchange of students at the university and post-university level between European countries, on the one hand, and the United States, on the other, was an excellent means for bringing Americans and Europeans together. And in doing so, he could also be helpful to his alma mater, Harvard University.

Frank became a major donor to the Commission for Educational Exchange known as the Fulbright Program, particularly in respect of Belgian and Luxembourg students, researchers and scholars who wished to attend the law school and other graduate study faculties at Harvard University. And, of course, his support enabled countless Americans to spend academic time in Belgium and other EU countries. The recently formed Harvard Boas Association is the grateful response of Fulbrighters who have gone on to successful careers thanks in good part to Frank’s largesse.

Upon retirement, Frank moved to Hawaii where he continued his support of Harvard University and Fulbright Programs. He also was an active donor to a variety of other educational and charitable organizations. Frank’s international and educational interests brought him many honors including decorations awarded by the Belgian and Luxembourg governments.

Frank was married to an American diplomat who predeceased him. Frank had no children; but his legacy of help to young people through education will long live after him.

RSVP to fulbright@fulbright.be for more details.

On Sunday June 16, 2013 UStudy offers a unique event about studying in the United States, and everyone is welcome!  With many American schools and relevant organizations gathered in one convenient spot, UStudy’s College Fair offers anyone interested in studying in the U.S. (for any program or any length of time) the perfect opportunity to learn about their options.

This event is ideal for all students, including high school and university-aged students, their parents, guidance counselors, athletic coaches and other interested parties.

Anyone is welcome, regardless of your age, nationality, grades or education level:  The Go USA College Fair is for everyone wanting to study in the U.S. beginning in August, 2013 or later—or for anyone wanting to gain a broad understanding of studying in the U.S.

Get personalized answers to of your questions, including questions about:  school choice, majors, the admissions process, cost & financial aid opportunities, as well as student/athletic life on an American campus!

Location:  NH Conference Center Sparrenhorst in Nunspeet, in the Veluwe.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

13:45 Opening remarks, Randy Berry, American Consul General

14:00 – 17:00  College Fair, including: Representatives from American colleges and universities

•     Those providing important services to international students
•     Dutch students who have already studied in the U.S.
•     UStudy staff, on hand to answer questions about the application process, tests, essays, financial aid, etc.

14:00 – 17:00  Sessions with experts—limited number of seats—registration required:

•     The visa application process – John Wilcock, Consul, U.S. Consulate General, Amsterdam*
•     Netherlands federal financial aid in the United States – Ge van ‘t Holt, Information specialist, DUO/Ministry of Education
•     Evaluation of American diplomas – Jessica Stannard, Diploma evaluator and U.S. expert, Nuffic
•     Insurance for the United States – Arti Pancham, Insurance specialist, AON Hewitt
•     American work permits – Hilde Cevaal/Marcel Booiman, immigration specialists VisaVersa
•     Various sessions about playing sports and studying in the United States – athletes from various sports (i.e. field hockey, tennis, basketball, soccer, volleyball, American football*)

*Session in English, all other sessions are in Dutch

18:00 – 20:15 Osacar winning college movie “Good Will Hunting”

Please register for the sessions using the registration form http://ustudy.eu/eng/go-usa-college-fair-june-16-2013-in-nunspeet-free-admission/.  Information session registration is possible only via the form below, as part of the College Fair registration process.  Space is limited!!

FULL is FULL!

Admission to the Go USA College Fair is free of charge; however, available only upon registration via this registration form before June 10, 2013.

After June 10, the cost of admission to the College Fair is € 5 per person via the registration form.

NH Conference Center Sparrenhorst is in the Veluwe forest and is easily accessible via public transportation or by car.  Free parking and free shuttle service to/from the Nunspeet train station, with 24-hour advance notice to the

conference center at nhsparrenhorst@nh-hotels.com. The conference center is a 5-minute walk from the train station.

Date: June 13, 2013

Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am (ET) / 18:00-19:00 (Brussels time/CEST)

More information and registration: http://ow.ly/kCjnF

Date: June 10, 2013

Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (ET) / 21;00-22:00 (Brussels time/CEST)

More information and registration: http://ow.ly/kCiTX

Date: June 7, 2013

Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am (ET)

More information and registration: http://ow.ly/kChKX