Athens, Ga. – University of Georgia students, faculty and the local community are invited to learn more about opportunities abroad available through the Fulbright Program, the largest U.S. international exchange program, during a campus-wide presentation on Feb. 23. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 3-6 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Tate Student Center.
The UGA Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Office of International Education and the Honors Program are hosting the celebration, which marks the 66th anniversary of the Fulbright Program.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Program provides students, scholars and professionals an opportunity to complete advanced research and international graduate study or to teach in university settings or in elementary and secondary schools worldwide.
“We are thrilled to have a chance to honor the accomplishments of the great number of Fulbright recipients on campus. We have much to celebrate given that UGA was recognized as a top producer of U.S. Fulbright scholars for 2010-2011 and as a top producer of U.S. Fulbright students for 2011-2012,” said Maria de Rocher, Honors Program coordinator and adviser for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
Kavita Pandit, UGA associate provost for international education, will deliver opening remarks in Grand Hall D. She will be followed by introductions of de Rocher and staff from the Office of International Education: Kasee Laster, director of study abroad, and Sylvia Schell, assistant director of international student, scholar and immigration services. Several current student and faculty Fulbright recipients also will speak about the significance of international study.
“The Office of International Education is delighted to be a part of this event, which highlights the importance the Fulbright Program has had over the years in building good will around the world as well as fostering research and teaching relationships and personal friendships,” Laster said. “Participating in the Fulbright Program is an excellent way for faculty to expand their own cultural knowledge and horizons, form contacts for future collaboration, serve as positive ambassadors for UGA and the U.S. and jump start or complete a research project.”
Panel discussions will feature UGA undergraduate and graduate students and faculty who have traveled overseas as Fulbright recipients and visiting Fulbright faculty and students from other countries. The panels will take place at 4 p.m. in Grand Halls A, B and C. A reception, sponsored by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, will be held at 5 p.m. in Grand Hall F.
For more information about the event, contact de Rocher at derocher@uga.edu. For more information about the UGA Office of International Education, see http://www.oie.uga.edu. For more information about the Fulbright Program, see http://fulbright.state.gov.