November 20, 2019
Once again St. John’s and the Fulbright US Student Program collaborated to promote world peace and gain a deeper understanding and tolerance for others by preparing the 2019 US Fulbright grantees for their journeys to Western Hemisphere countries in a predeparture orientation.
The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with funding provided by the U.S. Government, and is supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education. After a competitive selection process, the program was hosted by the Office of International Education in June. At the opening ceremony, grantees were welcomed by Simon G. Møller, Ph.D., University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, and inspired by keynote speaker, Yvonne Pratt-Johnson, Ed.D., Professor, The School of Education, who shared her tips to make the most of the Fulbright experience.
During the weeklong orientation, the 68 US Fulbright recipients—including scholars, student researchers, and English teaching assistants—attended special workshops and presentations by St. John’s faculty and administrators, the US Department of State, special guests, and 15 Fulbright alumni to learn about the politics, society, and culture of their host countries, as well as the larger Fulbright community. Based on the predeparture orientation’s successful implementation this past summer, St. John’s has been selected to host the program again in 2020.