1. Pre-Departure Orientation
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Pre-Departure Orientation

2. We look forward to welcoming you to the United States!
Congratulations!!
We look forward to welcoming you
to the United States!

3. Introduction to the Fulbright Program
The purpose of the Fulbright Program is to promote cultural exchange
As a Fulbright grantee, you will join a group of more than 3,000 student Fulbrighters from around the world this year.
AMIDEAST administers the Fulbright grant on behalf of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State.
- The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by former Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas.
The U.S. Department of State-sponsored Fulbright Program offers grants to four groups of people: U.S. students, U.S. scholars, Foreign students, and Foreign scholars.
The purpose of the Fulbright Program is to promote cultural exchange between the United States and other nations. Through exchange, the Fulbright Program hopes to create improved relations among nations.
- Approximately 318,000 "Fulbrighters," 120,000 from the United States and 198,000 from other countries, have participated in the Program since its inception over sixty years ago. The Fulbright Program awards approximately 8,000 new grants annually. Currently, the Fulbright Program operates in over 155 countries worldwide
- Several cooperating agencies administer the Fulbright Foreign Student Program: the Institute for International Education (IIE), LASPAU, and AMIDEAST.
We must try to expand the boundaries of human wisdom, empathy and perception, and there is no way of doing that except through education.”
- Senator J. William Fulbright

4. Understanding Your Grant
Terms of Appointment = your grant contract
The information presented to you verbally is meant to be
a general overview of the Fulbright grant. Your
individual grant terms may vary; you must carefully read
through your Terms of Appointment to understand your
benefits and responsibilities.
Refer to your Fulbright Handbook too!
Online at:
(Select “Grantee Resources” link)
Password: Arkansas1945
Benefits Start Date is the date on which your grant benefits will start.
Maximum Funding Date is the date until which you may be eligible to receive funding. Your Fulbright grant will likely end earlier, as you will be expected to work diligently to complete your degree or your non-degree program.
Conclusion of the Fulbright scholarship will occur on the date the grantee completes his/her academic program requirements, or on his/her Maximum Funding Date, whichever comes FIRST.

5. Fulbright Terms of Appointment
Cover page – outlines individual grant details including:
university placement, funding, benefits start date, maximum funding date, financial provisions and any special provisions
General Terms of Award – outlines and details:
key definitions, financial provisions, travel benefits, healthcare coverage, grantee obligations, allowances, US tax obligations, academic enrollment & standards, reporting requirements, two-year home residency requirement, etc.
As a Fulbright grantee you will have certain benefits and responsibilities. Your Terms of Appointment provide general guidelines of your grant benefits and obligations.
The cover sheet of the Terms of Appointment is a summary of information that is particular to your Fulbright grant, including the name of your university, sources of funding which may include personal resources or university scholarships, the amount of your monthly Fulbright allowance, and any special provisions or limitations on your Fulbright grant.
Benefits Start Date is the date on which your grant benefits will start.
Maximum Funding Date is the maximum time you may receive funding. Your Fulbright grant will likely end earlier, as you will be expected to work diligently to complete your degree or your non-degree program.
Conclusion of the Fulbright scholarship will occur on the grantee completes his/her academic program requirements, or on his/her Maximum Funding Date, whichever comes FIRST.
Grant Termination, Revocation, or Suspension
The U.S. Department of State and AMIDEAST would like to see you succeed in your objective. However, there are circumstances under which you could lose your grant. These circumstances include breaking U.S. law, failing to achieve minimum academic standards, failing to comply with grant terms, failing to receive authorization for work, failure to maintain health insurance coverage for dependents, and dishonesty during the Fulbright application process.
Your Fulbright grant will be suspended if you leave the United States without prior approval or if you change or do not engage in the program for which you were awarded a grant.
Resignation from the Fulbright Program
If you resign from your grant, you must notify AMIDEAST immediately . The U.S. Department of State will determine if you must repay any of the grant benefits you have received.

6. Financial Details Required Tuition & Mandatory Fees (covered by grant)
Monthly Maintenance Allowance (MMA) is calculated to provide basic living costs for one person based on the local cost of living
Book Allowance ($500/semester & $250/summer)
Equipment Allowance ($500, one time)
Conference Allowance (up to $500, one time)
Thesis Allowance (up to $300, if applicable)
International travel from/to home country at the beginning & end of program Fly America Act & Open Skies regulations apply
Health Coverage - Accident & Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE)
Preparatory Allowance: You will NOT receive any money to help with expenses for your medical exam, passport, visas, clothing, etc.
Travel: The scholarship award provides for international economy air travel from the grantee’s home country to the grantee’s pre-academic training site and/or to the grantee’s academic institution in the United States and return air travel at the conclusion of his/her Fulbright sponsorship.
Excess Baggage Allowance : You will NOT receive any money to bring extra baggage to the United States.
Transit Allowance: If you are eligible for a Fulbright-purchased airline ticket, then you may also be eligible to receive a $350 transit allowance to help cover expenses for travel expenses from home to the U.S. Eligibility for this allowance is determined by the Fulbright Program or Commission in your country.
Monthly Maintenance Allowance: The rate of your monthly maintenance allowance is determined by the calculated cost of living in the city in which your university is located. The monthly allowance is to be used for your food, housing and incidental expenses. This allowance is not enough for personal travel or to care for dependents.
The monthly allowance rate is designed to be enough for student living. If you are currently a professional earning a salary, then you should expect to adjust your lifestyle to that of a student while in the United States or bring personal funds to supplement your Fulbright stipend.
You will not receive an allowance while outside the United States for extended periods of time or when not enrolled in coursework.
NOTE: U.S. Department of State has approved these allowances. AMIDEAST is contracted to administer the program for the Middle East and North Africa whereas the Institute for International Education (IIE) and LASPAU administer the programs for other world regions. You will meet IIE- and LASPAU-administered Fulbright grantees whose grant terms and benefits differ so do not get confused about your requirements when meeting other Fulbrighters!

7. Maintaining J-1 Status
Report to AMIDEAST within 5 days of arriving in the U.S.
Maintain a full-time load of credits at your university
Remain in good academic standing
Report residential address changes, phone # changes, any plans to travel outside the U.S., and anytime you will be absent from your university for more than two days
Report academic plans for summer to AMIDEAST
Maintaining J-1 status is very important! Failure to meet these requirements will jeopardize your Fulbright grant. Being “out of status” also puts you at risk of getting deported and being barred from entering the United States in the future.
Two-Year Home Residency Requirement
Under U.S. law, a foreign scholarship grantee, upon expiration of his/her Exchange Visitor program, is required to reside in his/her home country for two years before he/she may apply for a non-immigrant visa (H and L) as a temporary worker, for permanent residence in the United States, or as an immigrant. This rule does not prohibit you from returning to the U.S. on another non-immigrant visa (for business, vacation, further study, etc)
The Fulbright program requires grantees to return to their respective home countries when their academic exchange activities in the United States are concluded.

8. When you arrive…
Call or us your temporary residential address as soon as you arrive so we can validate you in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
Let us know your mailing address so we can mail your first stipend check
Open a bank account at a bank convenient to your university
Complete & send all Arrival Forms to us by stated deadline
IMPORTANT: Failure to notify AMIDEAST of your arrival to your host institution within ten days of your entry into the United States will automatically invalidate your SEVIS record and will seriously impact your ability to stay in the United States to begin your program
Your first monthly maintenance check will be mailed to you; you will need to complete the Arrival forms - available on AMIDEAST’s Fulbright Grantee Resources webpage - so that we do not have to hold the next MMA checks
You should let us know your address at the pre-academic or gateway program and then report your new address as soon as you have one at your university. This cannot be your advisor’s address—it must be you RESIDENTIAL address

9. Reporting to AMIDEAST
You must provide updated contact info to your AMIDEAST advisor.
You must submit regular reports to AMIDEAST including:
Academic Program Outline to be submitted at the beginning of your academic program
Academic Progress Report to be submitted at the beginning of each subsequent academic term
Summer Plans Report to be submitted prior to the beginning of your summer session
University transcript to be submitted at the conclusion of each academic term
Official copy of final university transcript to be submitted upon completion of your academic program
AMIDEAST reserves the right to withhold your MMA if you do not
submit these required forms on time.
When you arrive:
Arrival forms from the website
Updated contact information
You will receive reminders and deadlines to submit these
During your program:
Every term you will submit an Academic Progress Report & Transcripts
We reserve the right to hold your stipend
Summer Term:
You will submit Summer Plans Report
You should enroll full-time in classes during the summer, if possible. If not, you should do research or academic training
No book allowance is issued when not engaged in Academic work
At the end of your grant:
Official transcript with degree certification
Alumni Information
Evaluation
Reminder: Grantees’ MMAs will be held if these forms are not submitted on time!

10. Consult the Fulbright Handbook & website for more details!
Reporting to AMIDEAST
Additionally, prior approval from AMIDEAST is necessary for:
* On-campus employment
* Academic Training, including required internships (paid or unpaid)
* Travel outside of the U.S.
* Your DS-2019 form will need to be signed for travel authorization
* Travel for more than 29 days results in a deduction of your MMA
* Taking a reduced course load
* Registering for any online courses
Consult the Fulbright Handbook & website for more details!
J-1 regulations only permit certain types of employment. You may not engage in any type of employment at any time without prior written approval from AMIDEAST.
The travel validation only needs to be signed once every 12 months. Be sure to check your DS form and allow sufficient time to get the signature BEFORE travelling outside the U.S.
J-1 regulations require full-time academic enrolment except under special circumstances . AMIDEAST approval is required in those situations .
Online courses are allowed only in special circumstances and must be approved by your Fulbright advisor

11. University Program * Meet with your academic advisor &
international student advisor
* Maintain full-time status and good
academic standing
* Check your for instructions & opportunities from AMIDEAST
* Be active in student clubs, university activities & community events!
Check when your university is holding its student orientations and be sure to arrive in time to attend. Many institutions offer programs for all new students and a program specifically for international students.
J-1 students must maintain full-time status while in their programs in order to remain “in status”. Each university has a different system. This may be 12 credits per semester at one university or 6 credits at a different university.
Each university also has established minimum grade requirements to be in “good academic standing” which may be higher (or lower) than the Fulbright program’s 3.0 GPA policy; you are required to meet both.
Give AMIDEAST your university address once it is established as well as a personal address (gmail, hotmail, yahoo, etc.) so you can make sure to get important instructions from us and hear about opportunities.
Grad school work can be overwhelming. In some classes, you will never be able to get everything read, your papers will not be perfect, you will not get as much done as you had hoped. Work hard and do your best, but realize you will not be perfect. Talk with fellow classmates and with professors to get an idea of what’s “normal” and how you are doing. Make time to be active in the community and take care of yourself (eat, sleep, exercise, etc.) so that you can manage your stress.

12. University Housing Types of Housing Where to Find Housing Information
* Apartment/studio
* Group House
* Townhouse
* Room to rent in a house
* Dormitory: graduate housing, international
student housing, family student housing
Where to Find Housing Information
* University housing office – the website or
actual office
* Local town or school newspaper
* Bulletin boards around your campus
* Classmates or current Fulbrighters
* Online resources like
If requested, AMIDEAST can reserve a hotel room for your arrival. Although AMIDEAST will guarantee the reservation with a credit card, you MUST pay for the hotel yourself. See handbooks for more details.
University housing resources (such as message boards, housing office, etc.) should be their first option before craigslist.com since anyone can post on craigslist.com while only university students can post on university housing boards.

13. Housing Advice Location * Near grocery store * Laundry facilities
* Public transportation
Neighborhood
* Other students in the neighborhood
* Safe, low crime, parking
Utilities
* Utilities included?
* Wi-Fi or internet access?
Costs
* Price of rent
* Amount of security deposit
* Date (and frequency) rent is due
Lease
* Length of lease
* Penalties for breaking lease
* Option to sublet

14. Health Coverage
Accident & Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE); administered by Seven Corners
This health coverage is very basic and covers only the expenses incurred by an unexpected illness or injury that requires immediate, and relatively short-term treatment. You are responsible for paying all co-pays:
* $25 co-pay for any office visit
* $75 co-pay for emergency room, hospitalizations and urgent care
* $15 co-pay for all brand name drugs with a generic equivalent
* Pre-certification is required for certain treatments, otherwise a
$300 penalty fee will apply
Print and keep your ASPE card with you at all times
Waive your university health insurance if possible
Visit: for complete details of ASPE’s coverage
Do not enroll in your university health insurance unless your university will absolutely not accept ASPE.
You are responsible to waive your university’s health insurance, sometimes each term, or you will be responsible for health insurance charges to their university accounts.
Read the ASPE guide carefully and understand how this coverage works.
Visits to the Emergency Room (ER) of a hospital are very expensive and should only be used in significant emergencies (i.e. in a car accident, can’t breath, etc.). If you need to see a doctor after regular clinic hours, it is best to go to an “urgent care” clinic.

15. Health Coverage
If you have any CHRONIC, PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS that will require on-going treatment, we strongly recommend you obtain additional health insurance that will pay for U.S.-based treatment of that condition.
Examples of pre-existing conditions for which treatment (especially maintenance or preventative treatment) will not be covered:
* dental and vision issues (including glasses and contacts)
* diabetes
* asthma or other allergies
* migraine headaches, etc.
Visit: for complete details of ASPE’s coverage
Immunizations required by the universities here in the U.S. are covered by ASPE but other routine exams are not.
You should have a checkup with your doctor before coming to the U.S.
If you have prescription medications, it may be a good idea to bring along a supply. They may cost more money in the U.S. and U.S. pharmacies may require a new prescription from a doctor in the U.S.
Dental and eye doctor services can be very expensive here! Bring an extra pair of glasses (or contacts) just in case!

16. Health & Well-being Take care of yourself! Physically Emotionally
Mentally
Make use of campus resources including: wellness centers, counseling centers, academic success center, etc.
Make sure to have a plan for how to handle the stress that is likely to come—write in a journal, exercise, spend time with friends, paint, dance, play sports, whatever!
Keep in mind that your emotional well-being is as important as your physical well-being. As you adjust to your program and new surroundings, you may feel depressed, confused, or unhappy for a time. If you are not feeling well emotionally, we recommend that you see a professional, just as you would for a physical problem. Most of their campuses have some sort of wellness center and/or mental health specialists who can help.
“Be social! Even if you think you are shy (I always thought I am one!), but Just try to break the ice and connect with people in your school, building, and other places, so that you create a good circle of people that you can enjoy your journey with.”
-- Fulbright Alum

17. to update us on your status.
Personal Safety
University orientation will review campus and community safety
Police & security staff on campus and in town/city
Dial 911 in an emergency
Sign up for campus text alert system
All U.S. colleges and universities are required by law to keep records on any crimes that are committed on their campuses and you can request information from them or view statistics on the U.S. Department of Education web site at
College and universities generally have their own police or security staff as well as being served by community police forces. They often also have such security measures in place as emergency telephones and special transportation for students traveling across campus or in the local community at night. Most universities offer an emergency alert system where they send students electronic notifications in the event of an emergency. Your campus orientation program should provide information on such resources.
In most U.S. communities, you can dial “911” on the telephone to get help in an emergency – for instance if your safety is threatened by a criminal or if you have a health-related emergency and cannot reach a hospital or campus health center on your own. (If circumstances are not so urgent, you should instead call the local police department or your medical care facility as appropriate for the situation.)
Crime in the U.S. has declined in the last ten year, but students still need to use common sense—don’t leave backpacks, purses unattended; don’t walk alone at night, etc. Many universities have shuttles you can take home so you don’t have to walk home alone at night.
Students should report crimes to their local police and to their AMIDEAST Fulbright advisor.
In the event of an emergency, please follow any local response guidance.
Once you are safe, please contact your Fulbright advisor as soon as possible
to update us on your status.

18. Social Security card
The Social Security Number (SSN) is a personal identification number used in the United States. Needed for:
* Employment in the U.S., with approval from AMIDEAST
* Earning any income (other than your grant)
You may also need a SSN to:
* open a bank account
* file federal or state tax returns
* apply for a driver’s license
Every person who receives income in the U.S. is identified by either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). For tax purposes, you are required to obtain a SSN or an ITIN after arriving to your host institution. AMIDEAST must be informed of the SSN or ITIN within 60 days of the beginning of the academic program.
You will need a SSN in order to engage in any employment (with prior AMIDEAST approval) .
A Social Security Number may also be useful for opening a bank account and applying for a driver’s license.
It may be difficult to get a SSN—some of our students have had to reapply a couple of times. If you are denied a SSN, then you can apply for an ITIN when it is time to file taxes.
Note: your SEVIS record must be “validated” more than ten days before you may apply for the Social Security number.

19. U.S. Taxes
All grantees are required to complete and submit a tax return to
the U.S. Government each year
• AMIDEAST pays your Federal taxes for your Fulbright Scholarship in advance You are responsible for paying any taxes related to your employment.
AMIDEAST uses a web-based tax software called “Windstar” to collect student data and provide tax forms to students. You will be required to enter your information into the Windstar system at the start of your program.
• You must provide a Social Security Number (SSN) at the start of your program or apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through AMIDEAST.
• AMIDEAST advisors are not tax professionals and cannot offer tax advice
• You are also responsible for filing & paying any necessary State taxes
As a Fulbright grantee, you are required to file a tax return since you will be receiving a U.S.-source income. AMIDEAST, on behalf of the United States Department of State, pays the required Federal tax on your Fulbright scholarship. This is done instead of deducting your tax obligation from your grant or requiring you to make the tax payment directly. It means that you will receive allowances equal to the amounts specified in your Terms of Appointment.
Any refund of the taxes paid by AMIDEAST on the Fulbright grant must be returned to AMIDEAST by the grantee.
After arrival to the U.S. you will receive an from AMIDEAST with information and instructions on how to enroll in the online tax program AMIDEAST uses to issue grantees their tax forms.
Keep in mind that if you receive income from any source other than your grant, you may have to pay taxes on that income as well.
Tax forms are filed annually in the United States.

20. On-campus Employment
ON campus: must be related to field (i.e. an assistantship, teaching assistant, or research assistant)
Must be approved by AMIDEAST
20 hour limit per week
during the academic term
Allowed to earn up to $500 above
your MMA; any amount over
is deducted from your MMA
See Handbook for details!
On-campus employment - such as a teaching or research assistantship - occurs on university premise and is limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year.
A Work Authorization is needed in order to pursue on-campus employment.

21. Academic Training (AT)
OFF Campus: to gain practical experience in your field of study
May be eligible for up 18 months of AT (max. of 12 months after program)
Can be full-time in the summer
or after graduation
Requests for post-program AT must
be submitted to AMIDEAST
4-6 weeks before completion
of program
See Handbook for details!
Academic Training (AT) is designed to complement your academic program in the United States by providing you with practical experience in your field of study.
AT must be directly related to your field of study and must be appropriate for someone with your level of education.
AT is limited to 20 hours per week during academic terms but may be full-time during summer, school breaks or post-program.
You may be eligible for up to 18 months of academic training for your entire program but post-program AT is limited to12 months after the completion of your academic program.
Participation in an academic training program is not automatic. All requests must be approved before AT begins.

22. The American Classroom
Academic Integrity / Honesty
Universities have an honor code to which you must adhere
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is using the ideas or exact phrases of someone without giving credit to the person. Plagiarism is cheating and a serious offense. It is grounds for dismissal from your university and the Fulbright program.
Always cite the author and source when quoting or using someone’s ideas.
The Learning Environment
US classrooms generally value a “Learner-Centered” approach – a balance of lecture, discussion, and application. Students are expected to actively participate in classroom discussions. Faculty set the standards by which performance is judged – information is usually included in the course syllabus, along with exams, due dates and reading assignments.
Self-Directed Learning
Students at US colleges and universities are expected to be responsible and proactive about their education. Avoid falling behind in your studies by attending all classes, completing all assignments, and working with your professors and advisors as soon as possible if you foresee any problems with your studies.
Group work
Many courses now require groups of students to work together to complete a presentation or project.
Sometimes the members of the group are chosen by the course instructor, other times the students must make their own groups.
Group work is considered an important learning tool as individuals with different cultural norms (even if they are all “Americans”) and strengths must agree on the topic, organization, and division of the work so that the whole group is successful.

23. The American Classroom
Class Attendance
It is important that you attend class. Some professors will lower your grade if you miss too many classes. Also, arrive on time!
Testing
Tests are conducted in a variety of formats - essay, multiple choice, true or false, etc.
Office Hours
During office hours, you may ask the professor questions about the course or reading material, and even discuss ideas for a paper.
“The educational system is drastically different… the most surprising thing is the non-hierarchical relationship between students and professors. The connection is informal and students can call the professors by their first names and they can go to restaurants, stadiums and coffee shops with them.” -– Fulbright alum
Generalizations about American culture:
Goal and achievement-oriented – Americans tend to admire people who succeed in life, and believe that mature individuals are self-reliant, set goals for the future and work towards them.
Systematic – U.S. society has strong institutions and systems. In general, organizations operate with rules and impersonal procedures that everyone is expected to follow.
Time/Punctuality Being late to a meeting or appointment may be seen as a sign of disrespect.
Physical space Americans usually maintain a distance of an arm's length during face-to-face conversation.
Work-oriented and efficient – Many Americans define an ideal person as a hard worker, who is efficient and able to complete tasks with a high standard of quality.
Friendly and informal – Americans tend to interact informally, using first names and saying “hi” to people they do not know.
Competitive and assertive – Achievement and success are the goals of play and business. Material goods are a sign of success.

24. Culture Shock Symptoms of Culture Shock… Homesickness Boredom Fatigue
Illness
Unexplainable crying
Over eating
Stereotyping Americans
Loss of ability to work effectively
Spend some time discussing this!
People don’t usually suspect that they will experience culture shock, especially as graduate students.
Brainstorm with the nominees how they plan to cope with culture shock. For example, write in a journal, stay busy, make local friends, join clubs, stay active with the international student office at your university, talk to other international students that have experienced culture shock, etc.

25. Dealing with Culture Shock
Listen to your body – Get plenty of sleep and eat your vegetables!
Learn about the U.S. – Try to understand why things are done in a certain way. This will help put American life into perspective.
Make American friends – Meet students who have lived overseas through the university’s study abroad office. Americans who have lived abroad will have gone through culture shock as well.
Reach Out - Remember that your Fulbright colleagues and other international friends are likely experiencing similar culture shock. Reach out to them through , Facebook, Skype, etc.
“Engage and interact with the people from different
cultures and environments. Do not isolate yourself, you would be surprised how easier it will make it to adapt when you are more active with the people around you. It is a life time experience, make the best out of it.” -- Fulbright alum
Resources on making cultural transitions at:

26. Fulbright Activities * Pre-Academic programs and Gateways (IIE)
* Enrichment Seminars (IIE)
* Re-Entry Workshop (AMIDEAST)
“Try to do things that you never thought you can do, It is much easier to overcome some fear you have towards things when you move to a different place and live on your own, your way of thinking can adjust in a positive way if you let yourself open to a new experience.
Like honestly I never thought I can do SkyDiving,
but guess what - I did it!”
– Fulbright alum
Pre-academic programs and gateways (run by IIE) – Offered just before students start their regular university programs – These are EXCELLENT! A chance to meet Fulbrighters from all over the world! Often times students comment on how great a time they had during their pre-academic/gateway program.
Enrichment Seminars (IIE) - Offered in the first year of students programs – Run by IIE. Each seminar is located in a different part of the US, has a theme, and gives students a chance to network with other Fulbrighters from around the world.
Re-Entry Workshop (AMIDEAST) – Offered in the last year of students’ programs by AMIDEAST. Takes place in Washington D.C. and gives students important resources for returning to their countries. Only offered for AMIDEAST students (from the Middle East & North Africa region)
Fulbright Association – there are local chapter in various parts of the U.S. with great activities
All of these opportunities are FREE and students are expected to participate.

27. Campus Activities International Student Office events
Student organizations
Graduate Student Association
Department/Field of Study
organizations
Faith-Based organizations
Community volunteer groups
Taking part in campus activities is a great way to meet Americans and other international students.
Student orientation is the best time to learn all about these opportunities!
“You will be here for 2 years, but time will pass so fast, so utilize your time to visit as many places you can, attend the various events, and meet new people everyday. Be ready for anything and everything, and more flexible to experience new things.”
-- Fulbright alum

28. Advice from Fulbright Alumni
"Fulbright doesn’t only provide you with great networking and cultural exchange opportunities, but it also provide you with opportunities to enrich your knowledge, skills and make great lifelong friendships, so grab every chance you have and get to know all the Fulbrighters on your campus…”
-- Fulbright alum
“Every new day brings you the opportunity to make a new friend. Make friends irrespective of your cultural, religious, social and economic differences. Get to know the bus driver, the head of your department, the cashier, and the neighbor.”
-- Fulbright alum

29. Advice from Fulbright Alumni
“The only way for some one to adapt is to let themselves change, so I encourage all Fulbrighters to be open to changes, which to a great measure makes the the experience of studying abroad so worthwhile.”
“Make sure you use every day to learn a new thing, meet new people, give insight about your own culture and have fun!”
“Be open, friendly, curious, don’t judge people, be open-minded, engage in cultural experiences, be proud and share your cultural values with others, really be a cultural ambassador and represent your country”
-- Fulbright alumni

30. Resources
* The Fulbright Handbook and AMIDEAST website:
* Your Fulbright Program Officer & Program Assistant at AMIDEAST
* International Student Advisors at your university

31. Questions?