SPOTLIGHT
Two German Fulbright Programs Benefit Students
The UK Office of International Affairs (OIA) hosted the UK German Fulbright Diversity Institute August 22-September 26. Through this collaboration with the German-American Fulbright Commission, 20 undergraduate students were chosen from populations traditionally under-represented at German universities and invited to experience life as University of Kentucky students for five weeks. A related program called Destination Germany gave 20 UK students the opportunity to attend the Fulbright-Hertie Summer Academy in Potsdam, Germany.
Although the two programs were funded by separate grants, they shared similar objectives. According to the German-American Fulbright Commission, which is led by Executive Director Rolf Hoffmann, the primary goals are to introduce the students to life, culture, civilization, society and values and familiarize them with important events that have shaped the other country. This was the inaugural year for Destination Germany, which organizers hope to continue. It was the second year UK was selected as a host institution.
The Lexington institute featured afternoon seminars by various UK faculty and administrators regarding different aspects of U.S. history, culture, society and education. Each student also had an opportunity to attend a class related to their specific major or another area of interest. The group visited area attractions and participated in local events each week, including Natural Bridge, Shakertown, the Muhammad Ali Museum in Louisville and the UK-UofL football game.
All of the students were impressed by the strong sense of community on UK’s campus. “Studying at the University of Kentucky has been an awesome experience,” said Melisa Berktas who is originally from Bremen. “The Americans are generally very friendly and open-minded, which made it easy for me to feel comfortable in the United States.”
The incoming group arrived on August 22 in time for “K Week,” and one of their favorite activities was participating in UK FUSION (UK For Unity and Service In Our Neighborhoods,) which allowed them to meet many American students. “It was a nice experience to be a part of something huge like that,” Anisa Memovic said of UK FUSION. “People were giving without expecting anything back.” Memovc is a 21-year-old student originally from Sarajevo.
The Fulbright Commission and the Hertie Foundation provided funding for 20 deserving students to study in Germany, May 30 – July 7. Participants were selected by a committee based on academic performance and other considerations, as well as their potential to contribute to and learn from the program.
Dr. Judy “J.J.” Jackson, UK’s vice president for institutional diversity coordinated the Destination Germany effort and looks forward to its continued success. “We are excited that UK and the Fulbright Commission can offer this wonderful opportunity in collaborative commitment to diversity,” she wrote in a letter to students.
Both UK and the Fulbright Commission look forward to future partnerships.
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| UK students participating in the Destination Germany trip posed by the Brandenburg Gate. |