American Fulbrighters share their excitement for the 250th birthday of the United States abroad through their research, teaching, and special outreach events. For example, the Fulbright Specialist Program sends American experts and professionals abroad for two to six weeks to share their expertise to address international challenges with solutions that benefit American communities and our world. Throughout this year, Fulbrighters are participating in activities that bring American excellence, innovation, and cultural heritage abroad.
Kosovo’s American Corners Celebrate Freedom 250
The American Corners in Kosovo hosted Freedom 250 workshops for high school students and youth volunteers across Prizren, Pristina, and Mitrovica. Facilitated by American Fulbright Specialist Luis Javier Pentón Herrera, these sessions explored U.S. culture, values, and civic principles. A closing celebration coincided with the 20th anniversary of the American Corner Prizren, bringing together the U.S. Embassy, the Mayor of Prizren, and local leaders to mark the enduring friendship between Kosovo and the United States.
American Expertise Helps Albania Protect Its Ancient Archaeological Sites
Kathryn Slocum, a Cultural Heritage Preservation Officer in the U.S. Army Reserves, served as a Fulbright Specialist to combat illicit antiquities trafficking under the bilateral U.S.-Albania Cultural Property Agreement. She conducted security assessments at archaeological sites and convened representatives from Albania’s public sector and law enforcement to strengthen interagency coordination. She also led hands-on activities with youth to introduce them to archaeology and cultural heritage.
Sharing American Innovations in Teaching for the AI Era
Fulbright Specialist Thomas Tobin, Senior Teaching and Learning Developer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, delivered a lecture on American leadership in expanding access to higher education at the American Corner Baguio in the Philippines. The event was part of a broader visit to the University of the Cordilleras, where Dr. Tobin led workshops and consultations on AI-enhanced teaching, digital literacy, and workforce-ready curriculum design.
Celebrating American Innovation with the Next Generation of Engineers
Fulbright Specialist Rebecca Bates, a Professor of Integrated Engineering at Minnesota State University Mankato, joined the Oskemen American Corner in Kazakhstan to celebrate American leadership in science and technology and its contributions to global progress. The event was part of a broader visit to East Kazakhstan Technical University, where Dr. Bates led workshops on research methods, academic publishing, and accreditation.
The American Gospel Tradition Takes the Stage
David Anderson, a gospel musician, University of Miami lecturer, and director of music at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, shared the history and traditions of American gospel music with Icelandic students and community members through workshops, lectures, and rehearsals with the Iceland University of the Arts and a local church choir. Anderson’s Fulbright Specialist project culminated with a free public concert at Vídalínskirkja Church, showcasing gospel’s origins and influence around the world, and bringing this distinctly American art form to new audiences.
Bringing American History to Life
As Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Fulbright Specialist Brent Glass has spent decades making American history accessible to the public. In Slovenia, he shared that expertise through lectures and professional visits to museums and cultural institutions across the country, and held a signing of his book 50 Great American Places: Essential Historic Sites Across the Nation, which explores the significance of landmark American sites to the country’s identity and values.
Sri Lankan Alumni Celebrate American Education’s Lasting Impact
Fulbright Specialist Robert DeFinis brought American leadership in policing and workforce preparation to communities across Sri Lanka. He joined the American Alumni Association of Sri Lanka to deliver workshops for police officers and students drawing on his own background in law enforcement. The tour included a tribute to the transformative power of American education: South Eastern University in Ampara dedicated a section of their library to resources on studying in the United States in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
Showcasing American and Polish Artistic Traditions in Krakow
Marking America’s 250th Birthday, Fulbright Specialist Jonathan McFadden bridged American and Polish design worlds with a special exhibition at the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow. The graphic art show was one component of his project, “Approaches for Industry Readiness in Graduate Arts Education.” He conducted workshops on course design and teaching methods in the context of generative AI, and demonstrated technologies such as laser engraving, 3D printing, and photopolymer chemistry that are reshaping the art world.
Modeling American Naval, Maritime, and Shipbuilding Successes in Morocco
Dr. Paul Holden Miller, a maritime engineering expert who has taught at both the U.S. Naval and Coast Guard Academies, developed a naval architecture and marine engineering degree at Morocco’s Higher Institute for Maritime Studies while on a Fulbright Specialist project. He led a Freedom 250 session on American tradition, innovation, and craftsmanship in naval engineering and shipbuilding, using examples of American vessels designed for maritime security and anti-trafficking.