To celebrate Freedom 250 and Fulbright’s 80th anniversary in countries around the world, Fulbright bi-national commissions, U.S. Embassies, and Fulbright partners are hosting events which celebrate the impact of the Fulbright Program and American excellence and innovation at U.S. Embassies, American Corners, universities, and public venues. These unique opportunities offer American Fulbrighters and Fulbright alumni a chance to engage in special programming with officials, experts, and others during this dual anniversary year.
Chief of Staff Victoria Roberts Commemorates Fulbright and U.S. Anniversaries at Paris Meeting
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Chief of Staff Victoria Roberts welcomed the Executive Directors of 23 European Fulbright Commissions and provided remarks at the Franco-American Fulbright Commission’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program. The event brought together approximately 100 participants, including university partners and distinguished alumni of the U.S.-France Fulbright program. To mark the occasion, two U.S. Fulbright student musicians performed during the reception.
Freedom 250 Seminar Celebrates America’s Ties with Greece
The Fulbright Commission in Greece hosted over 40 U.S. Fulbrighters in Athens for a seminar to celebrate America’s Independence and discuss its historic ties and democratic bonds with Greece. English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) and Fulbright U.S. Student Researchers assigned to 11 European countries took part, and two current U.S. Scholars presented on topics such as the legacy and continuing relevance of the U.S. Constitution. Fulbrighters visited historic sites such as the Panathenaic Stadium in Greece, site of the first modern Olympic Games.
Freedom 250 Fulbright Debates in Switzerland
The Freedom 250 Fulbright Debate Competition showcased the talents of students from across Switzerland who were mentored by American Fulbright English Teaching Assistants (ETAs). U.S. Ambassador Callista Gingrich congratulated the winners and the Fulbright mentors, demonstrating the U.S. Embassy’s support for educational exchange and freedom of expression and celebrating the partnership between the United States and Switzerland.
Freedom 250 English Teaching Assistant Seminar in Senegal
The U.S. Embassy Dakar and the West African Research Center convened 29 U.S. Fulbright English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) from the 11 Sub-Saharan African countries where they are teaching, for a Freedom 250 seminar in Dakar. Topics highlighted American excellence, ranging from American English Teaching Strategies to AI and English Language Learning to Workforce Development Activities for visitors to American Spaces. At the U.S. Embassy, they met with Chargé d’Affaires Jennifer Davis Paguada and reviewed tools to help them teach about American history and Freedom 250 themes such as America’s Founding Fathers upon returning to their Fulbright countries.
Freedom 250 and Fulbright 80 Gala and Exhibit in Japan
The Japan-U.S. Educational Commission hosted a reception commemorating these two milestone anniversaries, highlighting Fulbright’s role as the prominent learning path for Japan’s leading experts on the United States and demonstrating sustained people-to-people ties that strengthen bilateral relations. Guests included Japanese and American alumni from Fulbright’s eight decades, current American participants, U.S. and Japanese government representatives.
Freedom 250 in Hungary
The America 250 International Conference convened students and scholars with international partners from University of New Hampshire to examine America’s legacy and future. The conference focused on three pillars: the enduring global impact of America’s founding documents; an analysis of America’s modern Constitutional landscape; and the diplomatic, cultural, and historical ties between the United States and Hungary.
American History in Slovakia
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Dr. Jonathan Chilcote from Florida College delivered a lecture on American history. He offered a compelling perspective, connecting the legacy of the Declaration of Independence to key moments that shaped both the United States and the wider world. Fulbright Slovakia observed that his talk resonated strongly with Slovak students and led to a lively discussion.
Freedom 250 Forum in Portugal
The Fulbright Commission in Portugal hosted the Freedom 250 Fulbright Forum at Teatro Thalia in Lisbon, with speakers including U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Douglas A. Koneff. Under the theme “Our American Story,” U.S. and Portuguese Fulbrighters demonstrated how the American spirit of curiosity, courage, and connection travels far beyond U.S. borders and leaves a lasting mark on the world.
U.S.-Philippines Freedom 250 Lectures
Fulbright Philippines is taking part in the Freedom 250 Lecture Series at Holy Cross of Davao College to reflect on what 80 years of U.S.-Philippines relations has built. Facilitated by U.S. Fulbrighters and local Fulbright alumni, the Freedom 250 Lectures celebrate two extraordinary milestones, the Fulbright Program’s 80th anniversary worldwide and the 250th anniversary of the United States.