Fulbright at 75: Celebrating a Legacy of Global Friendships

It was an honor to represent India and participate in the 44th Annual Conference organized by Fulbright Association.

Fulbright at 75:
Celebrating a Legacy of Global Friendships

Virtual 44th Annual Conference October 20-22, 2021

It was an honor to represent India and participate in the 44th Annual Conference organized by Fulbright Association, Washington D.C. Great to join the Fulbright community, in the U.S. and around the world, in celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Program during the virtual conference. This virtual meet-up provided a variety of opportunities to connect with fellow Fulbright alumni, share and discuss scholarly research and explore the fascinating and multi-faceted world of art.

“Culture is this thing that we can exchange among ourselves as human beings to knock aside our differences and build upon our similarities. Cultural exchange is the ultimate exchange.”

And this is the reason why, I’ve always been excited to participate as a volunteer student in cultural exchange activities since my college days. And, this is also the reason why, as a teacher, I keep encouraging my students to take part in various culture-exchange programs.

As a Fulbright foreign language teaching assistant, I enjoyed interacting with many different types of students, faculty, staff and community members at the University of Montana. I represented India as a cultural ambassador on various occasions like festivals and cultural fairs, and also gave guest lectures on campus and at several high schools. I used my artistic talents to fundraise for many American social service groups, as well as for the university. The University’s Foreign Student and Scholar Services office recognized my efforts by rewarding me with ‘Distinguished Service and Outreach Award, 2016’.

After returning to India, I realized that I was quite fortunate to be blessed with Fulbright experience. At the same time, I was keen to make similar culture-exchange experiences available to my students too. I contacted my Fulbright friends and colleagues and started conducting virtual ‘Global Guest Talk’ events as well as online ‘Language Table’ sessions to expose my students to different cultures and personalities from the other parts of the world.

I believe Fulbright Association’s Virtual 44th Annual Conference had a brilliant theme, “Celebrating a Legacy of Global Friendships”. By participating in it, I made more global connections and trid to create more culture-exchange opportunities for my students. I think the next generation does need to learn not only to appreciate the similarities but also to respect the differences.

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"Leadership Is Not A Position, It Is An Action."

 As teachers or trainers, we not only create learners but also leaders who pass on
this flame of knowledge to those who are lesser privileged. 

"Leadership Is Not A Position, It Is An Action."

This student success story is really close to my heart. Meet Mansour Nyang, an international student pursuing engineering from UPES, India. 

Last semester, I taught one Life Skills course 'Leadership and Teamwork' to his batch. I vividly remember him as a student who was always curious and one of the most expressive ones. 

His reflections always used to be lengthy, descriptive and quite insightful. I used to get intrigued by the level of his maturity and thoughtfulness. 

His reflections also made me realize that he was a sincere learner. Additionally, through my Star Count System (a method I generally use during my classes to encourage student participation), I could see him as one of the topmost star performers.

Yesterday afternoon, as usual, I went out to a nearby place (adjacent to the university) with my colleagues for lunch. There I came across him, and he saw me. I could notice a smile on his face and felt glad to see him first time in person.

After my lunch was over, he came to me and with a big grin over his face again, he greeted me. I simply asked him how he was and how he was doing. And his answer pretty much impressed me. 

He said, "I am usually busy with classes and when I get free, I conduct classes." I was a bit puzzled to hear this. I asked him what he meant. 

He smiled again and said, "I love India, and UPES has given me enough opportunities to help me learn life skills and become a better person." 

He continued, "Through Life Skills courses, I did learn crucial life skills specifically Leadership and Teamwork, something that the youth back home in my community lack. I know they are not as lucky as I am. So, I started conducting Leadership and Teamwork classes for them in my free time. And now it has become a part of my daily routine. I'm grateful to UPES that enabled me to have confidence to impart learning to my people in Africa." 

His words truly touched my heart (a teacher's heart) and I simply patted him on his back and asked him if he could share a few more details with me and he readily agreed. 

The very next day, early morning, I received an email from him and what he wrote, was enough to impress me.

The email said, "Dear Sir, I am glad to let you know that  I held discussions with few African students about Leadership and teamwork. You inspired me to build an immense interest when it comes to sharing the little knowledge I have gathered from your classes and some of my researches related to the field of leadership and communication skills. I promised to keep up the momentum so that many youth will also have the zeal to enlarge their intellectual capacity when it comes to teamwork and leadership. You always told us that the best thing we can achieve from your course is to produce future leaders. I will do my best to be part of those who will enlarge your inspiration, motivations, and your enthusiasm for having a healthier and happier future with innovative and competent leaders. Regards Mansour Nyang"

I know they are not as lucky as I am. So, I started conducting classes for them in my free time.

And also, I found an attachment with his email. There was an attached picture of him taking the leadership class for his people back home. 

I genuinely think this is the real purpose of education. As teachers or trainers, we not only create learners but also leaders who pass on this flame of knowledge to those who are lesser privileged. 

Someone has aptly remarked, 

"Leadership Is Not A Position, It Is An Action."

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On Winning Blackboard Award, 2021 for ‘Optimising Student Experience’

I feel glad that the 'Star Count System' not only energized my students, but also won this year's 'Blackboard Award, 2021'.

On Winning Blackboard Award, 2021
for ‘Optimising Student Experience’

Today, I feel glad to share that the 'Star Count System' not only energized my students, but also won this year's 'Blackboard Award, 2021'.

I must admit when I got introduced to Blackboard as a virtual teaching technology, I felt a little nervous.

Regular training from the university was of great help. Additionally, my colleagues were always available whenever I sought their support.

Being a Life Skills coach, I was supposed to have highly engaging and interactive sessions, and that too virtually (due to lockdown).

It took me considerable amount of time to learn the technology. In the meanwhile, I also kept experimenting to engage my students through various tools and techniques.

During this one year of using Blackboard technology, I did develop a student-engagement framework and named it as 'Star Count System'.

I incorporated this framework into all of my virtual classroom sessions, and sooner I realized that it worked magically.

'Blackboard Analytics' showed me some really unbelievable results (300% increase) in terms of student-participation as well as student-engagement.

I could see my students attending these virtual classes with so much zeal and excitement.

When teaching is your work of heart.

Today, I feel glad to share that the 'Star Count System' not only energized my students, but also won this year's 'Blackboard Award, 2021'.

My experiences with online teaching have taught me three important lessons,

1. Don't fear the unknown. Embrace the opportunity.

2. Keep learning, it's essential for growth.

3. Teaching is a work of heart.

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Leap of Faith

I vividly remember it was 2019 when I decided to take a leap of faith.

Leap of Faith

At the end of the day, I think these sacrifices were worth it. Today, I officially became a member of an elite club of exceptional achievers from all across the globe.

I vividly remember it was 2019 when I decided to take a leap of faith.

As a training and development professional, though I was doing quite well in my career; still I wanted to learn, relearn and outlearn. 

It was quite an honor to get selected in prestigious GLIK (Global Leaders for Innovation & Knowledge) program and represent India at a global stage.

At the same time, leaving my family (including my dearest 3 year old son) behind, and travelling extensively to far away countries was sometimes a challenge too.

But at the end of the day, I think these sacrifices were worth it. Today, I officially became a member of an elite club of exceptional achievers from all across the globe.

Much glad to be a part of the Japan-America Institute Of Management Science (JAIMS) Community.

Looking forward to hearing your stories where you took a plunge and made yourself proud :)

Much glad to be a part of the Japan-America Institute Of Management Science (JAIMS) Community.

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Alumni Reunion - GLIK 2019 Fall

Alumni Reunion - GLIK 2019 Fall 

This reunion not only reminded us of some remarkable experiences of our project work in four different countries (Japan - USA - Singapore - Thailand), but it also made us realize that we are still ONE family.

"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."

How do you feel when you get to 'meet and greet' your old colleagues?

I'm sure you feel excited and elated. That's exactly what we experienced recently when we had our GLIK (Global Leaders for Innovation and Knowledge) 2019 Batch Reunion.

We were completely strangers coming from different countries and different cultural backgrounds (Japan, India, Taiwan, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, USA) before joining Japan-America Institute of Management Science.

And after we graduated from JAIMS (Japan - America Institute of Management Science), we were more than colleagues and very much like ONE family.

This reunion not only reminded us of some remarkable experiences of our project work in four different countries (Japan - USA - Singapore - Thailand), but it also made us realize that we are still ONE family.

Thank you, Sawa Yamaguchi, for this wonderful event! 

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On Winning FIC Grant, 2021

These pictures depict my journey (during 2015-16) as a guest speaker to various Middle and High schools, and Colleges in USA.

On Winning FIC Grant, 2021

And this year, (due to pandemic) all my guest lectures would be virtual. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to exciting, learn-with-fun sessions with American students soon.

FIC Grant selects only 23 Fulbright scholars across the world.

Happy, Honored, Humbled! 

...if I summarize my emotions after winning the prestigious FIC Grant, 2021 ('Fulbright In Classroom' grant), that selects only 23 Fulbright scholars across the world.

Fulbright Association offers this grant to conduct sessions with Middle and High schools, and Community Colleges in the United States.

Specifically, this grant is to connect with K-through-College classrooms nationwide (anywhere across USA) that serve under-represented communities, specifically students of color, students at community colleges, and those in rural areas.

These sessions are to help American students understand and appreciate international cultures and traditions.

The pictures, above, depict my journey (during 2015-16) as a guest speaker to various Middle and High schools, and Colleges in USA.

Since the beginning, I have been much interested in knowing people irrespective of their caste, color and creed, and sharing my perspectives with them.

That’s the reason why, I have been participating as a volunteer student in various cultural exchange programs since my college days.

Also, as a Fulbright Foreign language teaching assistant, I have been quite a bit active in cultural exchange opportunities, in addition to my teaching role.

At the University of Montana, I enjoyed interacting with many different types of students, faculty, staff and community members. 

I represented India as a cultural ambassador on various occasions like festivals and cultural fairs, and gave guest lectures on campus as well as at several high schools. 

I also used my artistic talents to fundraise for a number of NGOs [nongovernmental organizations] and social service groups, as well as for the university.

The University’s Foreign Student and Scholar Services office recognized my efforts by rewarding me with ‘Distinguished Service and Outreach Award, 2016’.

As far as the unique opportunities posed by the education systems of the United States go, I would say it really helped me to know people from different cultures, nations and backgrounds.

As an educator, I gained insight into hands-on understanding of the best teaching methodologies and world-class learning practices followed at U.S. universities.

Upon my return to India, I used my knowledge and skills to gain better results both in teaching and training.

I strongly believe ‘FIC Grant’ is going to be a wonderful opportunity for me to share my culture that truly believes in the Sanskrit phrase ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which means 'The World Is One Family'.

I am curious to answer queries from the participating students, and also willing to help them understand,

Life is about appreciating the similarities and, respecting the differences.

And this year, (due to pandemic) all my guest lectures would be virtual. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to exciting, learn-with-fun sessions with American students soon.

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Basic Tips for FLTA Fellowship

As an FLTA, you should know basics of language and engaging foreign language teaching techniques.

 Basic Tips for FLTA Fellowship

Recently, I was approached by an FLTA aspirant for her basic queries in order to prepare herself better for the fellowship. Here is a list of useful suggestions.

Dear _______,

Thanks for reaching out to me. As I can sense you seem to be interested in the FLTA scholarship program.

If you are planning to teach Hindi language, here are a few pointers for you to keep in mind before you apply,

• As an FLTA, you are generally supposed to teach Hindi to Americans who were/ are never exposed to Hindi. 
• That means, you should know everything (basics of Hindi language) from scratch like Hindi alphabets, basics of Hindi grammar and also, engaging foreign language teaching techniques. 
• To clear the selection process, you are tested on these (above mentioned) parameters. 
• I remember, when I was evaluated by the interview panel, they made Hindi dictation to us (from a couple of Hindi newspaper articles), plus asked us some authentic Hindi words to pronounce and write. 
• Prepare authentic Hindi vocabulary and grammar by reading excerpts from Hindi writers like Prem Chand etc. 
• Start practicing translation exercises (from Hindi to English, and English to Hindi). Also work on developing some strong essays for Fulbright application.
• Long story short, you need not to be an expert but yes, you certainly need to brush up your basics quite a bit. 
  
  

As an FLTA, you must also take at least one course in American studies during the academic year.

Here are some additional pointers for your future reference,

(i) Relationship with Faculty Supervisor:

• Be super loyal to your supervisor.
• Ask your supervisor if you wish to add something to your syllabus.
• Report to your supervisor on regular basis.
• Update your supervisor for any major thing immediately.
• If in doubt, approach your supervisor.
• Don’t delay in responding to your supervisor's emails.
• Ask for his/ her suggestions campus-culture and class-management.
• For problem student (if any), discuss with your supervisor for guidance.
• Discuss with your supervisor how you should give grades to your students.

(ii) Engaging in Academic Study:

• Consult with your supervisor on ‘How to Find Courses of Your Interest’.
• Explore university website for ‘Course Search’.
• Take courses that interests you the most and suit your professional growth. 
• You are expected to be in full-time status at all times. 
• This means at least two courses per semester in addition to your duties as an FLTA (no more than 20 hours per week). 
• Coursework may be taken on either a credit or an audit basis. Online courses are not acceptable for coursework requirements. 
• You must also take at least one course in American studies (literature, politics, economics, history, etc.) during the academic year.

Following video might give you a little glimpse of my work as an FLTA,

Teaching Hindi as a Foreign Language to American Students

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