On September 27-29, 2023, in Warsaw, we organized a 3-day orientation meeting for 2023-24 Fulbright U.S grantees to Poland. Throughout this academic year, they will conduct research and/or engage in didactic activities at various higher education institutions in Poland. And right before, on September 25-26, all 10 Fulbright English Teaching Assistants (ETA) additionally participated in the series of two-day methodological workshops aimed at preparing them to teach English as a second language at Polish higher education institutions.
During these several days our incoming American grantees spent in Warsaw, they had a chance to participate in numerous information sessions and workshops conducted by Fulbright staff; take part in the traditional Polish dance workshops; try out some specialities that constitute the bedrock of Polish cuisine; as well as learn some practical tips on everyday life in Poland from both Polish and American alumni. The orientation meeting was also a fantastic opportunity to get to know one another better, individually and as a cohort, and a stepping stone in expanding further the Fulbright community.
Our official welcome reception for 2023-24 U.S grantees included the presence of a special guest – the Ambassador of the United States to Poland and Fulbrighter Mark Brzezinski. He welcomed every single guest with a handshake and then started his official remarks with his own story of how he visited Poland on a Fulbrigth grant in 1991-93. “I love Fulbright,” he said with a smile highlighting how being a Fulbright grantee is the beginning of an individual journey, and an unforgettable experience, which may turn out to be a pivotal moment in one’s professional and/or personal life.
After months of preparations and awaiting the new cohort of American grantees, we are thrilled to have finally met most of them in person and we are glad we could help them orient themselves in the first days of their stay in Poland. We wish all our Fulbrighters a fantastic academic year ahead. We hope that the year in Poland will be a joyful and an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after the end of your grants.
Photo gallery from the event is available at the link below.
