The Fulbright Scholar Program and CS Educators
Brent Baas, Ph.D.
Computer Science Department, LeTourneau University
Abstract
The Fulbright Scholar Program (FSP), sponsored by the State Department, was established by Arkansas Senator J. William Fulbright as a peace initiative focusing on international education exchange. More than 250,000 Fulbright awards have been given since the first participants went overseas in 1948. The purpose of this presentation is to increase awareness of Fulbright opportunities among CS educators in Texas.
This presentation includes lessons learned both as a recipient of a Lecture/Research award and as a FSP application peer reviewer. The award was to teach at a government institution in northern Ethiopia. The experience of taking a family to Ethiopia for the academic year is discussed, along with insights for prospective program applicants into the process of selecting an award, the application process, and making the most of the Fulbright experience. The Fulbright program offers CS educators unique sabbatical opportunities which impact many areas including faculty development, university advancement, computer education, and globalization. CS educators take on the role of cultural ambassadors, and in the words of Mr. Fulbright, “… continue the process of humanizing mankind to the point, we would hope, that nations can learn to live in peace.”