Dr. Abigail Firey, West European History Discipline Committee

"It was a real honor to serve.  I felt I was repaying part of the enormous debt I owe to Fulbright for so many riches: friendships, professional contacts, and intellectual development.  I also loved seeing the exciting scholarship that is going on in so many fields.  The applications are all genuinely interesting, and I learned a lot.  Thanks for the privilege and opportunity."  

Professor Arlene Kanter, Israel Regional Committee

"My participation on the Peer Review Committee has been a highlight of my post-Fulbright Experience. First, I learn a great deal from reading the applications and am humbled by the creativity, intellect, and different competencies and experiences of the applicants. Second, I very much enjoy our review committee discussions. I enjoy hearing my fellow reviewers' comments and feel fortunate that we complement each other in our respective expertise and focused reading of the applications. Finally, I enjoy working with the wonderfully competent, energetic and professional Fulbright Staff."

Dr. Mahyar Arefi, Architecture & City Planning Discipline Committee

“Overall, I find this experience very insightful in my own career development.  You get to see what the best scholars and researchers in the country are working on, become familiar with their research agendas, and their scholarly priorities.”

Professor Cid Pearlman, Dance Discipline Committee

“It was interesting to see the breadth of my colleagues' interests and to consider how receiving a Fulbright Award could impact their teaching, scholarship, and career. Equally interesting was considering the needs of the institutions and their students.  I look forward to participating again next year.”

Dr. Andrew Giarelli, American Studies/Culture Discipline Committee

“Once I got into it I found it truly rewarding in several ways. It helped me see where and how I fit, especially as an independent scholar, within my discipline of American Studies. It gave me tips and ideas on how to apply for other American studies fellowships. Most importantly, it energized my commitment to the Fulbright experience: I would like to continue and deepen my involvement with the program.”

Dr. Maxine Sample, Scholars in Residence Regional Committee

“Serving as a peer reviewer is a tremendous faculty development opportunity because I have a chance to see what other universities are doing or have done to internationalize their institutions. I learn much from the discussions when the reviewers come together as well.  The peer review experience is informative in providing insight into the program standard as well as the program's latitude for flexibility and creativity in meeting that standard. The experience also gives a different perspective of the review process.  For example, as an applicant, the perception is that the reviewers are looking for a way to say NO, which is not the case. Finally, the experience takes me out of my institutional and discipline silo, which is a good thing.  Being a proponent of interdisciplinarity, I enjoy having a glimpse into how other disciplines see their role in globalizing student learning.”

Professor Abdul-Majeed Azad, Engineering: Chemical Discipline Committee

“Stimulating. Having availed the opportunity of being a Fulbrighter, it was an honor to serve as a Discipline Reviewer in the case of deserving future Fulbrighters. In addition to the applicants in my area of expertise and overlap, there were interesting themes from others as well, which was quite interesting.”