Fulbright Scholars Agree: Charlotte’s Got a Lot!

The Office of International Programs was honored to host the Fulbright Pre-Academic Program this past July, when a group of 22 student scholars representing 15 countries was welcomed to the Charlotte campus. This initiative, offered in partnership with the Institute of International Education and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, provides academic, linguistic, and cultural preparation to the grantees prior to their transition to various graduate and research programs across the United States. While not OIP’s first time to welcome the Fulbright Pre-Academic scholars, UNC Charlotte was one of only nine institutions nationwide to have been selected to host the program this award cycle.

OIP oversaw all aspects of program implementation, including pre-departure orientation, on-site activities, lodging, and other logistics. Various campus constituencies collaborated with OIP to provide an outstanding experience for the grantees. In addition to regularly-scheduled sessions and workshops, the program participants toured sites of local and regional interest, including Charlotte’s thriving Uptown area, Crowders Mountain, the National Whitewater Center, and the Biltmore Estate. Opportunities to serve the campus community were also incorporated into the group’s itinerary, with scholars volunteering at the Jamil Niner Student Pantry.

The group departed for their host institutions with fond and enduring memories of their time here at UNC Charlotte, with many participants expressing regret that they could not remain in Charlotte for a longer period of time. Most of the group are already making plans to return! They formed bonds with Charlotte faculty, staff, and students that will not soon be forgotten. They will forever be a part of Niner Nation.