The following comments were made by alumni speakers at Fulbright New Zealand’s 65th anniversary celebrations in Washington, DC in May and Wellington in June. Further photographs and comments can be viewed on our website, at www.fulbright.org.nz/events/65th-anniversary
Helen Hughes, 1952 Fulbright New Zealand Graduate Student
Helen Hughes
“My US experience set me on my career path. The subjects I took and the research that I did resulted in my appointment as a scientist in a newly established freshwater research unit and ultimately to my appointment as the first Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment.
I made lots of friends, some of them have since visited New Zealand and some have gained influential positions in USA. Their knowledge of New Zealand has to be a plus.
Being a Fulbright grantee opens many doors, and this was very advantageous later in my career. The value of the cultural exchange and the people you meet from a Fulbright exchange cannot be underestimated.”
Julie Allen, 1974 Fulbright US Graduate Student
“I think the most obvious impact of the Fulbright experience for me was living inside another culture. Meeting new people and learning to live in a place that did things just a little bit differently was the beginning of my global education. Thanks to the Fulbright programme, ‘thinking globally’ is now a part of who I am.
The friendships I made while studying in New Zealand have lasted for nearly 40 years. I have stayed in touch with many friends and we have shared visits both in the US and New Zealand.
[My Fulbright award] offered me a remarkable challenge and opportunity. It opened my eyes to the importance of trying new things. I am extremely grateful for that.”Barry Fischer, 2009 Fulbright US Graduate Student
Barry Fischer
“My fellowship had a profound impact on me academically, culturally and professionally. I ended up publishing my research, which I would not have been able to do without the support of the Fulbright commission, and which will help my work to live on as a resource for others.
My time and research in the Pacific region taught me a lot about what it means to live in an island nation. Being from the sprawling continental US, I had never truly realized how unique island nations are socially, environmentally and economically. Thanks to my fellowship, an island perspective now strongly informs my worldview.
My Fulbright grant made me a more knowledgeable, more understanding and more capable global citizen.”