Fulbrighters planting trees at the Wylde Center in Atlanta, Georgia as part of their Fulbright Enrichment Seminar community service activities
The 2016 Atlanta Fulbright Enrichment Seminar, held in Atlanta, Georgia from March 31 – April 3, 2016, brought together another stellar cohort of international students to engage with their peers across political, civic, and cultural-oriented discourses and activities. Over four engaging days, the 131 foreign Fulbrighters convened to explore U.S. political values in the “Democracy in Action” workshop series, participated in a host of volunteer activities throughout the city, and toured captivating historical sites.
The Fulbright Program drew on the wisdom of Kerwin Swint, PhD, Chair of the Department of Political Science and International Affairs at Kennesaw State University, to guide and inform student discussions. A reputable writer and author, Swint’s work on electoral politics, media studies, and political history has been published on the BBC, Slate, and The Wall Street Journal.
During the keynote address, held at The Jimmy Carter Center, Fulbrighters enjoyed remarks by Joseph Falk, who is a J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board appointee, and policy consultant with the law firm of Akerman LLP.
Key highlights from Atlanta Fulbright Enrichment Seminar 2016:
Students took a self-guided tour of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. The museum offers poignant photos and historical memorabilia from the Carter presidency (1976 – 1981), as well as an exact replica of the Oval Office and gifts received by the Carters.
Atlanta Fulbright Enrichment Seminar “Democracy in Action” workshop facilitator and panelists (From left to right: Dr. Kerwin Swint, Kennesaw State University; Kristina Torres, The Atlanta Journal—Constitution; Dr. Charles S. Bullock III, University of Georgia; and Dr. Jason Johnson, The Root)
The opening dinner keynote was offered by Atlanta-based reporter Lori Geary. A graduate of Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University, Geary offered her extensive experience covering the political beat, which includes prominent interviews with Senators Elizabeth Dole and John Edwards, as well as national political conventions in 2008 and 2012. She is a recipient of two Emmy awards.
Students took part in cultural site visits across the city, including the Center for Civil and Human Rights, The Atlanta History Center, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center. Many enjoyed the chance to take a private tour of MLK’s home!
Daniella Geraldine Maureira Arrizaga, 2015-2016, Chile, planting a tree at the Wylde Center in Atlanta, Georgia
Once again, Fulbrighters gave back to community members through volunteer service. Among the many activities was a youth tutoring session at Parklane Elementary, cleaning facilities at the Favor House – an organization dedicated to inspiring local youth and their families through personal fitness and physical education programs – and cleaning community gardens at the Wylde Center.
U.S. Election Simulation Workshop results:
Winners: Life Matters Party
President Alexandra Didenko – Russia (Florida)
Vice President Keunchang Oh – Korea (Florida)
Chief of Staff Mariia Bakulina – Russia (Virginia)
Runners Up: Democratic Opportunity Party
President Edon Muhaxheri – Kosovo (Virginia)
Vice President Velaphi Thipe – South Africa (New Hampshire)
Chief of Staff Alishae Khar – Pakistan (Ohio)
We enjoyed seeing you in Atlanta!
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