From the Office of International Affairs
Each year the Office of International Affairs and the Undergraduate Fellowship Office combine efforts to provide a full week of activities to promote the prestigious Fulbright and Fulbright-Hays programs.
The events feature information sessions with our Fulbright administrators and panel discussions with Ohio State and international students and faculty who have received Fulbright and Fulbright-Hays grants in an effort to enhance awareness of the value the Fulbright experience brings to teaching, research and intercultural perspectives, as well as to attract further participation and support.
All Ohio State faculty, professionals, graduate and undergraduate students are welcome to participate in Fulbright Week 2025. Sessions are virtual, unless otherwise noted.
Faculty Events
Tuesday, April 1
2:30 – 4 p.m.
The Fulbright Specialist Program provides U.S. citizens who are established professionals or academics and possess expertise in qualifying disciplines with the opportunity to engage in short-term (2-6 week) project-based exchanges at host institutions around the globe. This information session will include an in-depth look at the program and an overview of topics such as eligibility requirements; benefits for participating Specialists; application process. Fulbright Specialist Program staff will be available to answer attendee questions. You will also hear from Ohio State program alumni, Joni Tornwall and Amy Schmitz, about their experiences serving as Fulbright Specialists.
Panelists:
- Amirah Nelson, senior outreach officer - Fulbright Specialist Program, World Learning
- Joni Tornwall, associate clinical professor, College of Nursing (Fulbright Specialist to Finland)
- Amy Schmitz, John Deaver Drinko-Baker and Hostetler Endowed Chair, Moritz College of Law (Fulbright Specialist to the Netherlands and Spain)
- Joanna Kukielka-Blaser, director, Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright-Hays Programs, Office of International Affairs (Fulbright Scholar to Germany)
Please register for this session and for more information contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.
Wednesday, April 2
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Faculty, professional staff, and graduate students can schedule an appointment to discuss Fulbright Scholar Program, Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad (DDRA) and Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad (FRA) Fellowship Programs awards, eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process. Appointments must be made in advance. To schedule an appointment, please contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.
11 a.m. – noon
Join us to hear directly from the Fulbright Commission Türkiye and learn about opportunities for U.S. citizens to teach, study and research in one of the world’s most dynamic countries. Türkiye, a transcontinental country with a rich historical and cultural heritage, is a geopolitically significant regional power and among the 20 largest economies in the world. The country offers quality higher education and research opportunities on modern campuses. With more than 200 universities, throughout the country, Türkiye features a large diversity of programs.
In addition to the overview of the programs by İrem Arıcan Yiğit from the Türkiye Fulbright Commission, you will hear from Ohio State Fulbright awardees currently in Türkiye. We will also share information about resources and support available to Ohio State faculty and student applicants.
Presenters:
- İrem Arıcan Yiğit, acting advising coordinator, The Turkish Fulbright Commission
- Collin Trissel, Fulbright Student in Türkiye
- Sophia Jeong, Fulbright Scholar in Türkiye
Please register for this session and for more information contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.
2 – 4 p.m.
Faculty, professional staff, and graduate students can schedule an appointment to discuss awards, eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process. Appointments must be made in advance. To schedule an appointment contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.
Thursday, April 3
11 – 12 p.m.
Fulbright U.S. Scholar vs. Fulbright U.S. Specialist Program: What is the Difference?
Faculty and professional staff are invited to learn about opportunities available through the Fulbright U.S Scholar and the Fulbright U.S. Specialist programs. Learn how the two grants differ and are similar.
Presenter:
- Joanna Kukielka-Blaser, director, Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright-Hays Programs, Office of International Affairs
Please register for this session and for more information contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.
1 – 2 p.m.
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program: Perspective of the Reviewers
Meet Ohio State faculty members who are Fulbright program alumni and served on the national peer review committee for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. The peer review process, a hallmark of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar program ensures that applicants are evaluated on academic, scholarly, and professional criteria. Applications recommended following the peer review process are then considered by the host country, the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, and the U.S. Department of State (Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs).
Panelists:
- Joanna Kukielka-Blaser, director, Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright-Hays Programs, Office of International Affairs (Fulbright to Germany)
- Lorraine Wallace, associate professor, Department of Biomedical Education & Anatomy (Fulbright to Moldova and North Macedonia)
- Michael Vuolo, professor, Department of Sociology (Fulbright to France, Croatia and Portugal)
Please register for this session and for more information contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.
Friday, April 4
10 – 11 a.m.
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program: Perspective of the Reviewers
Meet Ohio State faculty members who are Fulbright program alumni and served on the national peer review committee for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. The peer review process, a hallmark of the Fulbright U.S. Scholar program ensures that applicants are evaluated on academic, scholarly, and professional criteria. Applications recommended following the peer review process are then considered by the host country, the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, and the U.S. Department of State (Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs).
Panelists:
- Joanna Kukielka-Blaser, director, Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright-Hays Programs, Office of International Affairs (Fulbright to Germany)
- Jill Heathcock, associate professor, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Fulbright to France)
- Halil Sezen, professor, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering (Fulbright to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan)
Please register for this session and for more information contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.
1 – 3 p.m.
Faculty, professional staff, and graduate students can schedule an appointment to discuss awards, eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process. Appointments must be made in advance. To schedule an appointment, please contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.
Graduate students Events
Monday, March 31
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
One-on-One Advising: Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Graduate students can schedule an appointment to discuss awards, eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process. Appointments must be made in advance. To schedule an appointment contact Laura Pearce.
10 – 11 a.m.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program Information Session for ARTISTS
Fulbright presents a unique opportunity for artists to spend one year abroad doing an independent arts project, completing a graduate degree in the arts, or using their artistic skills to teach English. In this session, participants will learn about arts-specific grants and hear from Lydia Cornett, an Ohio State arts awardee to Hungary, about her project and experience abroad. Note: Though this information session focuses on applicants from the arts, Fulbright provides opportunities for applicants from all disciplines. Register for this session.
11 a.m. – noon
Graduate students are invited to learn about funding opportunities available through the Department of State Fulbright U.S. Student Program and the Department of Education Fulbright-Hays DDRA Program. Explore how the two awards differ and are similar.
Presenters:
- Joanna Kukielka-Blaser, director, Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright-Hays Programs, Office of International Affairs
- Laura Pearce, program coordinator, Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright-Hays Programs, Office of International Affairs
Please register for this session and for more information contact Laura Pearce.
Tuesday, April 1
9 – 10 a.m.
Fulbright Experience Abroad Panel with Fulbright Awardees: Panel A
Fulbright Awardees currently abroad in Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, France, and Taiwan will share their experiences including successes, challenges, sources of support, and moments of community building. Attendees will have the opportunity to imagine their own potential year abroad on a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant. Register for this session.
10 – 11 a.m.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Opportunities for Graduate Students
This information session is designed for graduate students interested in learning more about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, which funds up to a year abroad to conduct research, engage in a program of study, or teach English. Graduate students from all disciplines and levels of study are encouraged to attend for an overview of the awards, eligibility, selection criteria and application process. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A with alumni of the Fulbright U.S. Student program who will provide first-hand insight into pursuing Fulbright as a graduate student.
Presenters:
- Laura Pearce, program coordinator, Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright-Hays Programs, Office of International Affairs
- Emily Hardick, doctoral candidate, Department of History (Fulbright to Belgium)
Please register for this session and for more information contact Laura Pearce.
11 a.m. – noon
Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships in Public Health
This information session will introduce graduate students to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program with a focus on the Fulbright-Fogarty Fellowships in Public Health. The Fulbright-Fogarty is a targeted award that funds health-related doctoral-level research in certain countries for students who work with one of several partner institutions. Come learn more about this often-overlooked opportunity and hear from Fulbright Scholar awardees Liz Klein and Lorraine Wallace, who has judged Fulbright-Fogarty applications for the National Screening Committee.
Presenters:
- Laura Pearce, program coordinator, Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright-Hays Programs, Office of International Affairs
- Liz Klein, professor, Health Behavior and Health Promotion (Fulbright Scholar to Australia)
- Lorraine Wallace, associate professor, Department of Biomedical Education & Anatomy (Fulbright Scholar to Moldova and North Macedonia and National Screening Committee member)
Please register for this session and for more information contact Laura Pearce.
4-5 p.m.
IIE Webinar: Fulbright U.S. Student Program Overview
IIE welcomes all to join the Fulbright U.S. Student Program kickoff webinar for the 2026-2027 competition with our slate of webinars for the year. This first webinar provides a general introduction to the program and its awards, such as the English Teaching Assistant Award and Study/Research Awards. Come learn about the program goals, eligibility requirements, and how you can apply. Please register for this session.
Wednesday, April 2
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Faculty, professional staff, and graduate students can schedule an appointment to discuss awards, eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process. Appointments must be made in advance. To schedule an appointment, please contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.
8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
One-on-One Advising: Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Graduate students can schedule an appointment to discuss awards, eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process. Appointments must be made in advance. To schedule an appointment, please contact Laura Pearce.
11 a.m. – noon
Join us to hear directly from the Fulbright Commission Türkiye and learn about opportunities for U.S. citizens to teach, study and research in one of the world’s most dynamic countries. Türkiye, a transcontinental country with a rich historical and cultural heritage, is a geopolitically significant regional power and among the 20 largest economies in the world. The country offers quality higher education and research opportunities on modern campuses. With more than 200 universities, throughout the country, Türkiye features a large diversity of programs.
In addition to the overview of the programs by İrem Arıcan Yiğit from the Türkiye Fulbright Commission, you will hear from Ohio State Fulbright awardees currently in Türkiye. We will also share information about resources and support available to Ohio State faculty and student applicants.
Presenters:
- İrem Arıcan Yiğit, Acting Advising Coordinator, The Turkish Fulbright Commission
- Collin Trissel, Fulbright Student in Türkiye
- Sophia Jeong, Fulbright Scholar in Türkiye
Please register for this session and for more information contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.
1 – 4 p.m.
One-on-One Advising: Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Graduate students can schedule an appointment to discuss awards, eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process. Appointments must be made in advance. To schedule an appointment, please contact Laura Pearce.
Thursday, April 3
10-11 a.m.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Choosing an Award as a Graduate Student
This information session is designed for graduate students who are exploring what Fulbright awards best match their academic and professional goals. Graduate students from all disciplines and levels of study are encouraged to attend to learn details about the different awards within the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and how to determine which award is best for you.
Presenters:
- Laura Pearce, program coordinator, Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright-Hays Programs, Office of International Affairs
Please register for this session and for more information contact Laura Pearce.
Friday, April 4
11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
One-on-One Advising: Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Graduate students can schedule an appointment to discuss awards, eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process. Appointments must be made in advance. To schedule an appointment, please contact Laura Pearce.
1– 3 p.m.
Faculty, professional staff, and graduate students can schedule an appointment to discuss awards, eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process. Appointments must be made in advance. To schedule an appointment, please contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.
Wednesday, April 9
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fulbright Experience Abroad Panel with Fulbright Awardees: Panel B
Fulbright Awardees currently abroad in Taiwan, Cyprus, Poland, and Hungary will share their experiences including successes, challenges, sources of support, and moments of community building. Attendees will have the opportunity to imagine their own potential year abroad on a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant. Register for this session.
Friday, April 11
1 – 2 p.m.
Fulbright Experience Abroad Panel with Fulbright Awardees: Panel C
Fulbright Awardees currently abroad in Panama, Spain, and Serbia will share their experiences including successes, challenges, sources of support, and moments of community building. Attendees will have the opportunity to imagine their own potential year abroad on a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant. Register for this session.
Administrators and professional staff
Tuesday, April 1
2:30 – 4 p.m.
The Fulbright Specialist Program provides U.S. citizens who are established professionals or academics and possess expertise in qualifying disciplines with the opportunity to engage in short-term (2-6 week) project-based exchanges at host institutions around the globe. This information session will include an in-depth look at the program and an overview of topics such as eligibility requirements; benefits for participating Specialists; application process. Fulbright Specialist Program staff will be available to answer attendee questions. You will also hear from Ohio State program alumni, Joni Tornwall and Amy Schmitz, about their experiences serving as Fulbright Specialists.
Panelists:
- Amirah Nelson, senior outreach officer - Fulbright Specialist Program, World Learning
- Joni Tornwall, associate clinical professor, College of Nursing (Fulbright Specialist to Finland)
- Amy Schmitz, John Deaver Drinko-Baker and Hostetler Endowed Chair, Moritz College of Law (Fulbright Specialist to the Netherlands and Spain)
- Joanna Kukielka-Blaser, director, Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright-Hays Programs, Office of International Affairs (Fulbright Scholar to Germany)
Please register for this session and for more information contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.
Wednesday, April 2
11:00 – 12:00 noon
Join us to hear directly from the Fulbright Commission Türkiye and learn about opportunities for U.S. citizens to teach, study and research in one of the world’s most dynamic countries. Türkiye, a transcontinental country with a rich historical and cultural heritage, is a geopolitically significant regional power and among the 20 largest economies in the world. The country offers quality higher education and research opportunities on modern campuses. With more than 200 universities, throughout the country, Türkiye features a large diversity of programs. In addition to the overview of the programs by İrem Arıcan Yiğit from the Türkiye Fulbright Commission, you will hear from Ohio State Fulbright awardees currently in Türkiye. We will also share information about resources and support available to Ohio State faculty and student applicants.
Presenters:
- İrem Arıcan Yiğit, acting advising coordinator, The Turkish Fulbright Commission
- Collin Trissel, Fulbright Student in Türkiye
- Sophia Jeong, Fulbright Scholar in Türkiye
Please register for this session and for more information contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.
Thursday, April 3
11 – 12 p.m.
Fulbright U.S. Scholar vs. Fulbright U.S. Specialist Program: What is the Difference?
Faculty and professional staff are invited to learn about opportunities available through the Fulbright U.S Scholar and the Fulbright U.S. Specialist programs. Learn how the two grants differ and are similar.
Presenter:
- Joanna Kukielka-Blaser, director, Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright-Hays Programs, Office of International Affairs
Please register for this session and for more information contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.
Friday, April 4
1 – 3 pm
Faculty, professional staff, and graduate students can schedule an appointment to discuss awards, eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process.
Appointments must be made in advance. To schedule an appointment, please contact Joanna Kukielka-Blaser.