Fulbright U.S. Student Researcher Spotlight: Chandler Williams

Applying and preparing for an opportunity like a Fulbright Scholarship can be a nerve-wracking experience. To ease your mind and provide you with an insider’s look into the Fulbright experience as a researcher in Kosovo, we decided to catch up with our U.S. Fulbright community. We asked them to reflect on their Fulbright experience in Kosovo and answer a few insightful questions, from preparing their applications to what it was really like living and being engaged in Kosovo as Fulbright researchers.

We are continuing our series of questions with 2023-2024 grantee, Chandler Williams, who spent six months in Kosovo during the first part of 2024, and came back in February 2025 for a one-month extension. During his Fulbright grant in Kosovo, Chandler worked on his research article "Destroyed Differently: Heterogeneous Patterns of Wartime Destruction."

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers Study/Research Awards to recent college graduates, graduate students, and early career professionals. These awards allow grantees to design their projects, which typically involve working with advisers at foreign universities or other institutes of higher education, including here in Kosovo.

More info here: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/applicants/types-of-awards/study-research

What is your educational and professional background?

When not in Kosovo, I am pursuing my PhD in Peace and Conflict studies. Prior to beginning my PhD, I completed an M.Phil. in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Oslo and a BA in International Relations from the University of North Florida. Through these programs, I have focused much of my study on the civilian consequences of armed conflicts and developed the methodological skills to conduct these analyses.

Why did you choose to apply for the Fulbright Program?

I applied for the Fulbright Program following the conclusion of my master’s program. My master’s thesis explored the civilian consequences of airstrike-only military interventions. Through this study, I began uncovering more and more reports describing various forms of civilian victimization that occurred during the war and found out that few of the crimes had been explored empirically. As such, I applied for this Fulbright to explore one such form of violence- when homes become the target. The Fulbright provided me with the opportunity to come to Kosovo and speak with Kosovars and get to the core of this story. It also gave me the opportunity to share its important story of resilience and strength with people outside of Kosovo. This country has come a long way since 1999, and it shows.

Could you tell us about your experience as a Fulbrighter in Kosovo?

My experience as a Fulbrighter in Kosovo has been enlightening. I've been able to make lifelong friends both amongst my Fulbright cohort, but also with Kosovars. Through lots of coffees and dinners and random meetups, I feel I've built strong connections throughout my experience. I've also been really excited to connect with academics and their students and already have some plans to return to present my work at their universities. Overall, my experience in Fulbright provided me with personal and professional growth, the ability to engage with a new culture, and the opportunity to share a little bit more about my culture with Kosovars.

What is the most valuable component you have gained from the program? 

I think the most valuable component that I've gained from this Fulbright program is likely a more professional network in Kosovo. As my Fulbright is concluding, I've begun to realize that Kosovo was a place that I would like to continue returning to. My Fulbright has helped me create connections in my field that I hope will continue to grow. I've met many wonderful professors, civil service members, and bright students who make me excited at the prospect of returning here to work with them again one day.

How do you plan to implement the knowledge gained as a part of the program after you return to the U.S.?

This opportunity has taught me a lot, and I hope to bring much of my experience back with me. Luckily, given that my research in Kosovo ties directly into the research I'm conducting for my PhD, I have a feeling I will be able to easily incorporate some of what I've done here into my life outside of Kosovo. But on a more personal note, I hope to help provide a better perspective on Kosovo to people who aren't from here. I hope that either my research or simply having conversations with people over coffee can help shine a light on this unique and interesting place.

How was the application process for you, and what advice do you have for prospective candidates?

In many ways, the application process was longer than typical. And what I mean by this is that I had applied to Fulbright before. So, I guess my advice would be to try and try again. You might not get Fulbright on your first application or your first attempt, but try again. Funnily enough, although I thought my first application was fantastic after looking back at it the second time around, I saw so many small gaps and errors and ways that my first project would have fallen apart. However, it was only with distance that I could realize this. When I had first submitted, I remember thinking it was the best thing possible.

What is the biggest culture shock you are experiencing in the U.S?

I would say the biggest culture shock was more of a positive culture shock. And it occurs whenever I'm outside of the cities whenever I'm near the villages or smaller towns. In these places it seems that people are the most welcoming. Whether they are offering you a cup of coffee or inviting you in to share a meal I think the biggest culture shock was having complete strangers welcome me with open arms.

What is your favorite place you have visited in Kosovo while participating in the Fulbright program?

Due to my research, I've been able to visit many places throughout Kosovo during my Fulbright. While there are many beautiful cities and towns throughout Kosovo, I find the countryside most enamoring. Luckily my interviews took me throughout Kosovo's countryside and if I had to choose a favorite place that I've visited it would just have to be the country roads. The bumpy village roads that may never see concrete. I found these places to be the most relaxing.

What is your favorite Kosovar dish/food?

While in Kosovo, my favorite dish to eat is pite me kungull (Pumpkin Pita). It’s this tasty, thin crunchy pastry like dish that is filled with pumpkin puree. Although it’s quite sweet, it is served as a main dish.