Fulbright Faculty Development Program Spotlight: Blerta Latifi-Xhemajli
Seeking admission to a prestigious program like Fulbright Faculty Development requires a lot of preparation. To help you better understand the program and what it offers, we bring an insider’s perspective on the Fulbright Journey.
We are continuing our series of questions with our Fulbright Faculty Development Program 2022-2023 grantee, Blerta Latifi-Xhemajli, a Fulbright Faculty Development scholar in Dental Science at Tufts University in Massachusetts.
The Fulbright Faculty Development Program competition for the 2024-2025 academic year closes today, October 31, 2023.
To learn more, visit the Fulbright Faculty Development Program (usembassy.gov)
This is a joint program of the U.S. Department of State and the Government of Kosovo
What is your educational and professional background?
Teaching assistant at University of Pristina, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry branch
Clinician in University Dental Clinical Center of Kosovo, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry
PhD, Researcher
Why did you choose to apply for the Fulbright Program?
To gain a new experience in the sense of the organization of the educational system, of the compilation of the syllabuses of the subjects in the U.S., also another reason for me to apply for this program was to visit the U.S.
Tell us about your experience as a Fulbrighter in the U.S.?
I had a perfect time; I saw many things for the first time, and I benefited a lot professionally in terms of education and health as my professional field.
What is the most valuable component you have gained from the program?
Gaining experience in compiling subject syllabi.
How do you plan to implement the knowledge gained from the program at your home institution?
I plan to apply this gained knowledge first to my own syllabus, to my department, and then to the entire faculty staff. This will help both the academic staff and students a lot because this new form of the syllabus that we have learned makes everything more accessible and more effective.
How was the application process for you, and what tips do you have for the prospective candidates?
The application was very easy. I did not encounter any difficulties during the application, and the only thing I would suggest to the prospective candidates is to encourage them to apply; then, when the process starts, there are no difficulties.
What is the biggest culture shock you experienced in the U.S?
Although it was the first time I visited the U.S., I cannot mention any cultural shock; it was exciting to see how the holidays of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year were celebrated. It was especially impressive for me to see how the houses were decorated from the outside for each of these holidays.
What is your favorite place you have visited while participating in the Fulbright program?
Undoubtedly visiting the most famous universities in the world, Harvard and MIT.
What is your favorite American dish/food?
Mc cheese macaroni.