Fulbright Week is here! NC State’s Office of Global Engagement, Office for Faculty Excellence, and the University Fellowships Office are teaming up to host Fulbright Week, from March 25 – 28, highlighting the various programs supported through the prestigious Fulbright program.
Led by the United States government, Fulbright is an academic cultural exchange program for American students to study, teach, or pursue important research and professional projects in the United States and in more than 160 partner countries worldwide over the course of an academic year. NC State was listed as a Top Producing Institution, recognized for having the highest number of accepted applicants to the Fulbright U.S. Student and Fulbright U.S. Scholar Programs for the 2024-2025 academic year.
As part of Fulbright week, NC State Global is spotlighting Fulbright scholar Juliene Porciuncula and her experience abroad. Juliene is currently in Manila, Philippines collecting data for her doctoral dissertation. Her research focuses on examining contemporary Filipino food in Manila and the ways in which culinary actors promote a national identity through food.
“Studying abroad as a graduate student with Fulbright has been incredible!” said Juliene. “I have a lot of independence and autonomy to carry out my research project while also being able to explore the country and what it has to offer from food to travel experiences.” During her time in Manila, she has had the chance to collaborate with faculty members and students across a breadth of disciplines.
One of her favorite parts of her Fulbright experience has been having the opportunity to reunite with her family and reconnect with the culture while engaging with local communities and achieving her academic goals. She cites celebrating Christmas with her family then going on a research trip to another island of the Philippines as one of her favorite memories. “That week was a perfect balance of having fun with my family over the holidays while also having fun with my research and colleagues for a sponsored weekend in a gastronomic city,” she said.
Juliene credits her advisor Sarah Bowen for helping her begin her Fulbright journey as well as Courtney Hughes, director of the University Fellowship Office, for guiding her through the process. “This wouldn’t have been possible without my advisor, Sarah Bowen, who instilled this idea in my head to conduct research internationally,” she said. She also gives thanks to her NCSU village, her advisors Michaela DeSoucey and Kim Ebert, and her friends in the Sociology department.
She describes her experience as a Fulbright scholar to be fulfilling, through the relationships she has forged with her affiliate institution and the colleagues she has been introduced to. “These are connections I will cherish as I further into my academic career. I’ve learned so much and I credit a huge part of my data collection to their local knowledge and dedication,” she said.
For students, faculty and staff interested in pursuing the Fulbright program, please contact the University Fellowships Office.
