The Fulbright Türkiye & IIE-Fulbright Ukraine Forum, entitled “Neighbors for a Bright Twenty-First Century: Strengthening International Partnership, Knowledge, and Opportunity,” held in late October 2024 in Türkiye, served as a platform to deepen collaboration between the Fulbright programs of Türkiye and Ukraine. This event united directors and key program officers from both countries to foster mutual understanding and build on shared experiences in higher education, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.
Dr. Ersel Aydınlı, Executive Director of the Turkish Fulbright Commission, and Dr. Jessica Zychowicz, Director of Fulbright Ukraine & the Institute of International Education (IIE) Kyiv Office, opened discussions on resilience and partnership through both recent Fulbright initiatives and the long history of the program.
Sarah Ilchman, Co-President of the Institute of International Education (IIE), which administers Fulbright programs worldwide, shared insights into IIE’s mission and vision for strengthening Fulbright partnerships globally.
A special presentation commemorated Fulbright Türkiye’s 75th anniversary, celebrating the program’s role in fostering academic and cultural exchange within Türkiye and beyond. Established by a binational agreement between Türkiye and the United States in 1949, the Turkish Fulbright Commission Board comprises members appointed by both governments. Over 3,800 Turkish students and scholars have received Fulbright scholarships to study and conduct research in the United States, while more than 1,800 American students and scholars have received grants to study, teach, and conduct research in Türkiye.
In a segment highlighting historical context, representatives from the Ukrainian office presented “War & Resistance,” a photo exhibition chronicling events from the past decade. The creation, development, and travels of the IIE-Fulbright Ukraine traveling photo exhibition were showcased through photographs depicting the resilience of Ukrainian society. As Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine has unfolded, Fulbright photographers—both Ukrainian and American—have found themselves at the heart of significant events, wielding knowledge and cameras.
Teams from Türkiye and Ukraine shared experiences related to the candidate selection process and discussed strategies to increase alumni engagement and outreach, focusing on sustaining strong connections with past participants and encouraging future exchanges.
A dedicated meeting with Sarah Ilchman and IIE Kyiv staff centered on evaluating the Kyiv office’s work and setting future goals within the overarching mission of Fulbright and IIE. We are sincerely grateful for the steadfast support for U.S.-Ukraine partnership through Fulbright and the ongoing support extended through IIE to Ukrainian scholars, researchers, and students, especially throughout the challenges of wartime. Together we navigate obstacles and seek solutions to complex problems.
This forum underscored the commitment of Fulbright Türkiye and IIE-Fulbright Ukraine to advancing educational diplomacy and fostering a collaborative future, addressing both immediate needs and long-term strategic objectives for international partnerships.
