Pursuing her masters in medical anthropology with a focus on gender disparities in aging, Fulbright Scholar Anna Zabicka of Latvia has high praise for her experience as a graduate student here.

"Distinguished faculty present a challenging curriculum; the university has to be very proud," says Zabicka, who chose Wayne State because of its global reputation.

Arriving in August for the 2017-18 school year, Zabicka is one of more than 8,000 students, educators and professionals annually awarded short- and long-term Fulbright scholarships to teach and conduct research across the globe.

Jaclyn Assarian, Office for International Programs associate director and Fulbright Scholar liaison for faculty programs, regularly assists faculty and students in refining research projects, clarifying requirements and tapping into a global network on behalf of applicants.

Zabicka knows firsthand how advantageous it is to know someone in the vast worldwide network.

Associate Professor Marcis Jansons of the College of Engineering is a 2015-16 Fulbright alum who spent that academic year in Latvia teaching graduate students at Riga Technical University.

When Zabicka, who lived in Riga and was a lecturer at neighboring Riga Stradins University, learned of her Fulbright, a mutual colleague in Michigan called Jansons for assistance in preparing Zabicka for her year in the U.S.

Jansons, whose parents emigrated from Latvia, was more than happy to oblige. During a family visit there last summer, he met with Zabicka to brief her on university life in the middle of a major American city.

Guidance on things like finding an apartment, where to shop and not-to-miss cultural and social events and activities were immeasurable. Although she admits to spending most of her time studying, it is comforting to have someone nearby who shares her culture and language.

She leaves in May, but hopes to secure funding that will enable her to return for the completion of her studies. Fulbright pays for one year of studies abroad, but Zabicka wants to complete her master's at WSU and is responsible for all of her tuition and living expenses here, which average between $20,000 and $30,000 a year for international students.

Zabicka encourages WSU faculty, staff and students to consider applying. She believes there are many worthy candidates across campus, and says the experience is transformative academically and culturally.

"I hadn't thought seriously about applying for Fulbright until a friend shared his experience," says Zabicka. "It is a prestigious award that so many overlook because they are intimidated, and they shouldn't be."

Faculty who want to learn more about Fulbright can contact Assarian at 313-577-9319 or jassarian@wayne.edu. For questions related to the Fulbright Student Program, contact Kelli Dixon, director of Study Abroad and Global Programs and the Office of International Students and Scholars, at ab6179@wayne.edu.

The Office of International Programs is always interested in hearing from faculty and student Fulbright alumni. If you have received a Fulbright award, we want to know about it! Email Carol Baldwin, communications coordinator for OIP, at carol.baldwin@wayne.edu and tell her about your experience.