Thomas hosts 2013 Fulbright reception

MANILA, Philippines - Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. hosted the Fulbright reception honoring the 332013-2014 batch of Fulbright, Hubert H. Humphrey, and Global Undergraduate exchange scholars last May 16, at the US Embassy’s Charles Parsons Ballroom.  The 2012-2013 US Fulbrighters who are still in the country completing their research were also recognized.  Along with dignitaries from the embassy, Fulbright alumni and guests from the academe, government and business extended their congratulations and best wishes to this batch of scholars heading to the United States.

The Fulbright reception was part of the two-day pre-departure orientation (PDO) for the Filipino scholars bound for the US this coming calendar year 2013-2014 that was held at the Philippine-American Educational Foundation office located in Makati City from May 16-17.  The two-day PDO included sessions about adjusting to academic and social life in the US, what to pack and not to pack, final requirements, and a thorough discussion of the benefits, terms and conditions of their awards. Alumni of the various programs that PAEF administered shared their insights about making the most of their US experience as scholars.

The scholars were chosen through an intense screening process under the auspices of the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), also known as the Fulbright Commission in the Philippines. PAEF is the longest continuously operating Fulbright Commission in the world, established in 1948, and has one of the ten largest Fulbright programs in the world. The primary mission is to promote educational exchange through scholarship and research, in order to foster mutual understanding and strengthen the relationship between the peoples of the US and the Philippines.