The Fulbright Program is meant to enhance understanding among individuals by enabling students from different parts of the world to study, teach or conduct research in the United States and allowing U.S. citizens to engage in like activities in another country.

It is a very competitive fellowship. I was honored to be selected for a Fulbright Student Fellowship and represent my country, India, for six months in the United States. During my Fulbright experience, I had the opportunity to interact with the faculty and students at Pennsylvania State University and gain valuable academic experience. As a person with a disability in the field of special education, I was able to experience the laws for people with disabilities and see them in action.

During the fellowship period, I had ample opportunity to interact with the faculty and students on a formal and informal basis. I found that people were keen to know about all aspects of Indian life and culture. I shared ideas about the situation of special education and people with disabilities in India. Other topics of discussion focused on the role of women in India, and in particular the role of women with disabilities. On several occasions people in the United States were surprised that I, being a person with a disability, had come under a Fulbright fellowship. In fact, the Fulbright Program has awarded grants to many people with disabilities.

The Fulbright authorities in India provided help arranging disability-related accommodations that made my experience in the United States fulfilling. Most of us have experienced the effect of a new environment, and it takes time to settle into a completely new atmosphere and culture. But if arrangements for things like accommodation, aids and appliances are made beforehand, then one can settle down quickly.

Before leaving India, I had made all the necessary arrangements for accommodations, and for using a wheelchair and computer. I wrote to the university’s housing office informing them about my disability and requesting a wheelchair adapted flat. I also made all the necessary travel arrangements. All the people—from the host family who came to pick me up, to the professors and the accommodation office, to the wheelchair rental office—were helpful and I had no problems settling in and starting my studies.

My vigorous academic program included five courses and independent research. I also had the opportunity to attend the Pittsburgh Employment Conference and the annual Fulbright Foreign Student Washington Seminar in Washington, DC. Over 120 Fulbright Scholars from 80 countries attended the seminar, titled “American Values and Identity in Time of National Trial: Civil Liberties, Tolerance, Engaged Citizens.”

Academically, my Fulbright fellowship was very fruitful. As a special educator, I took courses in augmentative and alternative communication and expanded my knowledge of the subject. I learned about the latest developments and research in this field. The fellowship was doubly beneficial to me, as I not only learned about various aspects of special education, but, as a person with a disability, I actually witnessed the U.S. disability laws and how they affect the lives of people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires all public buildings and transportation to be accessible and due to this I could travel with my wheelchair on the bus and even use the metro (subway system) in Washington, DC.

The fellowship also gave me the opportunity to share information about my work in India. I presented on the work done by the Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy, a nongovernmental organization where I work. I found that people were genuinely interested in the work being done in India.

I think that everyone should go abroad on exchange programs whenever possible. It is difficult to leave the surroundings that one is used to, but all programs can be beneficial if they are planned ahead. Some things to plan for include:

• Make necessary travel arrangements, including planning if there will be long waits in airports between flights.
• Plan for someone to meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation.
• Arrange for special mobility appliances, if needed (most universities have disability services and they are very helpful with this and other matters).
• Inform all relevant staff about the disability and its extent and the type of help that may be required.
• Remember to keep in touch with family at home and the sponsoring agency.
• Be prepared to work hard and be ready for an enriching experience.
• Always have a contingency plan and do not panic in new situations.
• Enjoy the exchange program!

I believe the value of fellowships like the Fulbright is greater in today’s world, when there is so much misunderstanding and grievance around the world. Sharing experiences with people whose values, cultures and lifestyles are different will help enhance our understanding of the world we live in—and what better way to do it than sharing a part of our lives and societies?