Fulbright Visting Scholar Program Spotlight:Dren Gërguri

Seeking admission to a prestigious program like Fulbright Visiting Scholar requires a lot of preparation. To help you better understand the program and what it offers, we bring an insider’s perspective on the Fulbright Journey.  

We are continuing our series of questions with our Fulbright Visiting Scholar 2023-2024 grantee, Dren Gërguri, a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the University of Houston.

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program competition for the 2025-2026 academic year is open until July 31, 2024.

To learn more, visit: Fulbright Scholar (Doctoral/PhD) Program in the United States (usembassy.gov)

This is a joint program of the U.S. Department of State and the Government of Kosovo

What is your educational and professional background?

I am a Media and Communication Studies Scholar and a former TV journalist, working at the Department of Journalism at the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”. I serve also as the associate editor at the Central European Journal of Communication. My research agenda is at the intersection of disinformation, political communication, and media effects.

Why did you choose to apply for the Fulbright Program?

I chose to apply for the Fulbright Program due to its prestige, competitiveness, and the opportunities it offers for expanding my knowledge, skills, and connections. I was drawn to the chance to gain a deeper understanding of American values, customs, and ways of life. Additionally, I was attracted to the program's focus on personal and professional growth, and I wanted to be part of a community that values academic excellence and cultural exchange.

Tell us about your experience as a Fulbrighter in the U.S.?

Being a Fulbrighter was the most productive period in my career having 60 meaningful projects and activities within nine months. My program was focused on research and I worked in different research projects with colleagues at the University of Houston, where I was based, but also with other scholars from the US, and Europe as well. In total, I have been engaged in 10 projects, writing 10 papers, two book chapters, and one entry for an Encyclopedia. I also had five conferences, including one as a speaker at Connexions Conference, organized by the University of Texas at Austin.

Through this program, I had the opportunity to visit 12 prestigious universities, including Harvard, MIT, and Duke, and deliver 21 lectures to undergraduate and graduate students at seven different universities. Additionally, I published op-eds in various media outlets, with two pieces translated into 10 languages. I also had online interviews with Kosovo media outlets (RTK, TV Dukagjini, etc.) and an in-person interview with US Public Broadcaster, PBS. Beyond academia, I immersed myself in American culture by exploring diverse cities, engaging with locals, and experiencing the country's rich cultural heritage.

What is the most valuable component you have gained from the program?

During my post-doc program, I acquired a lot of experiences that significantly broadened my professional and cultural horizons. Visiting over 10 universities across the five main regions in the US was incredibly enriching, providing valuable insights into the country's diverse academic landscape.

Furthermore, I expanded my skills in statistical analysis using SPSS and learned new techniques for evaluating journals before submitting papers. Collaborating with US scholars also influenced my writing style, as I adapted to their style, differing from the European academic style I was used to.

How do you plan to implement the knowledge gained as a part of the program at your home institution?

My primary objective is to share the knowledge and skills I acquired with my colleagues at the University of Prishtina. While some of them have experience with SPSS, I aim to introduce advanced statistical analysis techniques, such as binomial regression, to enhance our research capabilities. Additionally, I plan to share my expertise on journal selection and submission, which I believe will benefit my colleagues as much as it benefited me. By sharing my experience, I hope to contribute to the growth and development of our academic community.

How was the application process for you, and what tips do you have for the prospective candidates?

I started by contacting a professor at the US that share similar research interests, agreed with her on the research project, and then continued the application through online system, which is very user-friendly. It is important to double check all the documents required, as a candidate could be eliminated if a document is missing because the application is not completed. Having references from local and foreign scholars with whom you have collaborated is another element that makes your application stronger.

What is the biggest culture shock you experienced in the U.S?

I have had the privilege of lecturing in different US universities and in some lectures, I had the pleasure of engaging with students from all over the world, discussing topics like global disinformation and deepfakes. The richness of their perspectives and cultural backgrounds added immense value to our discussions. What struck me most was the willingness of scholars to support on creating new connections and new collaborations, even after just meeting as a guest lecturer or conference presenter. This level of support was unprecedented in my experience. These interactions not only expanded my academic network but also demonstrated the power of international scholarly exchange. One of the biggest culture shocks I experienced beyond academia was the vast portion sizes at restaurants.

What is your favorite place you have visited while participating in the Fulbright program?

During my Fulbright journey, I had the privilege of exploring over 10 states across 5 main regions of the US, gaining a deeper understanding of the country's diverse composition, regional differences, and similarities. Among the many places I visited, three stand out as favorites that I would love to revisit, except Houston where I was based: Cambridge, Massachusetts (its dynamic atmosphere inspires drive and ambition), Durham, North Carolina (the university town's energy was captivating), and Los Angeles, California (its unique blend of work and leisure opportunities is ideal).

What is your favorite American dish/food?

During my stay in the US, I tried different cuisines, a passion of mine when exploring new places. In Texas, my favorite food was Texas BBQ, which I highly recommend. Beyond Texas, I discovered notable flavors in other regions, particularly in Miami, where I enjoyed authentic Cuban cuisine, especially the savory empanadas, and in Denver, where I savored the city's famous green chili.