Fulbright Visting Scholar Program Spotlight: Zahir Çerkini

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, Zahir Çerkini, a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Drake University. 

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 professor and researcher in constitutional law. I am an assistant professor at the University "Isa Boletini" in Mitrovica, Faculty of Law. My field of academic interest is constitutional law and comparative constitutional law.

Why did you choose to apply for the Fulbright Program?

The Fulbright Program stands as one of the most esteemed initiatives globally, and being part of it is a major life turning point, both professionally and culturally. The advantages are multifaceted, enhancing research capabilities, broadening networks, and fostering exposure to entirely divergent different approaches to the phenomena.

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

I was a post-doc researcher at Drake Constitutional Law Center, Drake Law School, Drake University, Iowa. Through this exchange, I honed critical research skills, refining my methodologies and broadening my academic perspective in constitutional comparative law and human rights, specifically. I was lucky enough to collaborate with scholars from diverse backgrounds fostering a rich intellectual environment, enabling me to engage in interdisciplinary discourse and gain fresh insights into my field. Moreover, the program provided invaluable networking opportunities, facilitating connections with leading experts and institutions globally. This was a great opportunity especially because of Drake Constitutional Law Center.

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

Participating in the Fulbright Visiting Scholar program as a post-doc researcher has been pivotal in shaping my current success as a junior professor. I can say that every day of my journey I have managed to learn something new. However, I need to stop at some key points which are: I have completed a collaboration in the main research, receiving academic advice from the main professors in the field; I have initiated an academic collaboration expected to take place during this year; I have presented my research to the professors at Drake Law School, and this has been counted as an activity of the Drake Constitutional Law Center; I have presented about the legal system of Kosovo to the Iowa National Guard in the JAGs program, and the Iowa Supreme Court has counted this presentation as training for soldiers expected to come to Kosovo.

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

The lessons learned during my Fulbright tenure, such as adaptability in unfamiliar environments and effective cross-cultural communication, continue to serve me well in my current endeavors. They have enabled me to navigate complex academic landscapes and forge meaningful partnerships across borders. The program has opened new perspectives for me as a junior academic. I am applying the knowledge gained in the program in two directions: in my research work and in the expansion of new ideas and research. And secondly, in my work with the students, I include the knowledge, best practices, methods, and approaches of the professors with whom I have worked.

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

The most exciting part of the application was receiving an invitation from the university in the USA and the interview. To secure the invitation, I wrote to the university and sent them my CV and the project proposal. Then, I completed all the documentation and in the online system, which is very easy to use, I completed the application step by step. For all future applicants, I recommend working on securing an invitation from an institution and making a good project proposal.

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

The cultural diversity, expansive realm in the utilization of rights and liberties, highly diverse academic environment, appreciation of each viewpoint, friendly approach towards every other idea, and hospitality from professors and university staff have left indelible memories and traces within me.

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

During this period, I would recall three places: Winterset in Iowa, the birthplace of John Wayne; Chicago in Illinois; Omaha in Nebraska. All three places in the Midwest, but with interesting differences.

What is your favorite American dish/food?

I prefer the classic: Cheeseburger, with fries and coke, and an apple pie!