Florida Polytechnic University welcomed Erica Lutes, the executive director of the Commission for Educational Exchange between the United States, Belgium and Luxembourg – otherwise known as Fulbright Belgium and Luxembourg – to its Lakeland, Florida, campus on Jan. 16. Lutes toured the campus and met with University administration, faculty, and students. She was also presented with a medallion as a symbol of the global partnership that was established nearly a year ago to provide exchange opportunities between Florida Poly and the European nations.
Lutes, who has been with Fulbright Belgium and Luxembourg for seven years, said that one common misconception people have with the Fulbright program is that it’s open to only a select few.
“It’s open to all ages and all backgrounds, as long as you are a U.S. citizen,” said Lutes. “There are no limits that we put on it. I think a lot of people hear the word Fulbright and they think it’s some ivory tower and inaccessible. We really would like to see Floridians and people from Florida Poly applying to this program.”
The partnership is one of a growing number Florida Poly has developed as it continues to create international academic exchanges. The most recent agreement was with Fulbright Australia, which will be formally signed at a ceremony in Canberra, Australia, in February 2019.
“We were delighted to welcome Erica to Florida Poly,” said Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Poly. “Providing Fulbright opportunities to our students as well as hosting Fulbright scholars from around the world is one of our priorities. We look forward to a long and productive partnership with Fulbright Belgium and Luxembourg.”
For more information on how to represent Florida Poly as a Fulbright scholar or to come to Florida Poly from one of its Fulbright partners, contact Mustapha Achoubane, associate director of International Studies.
Did you know? Fulbright alumni have achieved distinction in government, science, the arts, business, philanthropy, education and athletics.
- 37 Fulbright alumni have served as heads of state or government
- 59 Fulbright alumni from 14 countries have been awarded the Nobel Prize
- 72 Fulbright alumni are MacArthur Foundation Fellows
- 84 Fulbright alumni have received Pulitzer Prizes
Lydia Guzman
Assistant Director of Communications
863-874-8450