For several years now, Drury University has had the honor of working with Fulbright Scholars to teach classes on campus,  giving students a snapshot of what the culture is like in other countries. The Fulbright Program is a scholarship that allows professionals from the United States and other nations to exchange places and experience the culture of their host nation.

This year, Drury has the privilege of hosting two Fulbright scholars: one for the long-standing Arabic course, and another for the Mandarin course that is being offered for the first time this semester.

The Fulbright Program

Most often the candidates for the Fullbright Program are teachers, scholars or artists; people who can share the culture of their nation with their students to expand their understanding of the world.

“The purpose of this program is to have more knowledge and less conflict,” explained Professor Tina Chiou. Chiou is the scholar in charge of teaching Mandarin this year and is visiting Drury from Taiwan. “Once we know each other well it’s easier for us to become friends and have less conflict. We are here as a language teacher but also as a cultural ambassador.”

“I know that this is a very prestigious program,” said Boutaina Alami Kammouri, the Arabic Professor and Fulbright scholar from Morocco. “I would like to know about other cultures and of course for Americans to know about my culture and the way that I see the world. Fulbright requires proficiency in your area of study, and I am very grateful to be a part of the program.”

Meeting the New Professors

“Back in Taiwan I was an elementary school teacher,” explained Chiou. “I taught primary school English, and here with the new program I’ll be teaching Mandarin. Because of this I am very familiar with the techniques the students need, the language level and how to build the foundation for new language learners. My criteria is definitely suited for Drury.”

“In Morocco I had my bachelor’s degree in English literature and studies and later on decided to get my master’s in business communication,” said Alami Kammouri. “I went on to a program where I trained to become a teacher and professor.”

“I have been teaching for about six years,” continued Alami Kammouri. “I teach English to junior high school and sometimes high school students, and sometimes I will teach Arabic to foreigners who are interested in Moroccan culture. Because of this I can speak English, French and Arabic. And just a little bit of Spanish.”

Getting Accustomed to Drury

Any student who has traveled abroad can support the statement that they were nervous at first. They may not know the language of their host country, they may not be used to the culture, or they might just be homesick. This anxiety definitely crosses borders with our Fulbright Scholars.

“There is a lot of expectations for this year,” explained Chiou. “This [program] provides me a very good opportunity to study and understand your culture and your language and the people here more as a language teacher. I’m excited to explore myself this year.”

“Though I am a bit nervous,” Chiou admits. “This is my first time to the U.S., and it is my first time leaving Taiwan for so long.”

“I’m excited to learn about American culture and about the people,” said Alami Kammouri. “I’ve met a lot of people that were very interested about me and my country and even my religion, and I didn’t think that’s how it was going to be at first.”

“I’m not really nervous,” continued Alami Kammouri. “I’m really at ease. I’ve found a second family here in the United States. Here at Drury we’re a community, and I’m lucky to be here.”

If you have any questions regarding the new language programs please contact your adviser, Professor Chiou at @tchiou@drury.edu, or Professor Alami Kammouri at balamikammouri@drury.edu.

Article written by Ryan Smith.