热点大瓜

Russel Bassarath, a fifth-year student studying history and social studies education in the Graduate School of Education’s UB Teach program, is one of only 20 individuals to be selected as a 2025 Fulbright alumni ambassador.

The was established in 2008 to identify and train a group of approximately 20 alumni annually to serve as representatives for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. As an ambassador, Bassarath, who received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) to Cyprus in 2023, is increasing awareness about the Fulbright program and sharing his experiences with other UB students.

“Being one of only 20 Fulbright alumni ambassadors across the country is truly an honor,” Bassarath says. “I’m incredibly grateful to have been selected for this role. It was a humbling experience to be in a room with so many individuals doing incredible work across so many different fields and backgrounds.”

Each fall, U.S. embassies and individuals from the various Fulbright commissions, program managers and the outreach division come together to recommend alumni for the ambassador program. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs then approves the final selection of ambassadors.

Ambassadors offer guidance to prospective student applicants and share firsthand accounts of their Fulbright journeys — including the challenges of adapting to life abroad.

“At its core, the role is about storytelling and sharing what Fulbright has meant to me, and what it can offer to others,” Bassarath explains.

Fulbright alumni ambassadors speak at in-person and virtual events, take part in outreach initiatives and connect directly with students who are considering applying to the program.

“Just recently, I had the chance to speak at an online info session with 200 to 300 prospective applicants where I shared my experience as a Fulbright English teaching assistant in Cyprus. Bassarath says. “It was a full-circle moment to reflect on my journey and offer encouragement, especially knowing how overwhelming and intimidating the application process can feel.”

Bassarath considers the opportunity as a chance to not only share his experience, but also as a way to open doors for others.

“I see my role as both a responsibility and an honor to share what this opportunity can do for individuals from all backgrounds,” he adds.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious national scholarship competitions for grants to study, research and teach abroad. The program provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or for English teaching assistant programs.

While abroad, Fulbright recipients meet, work, live with and learn from the people of their host country, sharing daily experiences. The program facilitates cultural exchange through direct interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home and in routine tasks, allowing the grantee to gain an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs.

“I had the opportunity to connect with scholars and researchers from around the world, which deeply influenced my approach to peace education,” Bassarath says of his time in Cyprus.

He notes his experience was shaped by the teachers he collaborated with, as well as the professors with whom he’s now co-authoring papers.

“My Fulbright experience really pushed me to move beyond a U.S.-centric lens, especially one rooted in New York standards, which heavily influenced my earlier work,” Bassarath says. “Being immersed in global perspectives helped me broaden my thinking, both in how I approach challenges in education and how I recognize and learn from the incredible innovations happening around the world.

“It’s had a real impact on how I teach and engage with students here at UB,” he adds.

To learn more about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and application process, contact the Office of Fellowships and Scholarships.