Bridging Borders Through Scholarship: My Fulbright Experience

As a Fulbright Specialist at the Faculty of Management and Business (FMB) of the University of Prešov, my goal was to promote academic collaboration, advance management education, and foster cross-cultural understanding between Slovakia and the United States. This experience proved to be both intellectually stimulating and personally meaningful, offering opportunities to exchange ideas with outstanding faculty, engage with talented students, and strengthen institutional ties between Texas A&M University–San Antonio and the University of Prešov.

From the very beginning, the warm and sincere hospitality extended by the Vice Dean for International Relations, doc. Eva Benková made me feel deeply welcome and inspired—she truly made me feel at home from day one. Upon meeting Dean Prof. Róbert Štefko, his kindness and leadership further reinforced my initial impressions. I quickly realized that their shared commitment to international cooperation and academic excellence set the tone for a truly collaborative and rewarding engagement. I was equally grateful to the faculty and staff members who warmly welcomed and assisted me throughout my visit, and to the students whose curiosity and enthusiasm created an energizing environment for teaching and learning.

During my two-week appointment, I delivered a series of lectures and seminars for doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate students, each tailored to a distinct level of academic development. Topics included “Building a Research Agenda: From Curiosity to Contribution,” “How Multinationals Compete in a Global Marketplace,” and “Why Understanding Cultures Matters in Business.” These sessions culminated in my keynote address, “The Role of Corporate Governance in Times of Global Crisis,” at the 9th International Scientific Conference in Economics, Management and Business 2025 - Searching for Solutions in Times of Global Instability and Uncertainty, organized by the FMB and held in the breathtaking High Tatras. Chairing two conference sessions allowed me to interact closely with international scholars and share research perspectives on strategic management and international business. These exchanges underscored the importance of academic dialogue in fostering innovative thinking and global cooperation.

Outside the classroom, my Fulbright experience was enriched by the cultural and social life of Slovakia. Walking through the historic streets of Prešov, engaging in thoughtful discussions with colleagues over coffee, and exploring the region’s natural beauty all deepened my appreciation of Slovak culture. These everyday moments transformed professional collaboration into a lasting friendship. The High Tatras conference, in particular, was a huge highlight that combined intellectual engagement with cultural immersion and stunning scenery. I especially felt that I was breathing the freshest air on the planet during my stay in the High Tatras.

The University of Prešov stood out as a vibrant, globally minded institution dedicated to quality education and meaningful partnerships. Our collaboration revealed exciting prospects for continued engagement between the University of Prešov and Texas A&M University–San Antonio, including comparative research on corporate governance, joint conferences, and exchange opportunities for both faculty and students. I am confident that the networks established through this Fulbright project will evolve into sustainable and productive collaborations in the years ahead.

Overall, my Fulbright experience at the University of Prešov was far more than a professional assignment - it was a transformative journey of learning, friendship, and shared purpose. It strengthened my belief in the power of global academic exchange to advance knowledge, empathy, and peace. I will forever cherish the memories of my time in Slovakia and look forward to nurturing the bridges built through this extraordinary opportunity. Ďakujem veľmi pekne!

Autor: O. Volkan Ozbek

Foto: Archív autora