RIT welcomes six international Fulbright scholars to campus for the 2025–2026 academic year to promote global learning and cultural exchange

Rochester, New York – Rochester Institute of Technology has become a temporary home to six outstanding international scholars as part of the world-renowned Fulbright Program for the 2025–2026 academic year. The students, who hail from different corners of the globe, represent a vibrant mix of academic interests, professional goals, and cultural backgrounds — all united by one shared purpose: to learn, grow, and build bridges of understanding between nations.

The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, is one of the most prestigious academic exchange initiatives in the world. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, it was created to promote mutual understanding and peaceful cooperation among countries through educational and cultural exchange. Today, the program operates in more than 160 nations, supporting thousands of students, educators, and professionals each year.

For RIT, hosting these Fulbright scholars is not just a matter of prestige — it’s an opportunity to deepen its global connections and showcase its hands-on learning approach. The new arrivals have already begun their studies in various graduate programs, engaging in RIT’s dynamic campus culture while contributing their unique perspectives to the academic community.

Among the six students is Esi Dervishi, from Albania, who already holds a master’s degree in business administration and has extensive experience working in human resources. Eager to expand her knowledge, Dervishi chose to pursue a major in hospitality business management at RIT. She was drawn to the university’s strong reputation for practical learning and its professors’ ability to connect classroom theories to real-world experiences.

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“I’m not a big fan of just theory, so I appreciate the more practical approach to things,” said Dervishi. “The professors share their real-life experiences with us, making the lectures more insightful and engaging.”

Dervishi says the transition to life at RIT has been smooth and enriching, thanks to the university’s welcoming atmosphere and the countless opportunities for involvement. From networking events to community service initiatives, she believes the Fulbright experience is helping her grow not only academically but personally.

Another scholar, Fernando Diaz from Panama, is pursuing a master’s in business administration. Diaz described the experience as life-changing, emphasizing both the academic rigor and the vibrant social life that RIT offers. He was inspired to apply for the Fulbright Program after participating in an exchange program in New York several years ago. Once he returned home, earning a Fulbright became his dream — and now, he’s living it.

“Other than studying, there are a lot of activities,” said Diaz. “That’s what I love, the amount of clubs offered here. It doesn’t matter how niche your hobbies are, you can find a club or a group of people that have the same interests as you.”

Diaz added that the application process was extremely competitive, with only two Fulbright placements available in Panama out of around 125 applicants. The difficulty, he said, makes the achievement all the more rewarding.

“Academically, socially, culturally, it has been amazing so far,” he said. “It’s very competitive, but that just reflects the quality of people you find in the program.”

The Fulbright Program has a long legacy of producing some of the most influential minds in the world — including Nobel Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize recipients, and MacArthur fellows. For these scholars, becoming part of such a network is both an honor and a responsibility. They see it as a chance to represent their home countries while learning about the United States from the inside.

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Diana Semionel, a Fulbright scholar from Moldova, is also pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at RIT. Her path to the program was somewhat unconventional — she’s a non-traditional student who entered the program after gaining significant professional experience. For Semionel, studying in the U.S. is the fulfillment of a long-held goal, one that came with challenges but also immense rewards.

Adjusting to a new academic culture wasn’t easy at first, she said, but the support from RIT faculty, classmates, and university resources helped her overcome early struggles. Now, she’s thriving — and using her story to inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter where they come from or what stage of life they’re in.

“I feel like I’m finally one step closer to my dream,” she said. “I want to emphasize that anything is possible. It doesn’t matter what age you are, where you are from, what your family situation is, who you are. Pursue your things and get the best from life.”

The presence of these six Fulbright scholars underscores RIT’s growing role as a global university — one that values diversity, cross-cultural learning, and the exchange of ideas that transcend borders. Through their studies, service, and community engagement, the students are not only advancing their academic goals but also enriching the lives of those around them.

As they continue their journey throughout the academic year, RIT’s Fulbright scholars serve as living examples of what the program stands for — international collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and the belief that education has the power to build a more connected and peaceful world.