Fulbright changed my life. Without the scholarship, I would not have been where I am right now. For me it was the gate to the world, which stretched from life-long individual friendship to professional collaboration and institutional networking. Through its multiplying effect, I believe the Fulbright program has brought about social transformation. In another, more personal level, the Fulbright experience changed the way I relate to the U.S.A. I might disagree and be very critical with the U.S. foreign policy, but I will always hold dear the struggle of American people in redefining themselves and reaching for their dream.

Melani Budianta
Professor of literary studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia, Fulbright grantee in 1980-1981, 1988-1992
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