Fulbright Experience Expands NVC’s Global Perspective

History isn’t just in textbooks, but it’s a lived experience. Northwest Vista College’s Yolanda Reyes-Guevara got to experience the impact of World War II in Berlin, Germany this past fall when she traveled there as a recipient of a Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) Award.

"This was a fun and educational journey, filled with personal reflection,” said Reyes-Guevara, who is the NVC interim dean for Academic Success. “I loved connecting with the culture and learning with other scholars. It's an experience that can't be replicated.

Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) seminars are fully funded and provide the opportunity for higher education administrators to learn about higher education systems in other countries. Fulbright U.S. Scholars engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional network, often building future partnerships between institutions.

Participants in IEA are provided with an overview of Germany’s higher education system through presentations, discussions with colleagues and experts, and campus visits throughout Germany to institutions of higher education such as research universities and universities of applied sciences.

Reyes-Guevara connected with scholars of different countries and multiple higher educational programs including a colleague working with a school of emerging technology in Monterey, Mexico. She believes this connection could be helpful for NVC globalization programs and international experience opportunities for students who can’t travel.

One striking difference Reyes-Guevara discovered is that higher education is tuition-free in Germany and is considered a public good. Germany puts high value on an educated society considering it as a more productive society. Her colleagues in Germany could not understand why U.S. students have college loans and debt.

“At the same time, in the U.S., we have more wrap-around services for students, such as advocacy and student life,” said Reyes-Guevara. “We create more opportunities for student engagement on campus to help with persistence and completion.”

As part of the cross-cultural perspective, the program provided tours of historical and cultural sites around Germany.

"Being in the epicenter of WWII and the Cold War was truly eye-opening. It was a powerful reminder that history isn't just a textbook; it's a lived experience,” Reyes-Guevara added. “I felt a deeper connection to the culture that endured those times. You can't truly understand it without being there."

Reyes-Guevara is currently collaborating on a presentation proposal recommending more Fulbright opportunities for community college faculty and staff. She is also looking forward to sharing her experience with NVC students and exploring ways to bring more international experiences to the college.

Northwest Vista College was recently named as a Fulbright HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution) Leader for 2024. Each year, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) recognizes select HSIs for their strong engagement with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange program.