Fulbright Scholars Face Challenges upon Departure

Hélène Rainville

During the 2014-2015 academic year, FSU welcomed two Fulbright Scholars: Jingxin Ma from Chifeng, China and Ehab Hassabelnaby from Cairo, Egypt. Our cultural ambassadors will be leaving us at the beginning of May. What does this mean for them? How difficult is it for these exchange students to re-integrate into their home communities?

Jingxin’s parents were subject to the one-child policy so she is an only child. Her graduate studies in Australia have prepared her well for her new return home. She knows that she will appear to be different to those who have not been abroad. Acquiring Western ideology is not always seen positively in the home country.

Ehab Hassabelnaby and Jingxin Ma on Global Awareness Day

Last year’s scholar from Afghanistan suffered a difficult reintegration according to Sharmila Udyavar, International Student/Cultural Immersion Advisor. New ideas like monogamous marriage and equality of women are a departure from his traditional upbringing. Another student from Turkey who preferred to wear the hijab while at FSU has now decided to no longer wear the hijab in her country. These exchanges have lasting effects on the lives of these scholars who have devoted a year of their life to share with us the love of their culture. Yet they also leave with heavy hearts and new open minds.

China blocks Google and Twitter. They do not teach about Tiananmen Square so Jingxin had to learn it abroad. These differences do not detract her from future travels and she would love to go to Sweden next. In contrast, Ehab is absorbing technology and information rapidly. His Egyptian profession is working for a television station. He loves discussing current and political events.

War is raging all around Egypt: from Libya to Gaza and from Yemen to Syria. Conflicts are as close as 200 miles away. He expresses concern for his family, to include his wife and two young sons, Malik and Omar. Unfortunately, he missed the birth of his son in February. It is a bittersweet moment for him. As his departure looms, he is feeling torn between his new friends and returning to Cairo.

Earlier this month, Ehab played basketball for the first time. His wish of seeing snow came true. Both Jingxin and Ehab made a Jack-o’-lantern and learned all about African-American culture. Sometimes, we bombarded them with some ridiculous questions but they graciously responded. Our ideas and our culture return with them now. Let us not forget that the time spent in our country will change their lives forever.