"Orientation Days" for the 2026/2027 American grantees
On September 24 and 25, Fulbright France organized the 2026/27 American Orientation Days to welcome our new U.S. grantees to France (Fulbright Students & Scholars, ETAs, and Chateaubriand Fellows)!
Thursday, September 24 was dedicated to our new English Teaching Assistants at the Franco-American Commission:
• Introduction to the ETA program with Charlotte Goodwin and Noémie Bontron
• EducationUSA volunteer opportunities with Céline Ouziel
• Q&A and alumni insights with former ETA Zachary Harker
• Presentation of the U.S. Embassy’s work in the field of education with Carlsky Belizaire
The day concluded with a welcome reception for all 2026/27 American grantees, celebrating America 250, with remarks from Darragh Paradiso, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Paris.
Friday, September 25 was the core Orientation Day, held at the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche et de l’Espace in Paris:
• Welcome remarks by:
- Françoise Profit, Deputy Delegate for European and International Affairs, French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space
- Darragh Paradiso, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy in Paris
- Martine Roussel, Executive Director, Franco-American Commission – Fulbright France
• Introductions from our 2026/27 American grantees
• Breakout sessions for Advanced Students, Doctoral Students, ETAs, and Research Scholars, with Sidney Barbier, Tristan Sampley, Marina Goussev, Polina Levkina, and Thibaut Clément
• Session with the U.S. Embassy’s American Citizen Services team, with Evan Berard, Vice Consul
• Overview of the Fulbright Program in France and practical guidance for U.S. grantees with Charlotte Goodwin, Noémie Bontron, and Léa Gueran
• Practical information for Chateaubriand Fellows with Campus France
• Conference on Franco-American Diplomatic Relations with Audelin Chappuis, Deputy Director for Higher Education and Research at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
A warm thank you to the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche et de l’Espace, the Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires étrangères, the U.S. Embassy in Paris, Campus France, our partners and alumni, and above all, our 2026/27 American grantees for their enthusiasm and engagement.
Wishing you all a wonderful start to your year in France!
