"With the rise of populism across the world and the largest refugee crisis since World War II, we are facing a defining moment in world order, liberalism, U.S.-European Union (EU) relations, and the future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The 2017 EU-NATO Seminar provided Fulbrighters with the rare opportunity to further examine these global issues at this unique point in time. Fifty researchers and ETAs from 19 countries across Europe attended this week-long seminar in February. Despite various fields of study, the seminar was designed to generate interest and understanding in the functional capacities of both organizations.

There has been much debate regarding what kind of impact Brexit and President Donald Trump and American policy as mandated by the Trump administration could have for both the EU and NATO in the near future. This aligned perfectly with my interests as a student of international affairs from the University of Maryland, College Park. Unique opportunities afforded to participants included the chance to observe a hearing at the European Court of Justice, visit the Bastogne War Museum, attend briefings at the European Commission, listen to presentations at the College of Europe, and attend receptions at various U.S. embassies where prominent dignitaries were present.

Additionally, the seminar served as a beneficial opportunity to network with other Fulbright grantees from across Europe. Fulbrighters were able to share their varied experiences serving as researchers and ETAs, and shed light on the unique cultures and political context each host country provides. I was lucky enough to find a Romanian restaurant in Brussels, where I introduced some local specialties to fellow Fulbrighters on one of the final nights of the seminar.

As a Washington DC native, I have always hoped to visit Belgium, the country that is credited to have revitalized the revered musician Marvin Gaye, who famously exiled himself there for two years. I never thought I would have had the chance to network with such bright and creative Fulbright scholars from all across Europe, and to learn more about the great effects of EU and NATO on the global arena simultaneously."