Expanding diplomatic horizons: A Fulbright journey to Armenia

Meet Collin Frank, a 2023-24 Fulbright student pursuing an accelerated master’s degree in political science at the School of Politics and Global Studies, part of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at ASU. Through the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award, Collin ventured to Armenia to deepen his understanding of Armenian culture and language while exploring the nuances of peer-to-peer diplomacy.

During his journey, Collin drew upon his three years of Russian tutoring experience to support intensive language programs and enhance his grasp of the region's sociopolitical dynamics. In this conversation, he shares his insights into Armenian society and his aspirations for a future career strengthening international relations through his expertise.

What inspired you to pursue a Fulbright award?

Fulbright is where you put your studies into practice! I definitely felt that way after majoring in global studies and Russian as an undergraduate. After studying the region for so long, it was the obvious choice to try living and working there. I knew that Fulbright also sets you up for other fellowships and government jobs, so I was interested early on. I was excited to try something new and live somewhere I never considered before. 

Can you share a memorable moment from your Fulbright experience that shaped your perspective or research?

There are too many to name—every day in Armenia has shaped my perspective. Several particularly formative days came in September of 2023 during the fall and dissolution of Nagorno-Karabakh (a region subject to a long-standing territorial dispute between Azerbaijan, in which it lies, and its ethnic Armenian majority).

It was an understandably hard day for my students, many of whom had family in the area. Growing up in the U.S. made conflict seem distant; this was a reminder that so many others grow up in places where conflict and war are just a few miles away. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and so many others resulting from the former Soviet Union's policies continue to affect people's lives. I hope to work in the region throughout my career to help moderate these conflicts before they reach a flashpoint. My Fulbright award helped refine my specialization and reaffirm my career choice.   

How has your research or project as a Fulbright Student helped bridge cultural or academic divides between your home and host countries?

Aside from teaching English, a large part of my job as a Fulbright Student involved building lasting connections between the U.S. and Armenia; this was my favorite part of any class, as there were many commonalities between the U.S. and Armenia that surprised me! Many of my students were from rural Armenian villages, each with unique monuments and sights. It was fun sharing my stories of the Grand Canyon and attending ASU, which is as big as the third-largest town in Armenia. 

How have you engaged with local communities or organizations in your host country, and what impact have these collaborations had on your work?

​​Because one of my Fulbright colleagues worked on rural farms in Armenia, I often tagged along to visit and speak with farmers in the villages across the country. These visits were unique; instead of reading about agriculture and development in rural Armenia, I could study firsthand and learn from those putting it into practice. For Armenia, food security is an important issue closely tied to national security. I look forward to continuing to study that nexus at Georgetown University next fall.

How have you navigated challenges during your Fulbright journey, and what strategies have you used to overcome them?

Every day brings new challenges when living in a new place, but optimism can turn those into new learning opportunities. Stores would sometimes run out of certain ingredients I needed, but that just pushed me towards trying some new local recipes that I ended up loving. Some of the classrooms at the universities I taught in were less equipped than I had hoped, but it forced me to get creative in delivering my lessons. 

What advice would you offer future students in academic exchange programs like Fulbright?

Finding a new hobby can help you integrate into your host communities. When I arrived, I decided to try film photography, which helped me build a local community. Finding some way to document your day-to-day experience is also incredibly valuable. I journaled and took a picture daily while living in Yerevan to retain and cherish my experience. 

What advice would you give to students working with ONSA?

I see students struggle with self-doubt in the application process. People worry that their experience with a particular country needs to be more significant to justify their application or that they need more experience. Fulbright is just as much about your plans as it is about your past! It's important to lay a clear path for your future and time in the country. Reviewers want to see that you've thoroughly prepared—mentally and professionally—for the task required. To that end, I urge everyone to start early, make daily progress, and find good mentors. 

How did your involvement in establishing the American Studies graduate program at Yerevan State University influence your perspective on Armenia's educational landscape, and what challenges did you encounter?

I like to think of my experience as Fulbright in reverse. Several scholars from Youngstown University who joined my graduate political science courses taught me about Armenia's politics while sharing their unique culture and history. I knew that other countries took courses on American studies. Still, hearing the great demand for an American Studies graduate program in Armenia was surprising. 

How do you anticipate that your Fulbright experience will influence your career goals, particularly in federal diplomatic service?

Fulbright is purpose-built to push you toward diplomacy! You come out of the program with language proficiency, overseas experience and a sense of on-the-ground diplomatic engagement. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in diplomacy well before I applied, so I knew this program would be great practice. So few experts have studied the Caucasus and even fewer serve in government. Fulbright has given me a solid foundation to continue my studies of the region and eventually contribute to U.S. policy in Armenia. I plan on returning as a Foreign Service Officer.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments, host institutions, corporations, and foundations in foreign countries and in the United States also provide direct and indirect support. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. The Program operates in over 160 countries worldwide.