DR STEVEN PANTILAT

Steven Pantilat

Fulbright Senior Scholar (2007-2008)

Scholar story

Personally, the Fulbright experience has been transformative. First, the program provided the opportunity to work, study, and live in Australia. I had never before lived in another country. I gained a great appreciation and respect for Australia and the openness and warmth of the Australian people. My children attended public school in Sydney, I bought and sold a car, became proficient in public transportation, and made friends. I learned about the geography, history, and politics of Australia through which I gained a much deeper and greater appreciation of the country. Before coming to Australia I wondered just how different it would be than the US. Some friends suggested that it would be just like the US and not very different at all. I can see how in a short visit you could see the similarities but not the differences. By living in Australia I saw how Australia and the US share a great deal in terms of our history and our being nations of immigrants and also appreciated differences in our approaches to similar issues. The opportunity to live and work in Australia provided the richness and depth that I could never get otherwise. One example of the difference was the parliamentary election held in November. It was striking how quick and efficient the process was in Australia compared to the protracted process in the US. I have come away with a deep affection for and appreciation of Australia and its people.

Second, the Fulbright program allowed me to take a step back from my life in the US and gain valuable perspective. Being away from the daily routine and responsibilities of my job at University of California – San Francisco allowed me to focus on what was most important to me professionally and personally and to set new and better goals for myself. I had the time and opportunity to think broadly about my work and my life in ways that were not possible at home. In many ways the prestige of being a Fulbright Senior Scholar encouraged me to think grandly about my professional and personal goals. I feel that I will return to the US wiser and more focused.

Third, the Fulbright program provided me the opportunity to spend more time with my family. Although we were all engaged in our own activities in Australia- school, work, swimming lessons, friends, exercise- we had far fewer than at home and thus spent much more time together as a family. This time together was an unexpected and wonderful gift of the Fulbright program. My twin boys developed a greater appreciation for each other and we all learned to get along better. This time with my family is one of the most precious and valuable aspects of the Fulbright program and one I will always cherish.

Fourth, the Fulbright program allowed me to work with wonderful colleagues in Australia and advance my research. I learned about some very interesting and innovative projects underway in Australia and hope to introduce them to my colleagues back in California.

Through the Fulbright program I made new friends and colleagues across Australia and around the world. I knew I would meet many people during my Fulbright experience but did not know the depth of connection and friendship I would establish with so many. I know I have made many friends for life through this experience and look forward to returning to Australia and hosting friends in the US.

Finally, as I had hoped, I got to enjoy the great beach life in Sydney. Although I did not learn to surf, I did become a proficient boogie boarder and body surfer and became much more comfortable and capable in the surf. I fell in love with the beach in Australia and its power and beauty. The rhythmic pounding of the surf and the beautiful blue water will always serve as the backdrop for my time in Australia.

My whole family and I have a greater appreciation and understanding of Australia and the world. We understand what it is like to be visitors and foreigners and appreciate how important kindness, friendship and understanding are to people new to a country. We had the experience of being warmly welcomed as Americans throughout the world, even when the people we met disliked our government and our President. We had the chance to discuss politics and to see firsthand how others perceive and experience the policies of the US government and the impact those policies have around the world. We did our part to explain the US political and electoral process and came to see ourselves as goodwill ambassadors. Being a Fulbright Scholar opened many doors and made many others easier to open. Most colleagues in Australia and around the world had heard of the Fulbright program. In every place I visited I was introduced or introduced myself as a Fulbright Scholar and it was universally regarded as prestigious and an honor. Being recognized as a Fulbright Scholar also had a significant impact at my home institution where it was viewed as highly prestigious and made it easier to plan and undertake my sabbatical.

It was a fantastic experience and the opportunities and advantages of being a Fulbright Scholar were amazing.