Fulbright American Programs Orientation Days 2026 in Leipzig, Germany

From September 21 to 24, 2026, a total of 179 U.S. Fulbright grantees came together in Leipzig for the Fulbright American Programs Orientation Days. The event brought together 98 English Teaching Assistants as well as 81 Study/Research grantees, journalists, and scholars for a shared start to their Fulbright year in Germany.

The Orientation Days focused on preparing grantees for their time in Germany through practical guidance, professional exchange, and opportunities to connect with fellow grantees, Fulbright alumni, and representatives from the fields of education, research, and public life.

For the English Teaching Assistants, the program included workshops on teaching methods and school routines, exchanges with second-year ETAs, and sessions on community engagement. Study/Research grantees, journalists, and scholars explored life and work in Germany, the German higher education and research system, and current developments in higher education. 

Leipzig itself also became part of the orientation experience. Guided walking tours explored the events of October 1989 and Leipzig’s role in the Peaceful Revolution, offering participants a historical perspective on the city they had come to call home for the coming year.

Another highlight was the joint Welcome event featuring Hakan Tosuner, Executive Director of Fulbright Germany; Christina Gehlsen, Alternate Chair of the Fulbright Board and Head of International Scholarship Policy at the German Federal Foreign Office; and Scott Weinhold, Co-Chair of the Fulbright Board and Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy. Fulbright Alumna Heather Pruessing and Dr. Anke Bösel, Deputy Director/Head of Programs of Fulbright Germany then shared personal and professional perspectives on transatlantic experiences in “Crossing the Atlantic: Reflections on a Personal and Professional Journey.”

A special highlight was the visit to Leipzig University, where the grantees were welcomed by President Prof. Dr. Eva Inés Obergfell, herself a Fulbright alumna, and Jodi Breisler, Consul General at the US Consulate General Leipzig. In her keynote, Prof. Dr. Obergfell offered insights into the German higher education system as well as current developments and debates at German universities. During the subsequent discussion, participants had the opportunity to ask questions and share their own experiences and perspectives from the US higher education context. The exchange highlighted both differences and commonalities between the German and US higher education and research systems while providing valuable insights into academic life in Germany. The visit also underscored the importance of transatlantic exchange and personal connections at the heart of the Fulbright Program.

The Orientation Days highlighted the values at the heart of the Fulbright Program: connection, exchange, and mutual learning. Equipped with new contacts, practical insights, and a deeper understanding of their roles in Germany, the grantees went on to begin their Fulbright year 2026–27.

Fulbright Germany thanks all contributors, alumni, speakers, and hosts whose commitment helped make the Orientation Days a success.

Photos from the event are available here until the end of October. Photo credits to Corinna Mehl.