As the vibrant autumn leaves paint the landscape in gold and crimson, we find ourselves reflecting on the remarkable journey on which our program participants from both sides of the Atlantic have embarked.

It is with great joy that we extend a warm welcome to our new cohort of US program participants who arrived in Austria in September: 19 students, three scholars, and 159 teaching assistants. It was wonderful to meet them in person during the orientations in Vienna, St. Pölten, and Zell am See. These talented individuals have brought their passion for learning and their unique perspectives to our academic institutions, enriching our classrooms and communities with their personal insights into US culture.

Additionally, our Austrian program participants—13 students, four scholars and 11 teaching assistants who have just begun their academic pursuits in the United States—deserve a hearty congratulations. Their dedication to academic progress and cross-cultural understanding makes us proud, and we can't wait to see the meaningful impact they have during their time abroad.

We are thrilled to introduce our newest board member, Elizabeth Martin-Shukrun, to our community. With her diverse background and wealth of experience, Elizabeth is a valuable addition to the Fulbright Austria board. Her insights and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the success of Fulbright Austria’s programs.

As the days grow shorter, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming months and the opportunities they will bring. The Fulbright Program in Austria is not just about academic exchange; it’s about building bridges of understanding, fostering friendships, and shaping a brighter future through education and cultural exchange.

In the spirit of the season, let us continue to nurture the connections we’ve forged and embrace the new connections yet to come. Together, we are making a difference, one Fulbright experience at a time. To say it in the words of Marc Aurelius: "Know the joy of life by piling good deed on good deed until no rift or cranny appears between them." In closing, I wish all of you on both sides of the Atlantic a wonderful fall and hope to see you at one of our upcoming events—and that you enjoy reading about our acitvities and program participants in our news section.