I was among the first group of students to get a Fulbright scholarship from Austria in 1951. As my field of study was English and sports sciences I had no problems to get integrated in activities of Montclair State Teachers College (I became a letterman in track and field). Among the studies in American literature, arts, music etc. I also got in contact with sociology, a field not yet offered at Graz. My thesis in 1957 was the first in sports sociology at the University of Graz.

After eight years of teaching I was offered a job in the Ministry of Education in which I became head of the Department of physical education and school sports (1969–1995). In this capacity I had the chance to work in and initiate several international institutions (International Schoolsport Federation, National and International Olympic Academy, Interski (International Federation for Ski Instruction). In all these fields my international experience, my sense for cooperation and mutual understanding have helped a lot. So all in all my Fulbright year had great influence on my personal thinking and my professional career. I have been very grateful for this outstanding chance and experience.

Hermann Andrecs is a graduate of the University of Graz with a degree in English and sports sciences. He studied at Montclair State University (formerly Montclair State College) as an Austrian Fulbright Student in 1951–52.