My Fulbright Experience: Filipa Lopes
«My Fulbright scholarship, supported by FCT, was a transformative and challenging journey…
Filipa at Mount Rubidoux’s summit, in Riverside. Weekend stroll organized by the UCR Cultural Conversation Class.
I chose the University of California-Riverside for a four-month research stay in order to become acquainted with new theoretical and methodological perspectives in the field of American Archival Studies. This decision was driven by my research on a pre-modern Portuguese family archive, which required an interdisciplinary approach combining History and Archival Science.
While there, I had the privilege of learning under Professor Randolph Head’s supervision, a renowned expert in the history of pre-modern European archives. I attended training on Archival Management and also had access to some of the University of California-Los Angeles seminars and scientific meetings.
During lectures, seminars, and discussions, I observed a distinct work culture characterized by constructive critique and collaboration. Engaging with professors, researchers, and colleagues from both universities, particularly those focused on community archives, enhanced my research. The colleagues from the California Medieval History Seminar also provided invaluable feedback on my PhD project.
This stay influenced both my professional and personal perspectives. Professionally, it had a significant impact on my way of thinking and how I questioned some of the themes related to archives. At a personal level, despite previous experiences abroad, this was a greater challenge due to the distance and cultural differences. As an example, I was surprised to encounter disparities in local food, interpersonal relationships, and the public transportation system. Nevertheless, in spite of all of the personal adjustments, the support from the University of Riverside’s Office for International Students and Scholars, fellow Fulbright scholars and alumni, foreign researchers, especially my officemate Tendai, and American professors and colleagues made me feel welcome, resulting in a very enriching and positive experience. In addition to the scientific experience, I got to know many of them through social interactions over lunches and excursions that gave me the chance to familiarize myself with the local environment and other people’s cultures.
This experience was cut short when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. The initial panic, empty store shelves, isolation, and fear of border closures were daunting. Thankfully, I managed to return home on the last TAP flight from New York before border restrictions took effect. Back in Portugal, I could still access most of the online resources from the well-equipped university libraries in the United States. It wasn’t the same, but it was the safest option in uncertain times.
I cherish all these experiences, embracing both the positive and challenging aspects. I’m grateful to the Fulbright Commission, FCT, Professor Randolph Head, the Department of History at UCR, the Center for Ideas and Society, my PhD advisors (Professors Maria de Lurdes Rosa, Olivier Poncet, and Pedro Cardim), Professor Piotr Gorecki and the California Medieval History Seminar members, Candace Jorgensen, Makbule Koksal, Lenore Davison, Ann Kerr, Tendai Mangena, and other friends and colleagues I made during my sojourn.
UCR Campus
Downtown Riverside
UCLA Campus
I highly recommend Fulbright scholarships and the excellent support they provide to scholars and students looking for research, career, and personal enrichment opportunities in the United States.»
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Thank you so much, Filipa, all the best