My name is Konstantinos (Kostas) Petridis, and I am a Professor of Laser Physics at the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), where I also serve as Vice Rector for Internationalization and Extroversion. From January to June 2025, I had the exceptional honor of serving as a Fulbright Scholar in Residence at York College of Pennsylvania (YCP)—an experience that was truly life-changing, both personally and professionally. It offered me a unique window into the U.S. Higher Education System through direct engagement in teaching, mentoring, and institutional collaboration. I taught two undergraduate courses—Physics for Engineers and Applied Energy Systems—and immersed myself in YCP’s rich ecosystem of academic support services, including the General Education curriculum, Cohort Periods, the Career and Alumni Office, the Personal Development Program, the Library, and the Global Studies and International Office. What inspired me most was YCP’s unwavering commitment to students—placing education, high-quality teaching, and employability at the heart of its mission. Their holistic strategy to support students before, during, and after graduation left a lasting impression on me. I was equally moved by the work of the Community Engagement Unit, which bridges the college with the wider York City community—empowering both students and citizens through shared initiatives and local impact. I had the privilege of delivering a talk at the Rotary Club, where I proudly presented the mission of the Fulbright Program and shared my role and experiences at YCP.

Through my teaching, I also had the opportunity to enrich the learning experience by inviting online guest speakers from Greece and across Europe to contribute as experts during my lectures. This intercultural element brought diverse perspectives into the classroom and fostered meaningful transatlantic academic dialogue. My Fulbright journey was further enriched by a research visit to West Virginia University, where I explored synergies in photonics and energy research, and engaged in productive discussions with colleagues in my field. Additionally, I participated in NAFSA 2025, the world’s largest conference on international education, where I connected with global peers and contributed to strategic conversations on mobility, higher education innovation, and transnational partnerships. Upon returning to Greece, I felt deep joy and pride when two colleagues from YCP participated in the 12th International Week at HMU. Their presence not only symbolized the strength of our new transatlantic bridge but also contributed meaningfully to the exchange of best practices among 35 European and non-European universities, particularly in areas such as fundraising strategies and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). In my view, Fulbright is one of the world’s most impactful and visionary science diplomacy programs. It has not only broadened my academic and cultural perspective but has also made me a lifelong friend of the United States. This journey reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of international education and the essential role of collaboration in shaping a more connected and inclusive academic future.