HCC Professor Awarded Fulbright-Hays

Travel to Jordan, Oman will enrich curriculum and community

HCC professor Rubaba Matin has been chosen to participate in the prestigious Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program this summer. The seminars provide U.S. educators with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of non-Western peoples and cultures, with the broader goal of integrating this knowledge into the curriculum. Matin will spend the summer investigating the cultural, social, and historical aspects of Jordan and Oman, as part of her research into the role of women in Muslim societies.

“As a Muslim woman myself, I am particularly interested in examining the experience of Muslim women immigrants in Western society,” said Matin. “I want to compare the experience of these women in their own environment to their experience in the West.  Also, as an immigrant mother (Matin was born in Bangladesh and came to the US in 1984) with a thoroughly American daughter, the theme of mother-daughter, intergenerational conflict is one I wish to examine.”

The program brings participants together with journalists, government officials, economists, activists, entrepreneurs, and educators, who provide a variety of perspectives on issues such as the role of women, the management and exploitation of natural resources, conflict and refugees, economic and educational reform, regional and international relations, and Islam’s role in society. Cultural and social events, interactions with Jordanian and Omani educators, and a stay with a host family, afford additional exposure to contemporary society.

The rigorous application process required three essays, which Matin spent the better part of last summer composing. “I could never have done this without the help of my colleagues” she recalled. “Jane Vecchio has participated in a Fulbright seminar, and was able to explain the process and convince me it was possible. Vivian Leskes, also a Fulbright Scholar, and Jim Dutcher, provided helpful, constructive criticism of my essays—because even though I teach writing, when the writing is mine, I need other sets of eyes to give me feedback. My son also made organizational suggestions that helped tremendously.”

Having survived the application process and secured a place in the seminar, Matin wants others to know that it is an achievable goal. “People may feel intimidated because of the prestige of a Fulbright,” she remarked. “But if you want it, if you are willing to do the work, it is certainly within reach.”

Within three months after return from the seminar, participants must submit a curriculum project that incorporates information gleaned from the experience. “In addition to weaving this into the classroom, I will share my findings with HCC faculty and with the community beyond the HCC campus” said Matin. “Especially now, it is important for people to better understand the Muslim world.”

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