Fulbright Community College Initiative (CCI) Scholar, Beyza Demirhan from Türkiye, Shares Her Journey of Studying Event Planning and Management at Valencia College in the United States

My name is Beyza Demirhan, and I am from Türkiye. I am a Fulbright Community College Initiative (CCI) Program alumna, Class of 2022. My academic and professional journey has been shaped by a strong interest in people-centered disciplines, cultural exchange, and applied learning experiences that create real-world impact.

I completed my associate degree in Culinary Arts at Anadolu University, a field that initially drew me in because of its strong connection to creativity, discipline, teamwork, and organization. During my studies, I realized that what interested me most was not only food itself, but also the planning, coordination, and management processes behind large-scale events and experiences. This realization motivated me to pursue further education in a field that combines operational skills with strategic thinking.

Through the Fulbright CCI Program, I had the opportunity to study Event Planning and Management at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida, for a period of ten months. Studying in a U.S. city that is not only tourism-driven but also academically diverse allowed me to gain a broader and more transferable understanding of the field.

Fulbright Community College Initiative Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Fulbright Community College Initiative Scholarship, a fully funded international exchange program jointly supported by the governments of the United States and Türkiye. The scholarship covered all major expenses, including international travel, tuition, housing, and health insurance. In addition, a monthly stipend was provided to support daily living expenses.

This comprehensive financial support allowed me to focus entirely on my academic development, cultural engagement, and professional growth without the burden of financial concerns.

Educational Background

My educational background is interdisciplinary and has played a significant role in shaping my academic profile. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Anadolu University, graduating in 2024 with a GPA of 3.81/4.00. This program strengthened my analytical thinking, research skills, and understanding of social structures, which later became highly valuable in international and multicultural contexts.

In addition, I completed my Associate Degree in Culinary Arts at Anadolu University, graduating in 2025 with a GPA of 3.34/4.00 (my GPA was 3.48 at the time I applied for the Fulbright scholarship, after completing my first year).

Currently, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Sciences and Digital Data at the University of Padova, while also working as a Research Assistant at Bozok University. This academic trajectory reflects my long-term interest in combining applied skills with social research and data-driven perspectives.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Valencia College?

One of the most valuable steps I took during the application process was reaching out to previous Fulbright CCI alumni. Learning directly from individuals who had gone through the same process helped me better understand both the formal requirements and the unspoken expectations of the program.

I also conducted multiple self-organized mock interviews, which helped me gain confidence and refine my answers. More importantly, I spent a significant amount of time reflecting on deeper questions: Why do I need this scholarship? What value will it add to my personal and professional journey? How can I represent my own culture while remaining open to learning from others?

Finding sincere and well-thought-out answers to these questions became the foundation of my application.

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Valencia College?

I relied primarily on official Fulbright resources, alumni networks, and direct communication with former scholars. First-hand experiences shared by alumni were particularly helpful in understanding how to position myself authentically.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

This program did not require standardized tests such as the GRE or GMAT. Language proficiency was assessed through the program’s own evaluation process.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Scholarship?

For me, the most critical part of the scholarship application was deep reflection before submission. I tried to look at my application from the perspective of a selection committee member and asked myself what kind of candidate I would be looking for.

While I consistently worked to maintain a strong GPA, I never viewed grades as the sole determining factor. I believe that most applicants to competitive scholarships are already academically successful. What truly differentiates candidates is the ability to present a coherent, authentic, and inspiring story that connects past experiences, present motivations, and future goals.

I conducted extensive research on the future of my field and explored how studying in a technologically advanced country like the United States could help me develop skills that would create meaningful change in my community. I intentionally framed my goals around impact, contribution, and long-term transformation.

How Is (was) Your Experience at Valencia College?

My experience at Valencia College was, quite simply, transformative. I learned to trust my language skills, express my ideas confidently, and actively participate in academic discussions. Professors consistently encouraged me to share my opinions and treated my perspectives as valuable contributions.

This experience was a true game-changer for me. It reshaped how I view education, communication, and the importance of intellectual freedom. I left the program with a strong belief that every individual’s ideas matter and deserve to be heard.

How Do You Rate Valencia College Academically and Why?

The program I chose required not only academic knowledge but also strong practical expertise. All of my instructors had extensive professional backgrounds, having worked for many years in managerial positions at prestigious hotels and organizations. Learning directly from their real-world experiences significantly enriched my understanding of the field and bridged the gap between theory and practice.

 How Does Valencia College Support International Students?

Valencia College has a highly developed support system for international students. I still vividly remember the world map displayed at the international office, where students were invited to place a pin on their home country. The map was almost completely filled, reflecting the institution’s strong multicultural environment. Because of this diversity, staff and faculty were highly experienced in working with students from different cultural backgrounds and provided consistent academic and personal support.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because I clearly understood what the Fulbright Program values and aligned my narrative accordingly. Being highly qualified on paper is not enough; applicants need to translate their qualifications into qualities that match the program’s mission.

My program was a bilateral program jointly funded by the United States and Türkiye, so it is essential to understand both perspectives. I believe the program seeks candidates who can represent their home culture with integrity while remaining genuinely open to learning from the host culture. After meeting the academic criteria, cultural ambassadorship and adaptability become decisive factors.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Looking back, my experience in the U.S. was a major turning point that significantly broadened my worldview. However, I also recall certain challenges, particularly related to sharing a living space with individuals from six different countries. Cultural misunderstandings occasionally led to conflicts that, in hindsight, could have been avoided.

If I were to go through the process again, I would focus more intentionally on preparing myself for intercultural coexistence before departure and regularly reflecting on this throughout the experience. Being open to understanding others’ perspectives and accepting differences is essential in such environments.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My strongest advice is to truly understand the scholarship you are applying for. I was deeply saddened to learn that the Fulbright Community College Initiative Program has been discontinued. I sincerely hope that insights from my experience can still be useful for applicants to other international scholarship programs.

If this message ever reaches decision-makers, I would wholeheartedly wish for the reinstatement of this program so that more young people can benefit from similar life-changing opportunities. This scholarship helped me become more empathetic, challenged my prejudices, strengthened my belief in freedom of expression, and showed me that my ideas have value.

I genuinely believe that expanding access to such experiences can contribute to a world with greater understanding and fewer conflicts.