Protesting Russian oppression of journalists at the Russian embassy in Moldova on Free Press Day.

Fulbright Update:
Revisiting nine invigorating months in Moldova

My academic-year-long Fulbright Scholarship in Moldova came to an end last month. It was one of the best experiences of my professional life.

As with my previous two Fulbrights, the bulk of my most impactful, gratifying work occurred outside of my official assignment in the state university’s journalism department.

My best experience at Moldova State University in 2024 was when I worked with a class that teaches English to law students. I met with this class three times to discuss disinformation and deepfakes, and to present information on how to successfully produce a short video, which was a class assignment of theirs. Then, I met a larger group of English learners at America House to discuss disinformation and peace journalism.  (https://stevenyoungblood.blogspot.com/2024/05/fulbright-update-connecting-with.html )

My experiences with English faculty and students were excellent. The students were curious, engaged, and energetic. The faculty and students made me feel welcome, and valued.

Outside the university, I loved working with Centrul Media Pentru Tineri, the Youth Media Center. I was a co-presenter at CMT media literacy seminars in Soroca, Cimislia, and Ungheni, and presented as well at their Camp Reunion event in December. I also “acted” in CMT’s social messaging YouTube program “Singura Acasa.” As I wrote earlier, Brad Pitt and George Clooney have nothing to worry about. My CMT colleagues were great, as were the teenagers we taught. The sophisticated media literacy skills these students demonstrated make me hopeful about the future of Moldova despite the country being inundated by Russian disinformation. 

At a CMT media workshop for youth

My work with UN Human Rights in Moldova was, I hope, impactful. I taught a 3.5 day peace journalism seminar in Vadul Lui Voda for journalists from Transnistria, Gagauzia, and the rest of Moldova, as well as a “Media Brunch” in Bender with journalists from Transnistria. I also worked with the UN and API to develop an online peace journalism course. (See details). Again, my UN colleagues were a delight to work with. I deeply admire the important work they do, and their dedication to this task.

I collaborated with the Asociatia Presei Independente (API) on the aforementioned online peace journalism course, which will be posted by the end of their year on the API website.  I also taught two seminars for journalists sponsored by API on the subject, Responsibly Reporting Roma. (Details). 

The work done by these organizations, CMT, UN Human Rights, API, and the Independent Journalism Center, for whom I wrote several articles on media and refugees, is vitally important for Moldova’s future, which is predicated on successfully combating Russian meddling, influence tactics, and disinformation. (See my recent US Institute of Peace article about Russian disinformation for more details.) By facilitating a free press, shining a spotlight on Russia’s destabilization tactics, and empowering Moldovans to analyze and debunk propaganda, these NGO’s are helping Moldovans to choose a path of democracy and freedom. 

I was thrilled to play even a small role in these laudable efforts.

The most professional fun I had was undoubtedly my eight or so visits to Orizont Lyceum, where I discussed media, disinformation, and life with an energetic, clever fifth grade class. The kids and I connected in the same way grandparents connect with their grandkids. I got a little misty-eyed when I left them for the last time. (Details) 

My personal experiences were also memorably fun. I spent a weekend with friends in Ignatei, a village north of Chisinau; attended the wine festival and the annual Chisinau birthday party; drank too much great craft beer; ate too many placintas; spent many glorious hours in parks and strolling around lakes; and had wonderful interactions with Moldovan friends and colleagues.

I can’t highly recommend enough the Fulbright Program for faculty and student exchanges. This was my third Fulbright scholarship. Each was an unparalleled horizon-expanding experience—a journey of discovery not just of the countries I visited, but of myself.

I’m working on several grant possibilities now that could bring me back to Moldova. I can’t wait to return!

Filming "Singura Acasa" for CMT.
I was one of the "stars" of an episode.