Two UTSA Fulbright Scholars Teach In Bulgaria

Two faculty members from the College of Liberal and Fine Arts returned to campus after completing a semester teaching abroad as Fulbright Scholars at the University of Sofia in Bulgaria.

Steven Kellman, professor of language and literature, and Wendy Barker, professor of American Literature, both taught upper division classes to students who wanted to get a better comprehension of the English language.

Both say they found the experience to be a very rewarding one that gave them a better appreciation of the technological and economical advances we enjoy in the country today. Kellman says, "The Bulgarian economy is in terrrible shape. Many of my colleagues at the universitywere forced to work three jobs just to make ends meet." Average salaries are about $100 a month under the Communist rule, according to Kellman.

The two were housed in apartments within walking distance of the university, although the environment was not the healthiest. Barker and Kellman found themselves sharing sidewalks with packs of wild dogs which roamed freely. Around the campus, the air was difficult to breathe with heavy smokers occupying the offices, which made for a hazy setting. With western cuisine thousands of miles away, the two found themselves making frequent trips to a Chinese grocery store to pick up tofu and bean sprouts.

Despite their obstacles, they found the Bulgarians to be a very proud people, yet defensive and unsure of their place in society. "I came away with great respect for the Bulgarian people, they work harder then any of us can imagine and they keep their spirits high while tending to their families," said Barker.

Barker taught traditional American Literature classes and held creative writing workshops that were well attended by women looking to write poems and contrast them with the English language. Kellman taught a graduate seminar from his book "Translingual Imagination," for students who wrote well in two different languages and another class on adaptations of novels into film.

For entertainment, Barker and Kellman were treated to some of the finest symphonic music they have ever heard. For an admission price of $4, the two were able to enjoy National Symphonies and Operatic performances throughout their stay. They found it a joy to be with packed audiences of all ages who appreciate musicand are knowledgable in the arts.

The trip to Bulgaria took place at a pivotal time in the United States, when the country was waiting to learn who the next president would be. With limited access to the outside world, Kellman would stay up into the wee hours of the morning watching television to keep up with the presidential elections. Kellman says the Bulgarians general reaction to the delay from the Florida vote recounts was to mock American arrogance, but he felt, "on the contrary, it showed the health of the American Democracy."

Despite the setbacks, Barker and Kellman say they found themselves gaining a better appreciation for the value of life and the wonderful everyday technological advancements we have in America that many people may take for granted.