The Fulbright Experience

Christian Ntizimira, MD, MMSc
Kigali, Rwanda
MMSc-GHD Class of 2019

Now an alumni of the MMSc-GHD program, Christian Ntizimira is the Kigali City Manager for the City Cancer Challenge, a foundation dedicated to supporting cities around the world as they work to improve access to equitable quality cancer care. During his time with the MMSc-GHD program, Christian’s research centered on the question: “How are end-of-life care decision made for oncology patients in Rwanda?” Because of this tireless dedication to care, Dr. Ntizimira was awarded a Fulbright scholarship. We sat down with Christian to find out more about his experience with the Fulbright Program.

What have you enjoyed about the Fulbright Program?

The Fulbright Program is the prestigious exchange program in the USA and all over in the world, which gives the unique opportunity of determinants students from low- and middle-income countries to be part of the “Ivy League” and other prestigious American universities. I felt humbled to be admitted at Harvard University through the Fulbright, and I did enjoy how the program is tailored to help candidates to integrate American life and create a respected platform for them to share their experiences.

 Did you attend any of the events that Fulbright put on for its scholars? If so, what do you think of them?

Unfortunately, I did not attend any of the Fulbright events due to many conflicts in the academic program. However, I did meet different Fulbright students to discuss their goals, challenges, and expectations after the program.

What would you advise students wanting to apply to Fulbright?

• The process of selection is not bias but based on your motivation to demonstrate your determination to be part of the program to bring an important change to your country.
• The exchange program gives an incredible platform to think out of the box and be an important source of change in our country. The students will learn skills and knowledge from American universities, which will help them in their professional career and the American culture, not based on stereotypes but through the powerful force of diversity.
• As a Global Health expert, without good and strong networking, it is not easy to advance a professional agenda. The Fulbright facilitates widening you a strong network in your field, increasing your potential by exposing to the best faculty members, and avoiding mistakes by giving important information during your exchange program.