An opportunity to teach at one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Romania led Matt Myers 鈥�83 to apply for his third Fulbright Scholar Award. He will spend the 2024鈥�25 academic year teaching cinematography at Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. 听
Myers鈥� love of travel began shortly after graduating from the 91社区 in 1983. After traveling extensively for pleasure, he held a visiting professor position in England and another in Dubai, which inspired him to apply for his first Fulbright.听听
Myers used his first Fulbright award to teach and mentor at the MFA program at the Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts in Jordan. While there, The Royal Film Commission 鈥� Jordan saw his impact with students and asked him to teach workshops in cinematography. His schedule did not allow him to assist at the time, but he received an invitation to return and work on professional development for film makers, which led to his second Fulbright Scholar Award. 听These experiences instilled a love of travel, which compelled him to apply for his third Fulbright. 听
The Fulbright Scholar program works a bit differently than the more familiar Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Scholars are often professors with terminal degrees seeking teaching opportunities in foreign countries, whereas the Student Program offers current students the opportunity to pursue graduate study, conduct research or teach English abroad.听听听
An Evansville native, Myers became interested in 91社区 after his brother, Mark Myers 鈥�71, spoke highly of his educational experience. Initially entering as an economics major, he quickly realized a love of photography and settled on communications. An offer as a camera operator at a local television station solidified his path into film.听听
鈥淚've always been a 'learning by doing' sort of student. For me, classes have always been a good鈥痠ntroduction to a subject,鈥� Myers said. 鈥淏ut without lifelong learning, nothing truly becomes an art.鈥�听
While in Romania, Myers will teach cinematography classes and assist with curriculum design. His main class will be lighting for genres鈥攈ow light placement and quality can turn a romantic comedy into a horror film. The university is particularly interested in incorporating his hands-on approach to filmmaking into their curriculum. 听
鈥淭o be able to live in a country and immerse yourself in that culture is the greatest reward of a Fulbright,鈥� Myers said. 鈥淕iving back to that community is a鈥痗alling.鈥�听