Sophomore awarded prestigious Fulbright-Hays scholarship to study in China

Nicolae Florin Dorlea ’17 knows the value of opportunity.

Born in Romania, the international relations and East Asian studies double major says he used to dream about coming to America. “At the time, I couldn’t think of anything better,” he says.

He got the chance at age 9, moving to the United States with his family. He quickly learned English and committed himself to his education. He loved learning a different language and culture, and soon decided he had to know more about the whole world.

In high school, Dorlea studied French and also took an introductory Chinese course that included a three-week trip to China. He vowed to go back.

Next month, he will. Dorlea is one of only 16 students selected to participate in the highly prestigious Fulbright-Hays Group Project Abroad Advanced Chinese Immersion Program through the China Program Center at UMass Boston. The program, a fully funded semester-long Chinese language immersion program, includes 19 weeks of study at Shaanxi Normal University, a two-week homestay with a host family during the Chinese New Year celebration and a six week internship at Xi’an High Tech Industries Development.