Route J-1

During International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages, we would like to highlight three Deaf BridgeUSA exchange visitors who are studying at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. Gallaudet is a world renowned institution of higher learning which serves deaf and hard of hearing people to become the university of first choice for the most qualified, diverse group of deaf and hard of hearing students in the world, in addition to hearing students pursuing careers related to deaf and hard of hearing people. Its Office of International Affairs selects students who will create a “Global Gallaudet” that positively impacts the quality of life for the full spectrum of Deaf identities worldwide.

What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Binta Badjie and I am from The Gambia, a country on the west coast of Africa with a population of about 2.46 million people.

Why did you want to come to the U.S. to study at Gallaudet?
Gallaudet is the world’s only liberal arts college for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and like many other Deaf people from around the world, I always wanted to come and study at a college that offers education in both sign language and English.

What are you studying?
I am enrolled in the Master of Arts in International Development (IDMA) program.

What skills or knowledge will you take home and share?
Ideally, I will improve my leadership and sign language advocacy skills, broaden my worldview, and gain invaluable insights from colleagues and instructors on best practices in Deaf education, development and disability inclusion approaches. Additionally, Gallaudet and the U.S. offer me much needed experience in examining features of contemporary society that contribute to – or impede – social participation and social justice, including legal and social policy frameworks, political and economic conditions, and sociocultural and language-centered values and rights.

What are your plans for the future?
Immediately after completing my program of study, I will return to The Gambia to continue as an advocate, designer, implementer, monitor, and evaluator of social change activities in collaboration with Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing people, and people with disabilities.

How has your experience been?
At first, I was hesitant. Will I fit in? What will the culture be like? Are Americans welcoming? My fears were almost immediately set at ease by Gallaudet’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) staff, who have become like a second family to me, away from home. I have found the American people kind and welcoming, and their curiosity about other people and cultures intriguing. Sharing and exchanging ideas and experiences has helped me grow holistically.

What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Phanita Maiphone. I am from Laos in Asia where I was the Executive President of the Laos National Association of the Deaf.

Why did you want to come to the U.S. to study at Gallaudet?
In Laos, there are no sign language interpreters or programs offered in sign language for the deaf. Deaf people who manage to be accepted into a university in Laos struggle academically because they just sit in class, unable to comprehend their instructors, with no sign language instruction or even notetakers. Thus, my thirst for a university education remained unquenched. Finally, Gallaudet University offered me sponsorship to come and study at its campus in Washington, D.C., USA.

What are you studying?
I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in linguistics.

What skills or knowledge will you take home and share?
First and foremost, I want to explore and learn firsthand how American Deaf people have managed to make breakthroughs, such as having American Sign Language (ASL) recognized, lobbying for and obtaining closed captions on TV and movies, and the success of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires interpretation services for the Deaf in diverse settings such as hospitals, courts, etc. Secondly, skills in business administration will equip me to train and assist deaf people in Laos to start and manage small enterprises to earn money for their livelihoods. Thirdly, I will gain a better understanding about the structure and use of sign languages so that upon my return to Laos I can better lead in Laos Sign Language research projects.

What are your plans for the future?
After graduating from Gallaudet, I will return home to Laos to continue leading towards improving the lives of deaf people in my home country through education, advocacy, and partnering with influential leaders and organizations.

How has your experience been?
How interesting my experience here has been! I was especially shocked to see the many privileges that people in the U.S. have – including in dress, speech, and other socio-economic expressions. I was hesitant to express myself at first, but through assurance and support from the ISSS office staff, I have started to appreciate and enjoy my stay here at Gallaudet.

What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Biruk Tesfaye Gizaw, and I am from Ethiopia. Before coming to Gallaudet, I served as office manager for an affiliate of the Ethiopian National Association of the Deaf.

Why did you want to come to the U.S. to study at Gallaudet?
After obtaining an associate degree in business technology from Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y., USA, I returned to Ethiopia to serve my Deaf community, and worked as a secondary school teacher at Tikur Anbessa Secondary School for the Deaf in Addis Ababa. However, I felt that I needed more education so that I can be a role model and advocate for deaf people. Gallaudet is the ideal place for deaf people. Most professors and staff are deaf themselves, and the campus is a signing community!

What are you studying?
I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

What skills or knowledge will you take home and share?
Apart from academic qualifications, I will endeavor to obtain leadership skills, sign language advocacy, and communication skills in order to return and share these with deaf leaders in Ethiopia. For deaf people, sign language advocacy remains one of the most important issues. Additionally, sharing my cultural experiences here in the U.S. with my community once I return to Ethiopia will contribute towards making the world a truly global village.

What are your plans for the future?
Once I obtain my baccalaureate degree, I will return to Ethiopia and resume my work as a teacher of the deaf, or work for the Ministry of Education as a leader in deaf education. I also want to be engaged at a greater level in leading the Ethiopian National Association of the Deaf in order to fully utilize the knowledge and experience I will have gained from Gallaudet and the United States.

How has your experience been?
My experience so far has been wonderful. I have gained a lot of confidence and built friendships already. I find the Gallaudet community extremely welcoming and accommodating, and very willing to share life experiences that are important for constructing common bridges to improve the lifestyles of both Ethiopian and American deaf people.

Categories: J-1 Visa, Program Spotlight