Name
Dr. Phani Tej Adidam
Program
US Fulbright Specialist
Cycle
2025
As a Fulbright Specialist in January 2025, I partnered with Eastern University, Sri Lanka (EUSL), serving as an advisor to the Faculty of Commerce and Management. My project, “Transforming Business Education for Global Relevance,” focused on helping the university reimagine its business curriculum, strengthen academic quality, and expand its regional impact.
During my residency, I worked closely with faculty and administrators to outline a strategic roadmap that emphasized entrepreneurship, sustainability, digital transformation, and English-language business communication. I recommended steps toward international accreditation, development of dual-degree partnerships, and the creation of executive education programs tailored to Sri Lanka’s evolving business environment. A key proposal was the establishment of a social entrepreneurship incubator and industry advisory board, designed to connect students with real-world challenges and enhance career readiness.
The project also highlighted the importance of faculty development, research excellence through regional case studies, and deeper integration with industry. The final vision positions EUSL to become a leading business school in South Asia, nurturing graduates who are globally competitive yet locally grounded.
Through this collaboration, the Fulbright program helped lay the foundation for a decade-long transformation at EUSL—one that blends global best practices with Sri Lanka’s unique economic and cultural context.
Highlight: One major highlight of my Fulbright Specialist experience at Eastern University, Sri Lanka was developing a strategic roadmap to transform the Faculty of Commerce and Management into a regionally recognized business school. Collaborating with faculty and administrators, I introduced initiatives such as establishing a social entrepreneurship incubator, forging international partnerships, and aligning curricula with global accreditation standards. The opportunity to engage directly with local educators and students, while shaping a vision that blends Sri Lanka’s unique context with global best practices, was both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful.
Exploring Sri Lanka: One memorable way I explored Sri Lanka was by engaging with its vibrant culture beyond the university. I visited historic temples and coastal towns, experienced the warmth of local communities, and sampled the country’s rich culinary traditions. These experiences deepened my appreciation for Sri Lanka’s unique blend of history, spirituality, and resilience, while also giving me valuable context for understanding how business and education are interwoven with the nation’s culture and economy.
Advice: Be flexible and listen deeply—align your expertise with your host’s unique context. Co-create solutions rather than imposing them, and approach the experience with humility and openness. This mindset will maximize your impact while making the Fulbright journey personally and professionally transformative.