Bridging Cultures and Expanding Horizons: Joyce Griggs’ Specialist Experience

The Value of Physical Presence in a Digital World

“We may use the same words, but mean something entirely different.”

Joyce Griggs, Executive Vice President and Provost at the Manhattan School of Music (MSM), embarked on a transformative journey to Denmark as a Fulbright Specialist. Having collaborated with colleagues at the Royal Danish Academy of Music (RDAM) for over a decade, Griggs had never had the opportunity to spend extended time with them—until now.

Her six-week visit to Denmark, divided into two separate trips of three weeks each, proved invaluable. Griggs emphasizes that while technology enables efficient communication, face-to-face interactions remain essential for building lasting relationships and deepening cultural understanding.

In today’s digital age, the importance of physical presence can easily be overlooked. Although Griggs had fostered connections with her Danish peers over the years through advanced technology, she reflects on the broader implications of human interaction:

“While we may connect virtually, as human beings, we often interpret each other differently when we can share physical space. The time spent together in person allows for casual moments to arise. We may use the same words, but mean something entirely different, and physical presence helps make that clear.”

The Fulbright Specialist Program

Host institutions in the Kingdom of Denmark can invite highly qualified U.S. academic or professional specialists to contribute to and work on projects of shared interest.

Are you interested in becoming a Fulbright Specialist? Or are you working at an institution that wants to host a Specialist? Learn more about the Fulbright Specialist Program by clicking the bottom below.

SPECIALIST PROGRAM

A Melting Pot of Creativity

One of the first highlights of Griggs’ time in Denmark was a presentation at RDAM, where she discussed the shared challenges both MSM and RDAM face in managing diverse student populations. At MSM, students come from 54 countries and nearly all 50 U.S. states, each bringing unique cultural perspectives to the learning environment. Griggs, who has spent over six years in this diverse global setting, refers to MSM as a “melting pot of creativity.” She is deeply committed to cultivating an environment where cultural differences are respected and leveraged to foster creative growth.

Her time in Denmark also allowed for deep reflection and expanded her understanding of cultural diversity in higher education. The Fulbright program itself provided Griggs with insight into the challenges faced by international students at MSM:

“The specialist program has a tremendous professional benefit for me as an individual, but more importantly, it has made me more sensitive to the cultural challenges that international students face when they come and learn in a foreign country.”

Griggs reflects on the topics that arise when accommodating international students’ varying cultural backgrounds. Many arts schools gather small cohorts of students from diverse backgrounds and ask them to collaborate—inevitably leading to certain challenges. Upon her return to New York, Griggs considered how MSM could ensure that attention to students’ cultural backgrounds is woven throughout the daily educational experience, rather than addressed in isolated workshops at the start of each semester.

The Fulbright Specialist Program: A Unique Opportunity

For Griggs, the Fulbright Specialist Program provided an invaluable opportunity for both personal and professional growth. As an administrator at MSM, Griggs does not qualify for long-term sabbaticals, making the Fulbright Specialist program—a short-term residency—an ideal fit.

“Being a Fulbright Specialist allowed me to take a break from the daily grind and immerse myself in a new environment. It gave me a chance to gain new perspectives while contributing to the host institution’s work,” Griggs explains. “It was a rare chance to engage with Danish institutions and culture in a way that’s not possible in a brief visit.”

Her time in Denmark was enriching not only professionally but also personally. “I felt incredibly welcome,” she shares. “I met with directors from all seven art schools in Denmark and had the opportunity to connect with people across a wide range of sectors. These connections will certainly have a lasting impact, both personally and professionally.”

Allow for Some Level of Discomfort

Griggs’ advice to future Fulbright Specialists emphasizes the importance of humility and an open mind. “I tried to use a little bit of humor and say, if I’m becoming that pushy American, please just tell me! So, have some humility and give people permission to say, ‘I’m not sure I understand what you mean, can you explain it in a different way?'” Griggs points out that, even when using the same language, words often carry different meanings in different cultural contexts.

Griggs reflects on her time in Denmark with positivity: “It’s because even in the moments of oddities, I could always assign them to understanding ‘this is why I’m doing this project, because there are cultural differences.’” Griggs believes that some discomfort is an inevitable part of learning something new, and while it can be challenging, it is important to remind oneself of the purpose behind the experience: “The reminder of putting one in a place where you can discover something new and use it as an opportunity to learn is why I feel so positive about this experience and the gift that the Fulbright organization gave.”

Building Bridges Through Music and Education

Joyce Griggs’ Fulbright Specialist experience in Denmark underscores the profound impact of cross-cultural exchange in higher education. By fostering relationships, embracing cultural differences, and offering fresh perspectives, the Fulbright program helps build lasting bonds between individuals and nations. For Griggs, the opportunity to work alongside her Danish colleagues not only enriched her professional journey but also reignited her passion for cultural exchange and lifelong learning.

Are you interested in being a Fulbright Specialist or hosting a Fulbright Specialist at your institution?
Please contact Fulbright Denmark’s Program Coordinator, Nina Gutiérrez: info@fulbright.dk