During the 2017-2018 academic year, the Fulbright Foundation in Greece participates for the first time in the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program. In January 2018, it welcomed the first two incoming U.S. teachers, Joseph Talarico and Vincent Gray, for a 5-month stay in Greece during which the teachers will study at a university, observe classes in primary and secondary public and private schools and complete a project pertaining to their field of educational inquiry.

The middle of February found Joe and Vince in carnival-minded Patras. Pupils at the 45th Primary School of Patras were excited with their visitors from abroad and eagerly asked questions about the school subjects in the U.S. schools, the premises, basketball in the U.S., and even about Donald Trump. Pupils of the sixth grade made a presentation about Patras Carnival whereas the first grades offered drawings.

Pupils taught teacher Joe how to perform a traditional Greek dance and Joe was happy to reciprocate with talks about U.S. culture and education.