Bonderman Travel Fellowship

Deric Gruen

Photo of Deric Gruen

Public Administration

Graduate

2009 Fellows

Travel Locations: Italy, Lebanon, Syria, South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Portugal, Cape Verde, Senegal, Brazil, Columbia, Panama

Gruen plans to visit two or three countries in the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America with a focus on interaction with local communities. He wants to explore countries where he can converse in Portuguese, Spanish or Arabic and will travel by bicycle within and at times between the places he visits. Deric plans to get a full experience by moving slowly, with respect for the people and environments that host him.

Alumni Reflections

What is a favorite memory from your Bonderman Fellowship?

“A favorite memory of mine is biking through Chapada Diamantina, in Bahia Brazil; more or less a wild area where I put the bike on my shoulder to cross small streams, in a canoe to cross bigger rivers, and running into some giant spiders…”

What are you doing now?

“I still love being abroad when I can swing it; but mostly spending time with family and working.”