Fulbright Latinx

During my Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship grant, I was placed in Mokpo, South Korea– a seaside town located on the south-western coast. I led English classes for over 400 elementary students of various grade levels, and led after-school English teacher workshops that focused on the discussions of social-cultural issues present in South Korea and the U.S. Outside of instruction hours, I immersed myself in Mokpo’s community by joining CrossFit and boxing classes to relieve stress and improve my Korean language skills. The highlight of my Fulbright grant was designing class activities that strengthened my students’ cognitive abilities through art. My students had the opportunity to design their own Halloween store and ugly Christmas sweaters, while I shared the Mexican American traditions I celebrated with my family during these holidays in the U.S. I also introduced Spanish to my fifth-grade class by teaching songs like “Feliz Navidad.”

Fulbright changed my life in ways I could have never imagined. Fulbright was the very first nationally competitive scholarship I ever won. Knowing that I had the ability to represent my country and my Mexican American heritage abroad was truly life changing. Prior to my grant, I struggled with low-confidence; however, by challenging myself and living in a country where I had limited language skills, I built my resiliency and confidence. My experience teaching, boxing, and traveling solo throughout South Korea taught me that I was capable of overcoming so much, away from my family and friends. Thanks to my Fulbright experience, I'm in a better place now, and I'm truly a different person!

My advice is for applicants to take advantage of all the resources their universities offer, such as the career center and writing center. I recommend creating a team that can help provide you with tips to strengthen your essay or might work with you to discover the professional goals you have and how Fulbright fits into those. Even if you have graduated, it doesn’t hurt to reach back to your Fulbright advisor or the writing center to see if they are willing to help.

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“My name is Melanie and I’m an Agricultural Engineer with PhD in Natural Resources doing research about pineapples submitted to drought stress. I am currently doing a post doc and also work at the National University of Northeast in Argentina as an assistant teacher. I am big fan of books and every genre of music! I also enjoy spending weekends with my friends.

Because of Fulbright, I have a broader vision of other cultures and how to communicate with them. As a Fulbrighter I am more encouraged to be connected to people, travel to other countries and be more empathetic. It is a life changing experience.

Do not be disencourage if you don't get the scholarship the first time, keep trying, dream big. You are unique and you can always contribute with a grain of sand to the world.

After doing post-Fulbright grant, it changed my perspective of other cultures and the world. It has also helped me to have new friends from around the world and get a pos-doc scholarship.”

"My name is Alexis and I had the privilege of serving as an ETA at the University of Gdańsk in Poland from 2021-2022! I am originally from Phoenix, AZ and am currently based in Boston, MA. I completed my undergrad at , during which I first traveled to Poland on a school trip, and then returned as a volunteer teacher during the summer before my senior year. Upon graduation, I completed a post-graduate teaching fellowship and service program while also earning an M.Ed. from the .⁠
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My Fulbright grant was actually delayed a year due to , which afforded me the opportunity to gain another year of teaching experience back home in Phoenix. Post-Fulbright, I remained in higher education and worked at a university in Philadelphia, during which I discerned returning to school. I am now finishing up a master's degree at Boston College and will be continuing on as a doctoral student this upcoming fall. ⁠
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Outside of my professional and academic experiences, I enjoy exploring the greater Boston and New England region, trying out different coffee shops, visiting museums, spending time with friends, and volunteering my time when possible. I come from a Mexican-American family and am passionate about access to education and international opportunities for Latinx and first-generation/low-income students, which is why I'm honored to be a Fulbright Latinx mentor!⁠
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One of the defining moments of my experience was responding to the influx of refugees to at the outset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022."⁠
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PULSE CHECK ✨️⁠
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A lot is going on, with deportations of our families and community members, Fulbright rescinding awards, Fulbright Board resigning, and this hateful administration causing chaos and hopelessness.⁠
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We are holding space for you to vent, share, listen.⁠
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📅 Wednesday, June 18⁠
📍 Via Zoom⁠

Register here: https://forms.gle/RWNguMQMYCJy9Gx67
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We hope you join us,⁠
besos⁠
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