Clinton Township, Ithaca seniors nominated for teaching fellowship overseas

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Two students are nominated to compete for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Program.

The program places U.S. students in teaching positions overseas to increase awareness of culture abroad while improving the student’s foreign language and knowledge of their host country.

Clinton Township senior Stephanie Jaczkowski and Ithaca senior Alex Strong have spent time interviewing, gathering references, creating personal statements and compiling extracurricular activities and transcripts together in hopes of landing a Fulbright ETA Program spot.

“It was like applying for grad school. There were essays, applications and an interview process,” Jaczkowski said. “Now I have to wait while they review my application.”

Regarded as the largest U.S. international education exchange program designed to increase mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries, the Fulbright EPA is a prestigious program that chooses fewer than 1,000 students nationwide.

Students find out in late February if they are chosen for the program.

“Students who receive the award are strong academically and have a clear commitment to international education,” said Honors Program Director Phame Camarena. “These are students who will be cultural ambassadors.”

Even if not chosen, competing for the program will leave Jaczkowski and Strong better prepared for the future, Camarena said.

Strong is one of only a handful of students with credentials to apply for the program, including a high GPA, strong references from faculty and clear goals.

“I proved that I was diverse and opened-minded enough to enter a new culture,” Strong said. “I had enough background information to be looked upon as a valuable teacher.”

Strong chose to apply for a scholarship to South Korea because it is the country with the most English teaching assistantships available.

“Everyone learns English in Korea so they need a lot of people to teach and tutor it,” Strong said.

Aside from his academic accomplishments, Strong said his passion for music gives him an edge above his competitors.

“During the Korean War, the USO sent over big bands to entertain the troops, and as a result, jazz left a heavy stamp on the Korean culture,” Strong said. “Being versed in jazz made me seem more attractive.”

Like Strong, Jaczkowski said she hopes her cultural ties advance her in the program as well. After growing up in a Polish-American community and studying abroad in Poland in 2010, Jaczkowski’s love for the culture led her to apply for a scholarship to Poland.

“Phame encouraged me to apply for (the program) because of my experiences with the Polish culture,” Jaczkowski said. “My goal is to be a cultural ambassador and bring Polish culture back here after the program.”

If granted the scholarship, Jaczkowski plans to not only teach English language fundamentals, but also bring American culture to the students through activities as well.

“Aside from teaching English idioms and slang terms, I would take students to the bar to watch American football and show them different things Americans do,” Jaczkowski said. “I would not just teach them English. I would bring my culture to them.”

Students who are awarded receive national recognition, which can help them when applying for jobs and building future careers.

“The program gives students an advantage having a nationally recognized award,” Camarena said.

In addition to national recognition for the students involved, Camarena said the program would have a positive effect on the university as a whole.

“CMU is an exceptional academic university, but sometimes the perception on the outside does not match how strong we are,” Camarena said. “The program can help change the culture of CMU. Students would represent not only the country, but also CMU.”