Fulbright FLTA Newsletter

A Dream That Changed Us

Eda Mae Berio, 2008-2009, Philippines (right), giving a presentation at Stanford University

I was still on cloud nine when I first sat down in my office, turned on my computer and started browsing the official website of my host institution, Stanford University.  I was so awed by the number of seminars and conferences the university holds almost every week.  I couldn’t believe that clubs could organize so many meetings and seminars.  Attending different conferences made me interested in reading articles about terrorism, which I'd never thought to do.  The first symposium I attended was titled “Justice and Educational Distribution."  It was a great honor for me to be with distinguished social scientists and philosophers talking about the issue of justice in education.

Besides attending conferences, which enriched my political and educational perspectives, the classes I took also helped me better understand my field.  Some classes I particularly liked included one about Computer Assisted Language Learning or CALL, taught by Professor Phil Hubbard, and one in Linguistics in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language.  In the CALL class, I discovered that there are many helpful websites containing materials to improve my teaching.  My linguistics class taught me not to get frustrated with my students because of certain stages in their acquisition of a second language.  It was great to observe how classes are taught in the U.S., and to remember the techniques I learned while taking the classes.

Another highlight of the program was the workshop held in Washington, D.C.  I was so delighted to see other Fulbright FLTAs from different countries.  I couldn’t believe my eyes, seeing Fulbrighters from different cultures.  Moreover, I was so overwhelmed by the different sessions we had to attend.  It dawned on me that information is everywhere in the U.S. - we just have to choose what to take with us.

Personally, I developed my social skills.  Living with five other students of different nationalities (Indian, Korean, Tanzanian, Indonesian, and Cypriot) strongly reinforced my views on engaging with others.  To engage with others means having an understanding of diversity.  It is through acceptance that we can learn about different people and handle situations differently.  It was not easy at first, but it was the best training for us Fulbright FLTAs as cultural ambassadors of our countries.

The Fulbright FLTA Program is admirable.  It not only helps us to hone our professional skills, but it also helps us discover who we are.  Through the program, my knowledge of American culture has deepened.  Most Americans are disciplined and are punctual to every occasion.  At first, I thought Americans might have a tendency to discriminate, but I never experienced any prejudice.  In general, Americans are helpful, especially to those who are lost, which happened to me a couple of times during my first few weeks.  That’s the reason why I appreciate having a map with me whenever I take trips and also knowing how to read it.  Apparently, as my perceptions of other nationalities has widened, I've become more open-minded about different opinions and point of views.

My Fulbright FLTA experience is one that I will carry with me wherever I go.  The Fulbright FLTA grant is a prestigious award that gives me a feeling of pride, reminding me that I accomplished a challenging task.  I now have this inexplicable feeling of inspiration to do better in my profession and to become a more effective teacher.  I am so ecstatic about applying the methods and techniques I learned in the U.S.  Most of all, I am excited to touch the lives of my students so that they too can achieve their desires with courage and determination.

This is an experience I will never forget.  My friends and I call it a dream – a dream that changed us - a dream that will have an impact for the rest of our lives.  I am proud to be a Fulbright FLTA.

To comment on Eda Mae Berio's article on State Alumni, please click here. 

What a Start!

Kristina Gugerbauer, 2008-2009, Austria (right), with fellow Fulbright FLTA Khaleel Abusal (2008-2009, Jordan) on the last night of the University of Notre Dame Fulbright FLTA Workshop

Besides our goals, we also shared similar concerns, nervousness and questions.  However, being surrounded by a professional team soon changed our insecurities into pure excitement.  We were prepared for our mission as teaching assistants and cultural ambassadors.  We also learned about important topics including American football rules and how to deal with the police when stopped over for speeding.

On my last evening, before we all had to say goodbye to our new friends and mentors, I experienced one of the best moments during my 10 months in the U.S.  We all dressed up in our traditional costumes and shared our cultures.  We prepared dances from our home countries, quizzes, performances and songs from our home countries.  It was a colorful night of singing, dancing and having fun.  Moreover, such a good feeling arose out of so many different people from different nations having fun together.  After those incredible days and nights at the orientation, friendships formed, and connections were made.  We said goodbye with mixed feelings, but we all were more than ready to start our year in the United States.  Thank you, Fulbright!

To comment on Kristina Gugerbauer's article on State Alumni, please click here.