Jackson Guilford, who will receive a BS in political science from the University of Iowa this May, is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Award to Serbia for 2020-21

Hometown: Indianola, IA
Award: 2020-21 Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Award to Serbia 
Degree: BS in political science, minors in international relations and English

Could you give me a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?  
I will be teaching English at a university in Serbia. For my community engagement project, I will be starting a tennis club for local K-12 students in the community. I've always been very interested in Serbia because they have produced some of the world's top tennis players in the past few decades. 

What drew you to this field of study? 
I've always enjoyed learning about world events, but I became specifically interested in international relations after taking a class with Ambassador Ronald McMullen. I loved learning about how different cultural and societal factors can influence current political situations.

How do you envision this will influence your future career?
I want to go to grad school for international law or international development, and this will be an excellent opportunity to get some international experience. 

What advice do you have for future students interested in applying for a Fulbright? 
I never studied abroad, so don't let a lack of previous international experience thwart you from applying. Think about a country you might have a unique connection to and go for it!

Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?  
I definitely have to thank the entire Department of Political Science. Faculty members were so supportive in reviewing my statements and discussing the opportunity with me. Additionally, two faculty members in the Department of Political Science were recommenders for me, Ambassador McMullen and Dr. Mitchell. I would like to thank Ambassador Ronald McMullen for bringing the opportunity up in class and discussing it with me. Finally, I would like to thank Karen Wachsmuth for all of the application assistance and assuaging my anxieties over the process. 

explore the many funding opportunities available to UI students and alumni 

Students are encouraged to begin their funding searches and applications at least six months to one year in advance.  Schedule an advising appointment with Karen Wachsmuth to discuss your interest in an international fellowship or begin an application (as a UI undergraduate student, graduate student, or alumna/us).