Maggie Fischer, who will receive a BA in German and history from the University of Iowa this May, is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Award to Germany for 2020-21

Hometown: White Bear Lake, MN
Award: 2020-21 Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Award to Germany
Degree: BA in German and history (double major)

Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?  
I will be working in Germany as an English Teaching Assistant. 

What drew you to this field of study?
I had an amazing experience during my year in Germany with the Academic Year in Freiburg exchange. On the exchange I interned with a German-English cultural institution, developing English language programming for students. I was able to learn so much about the transmission of culture through teaching English. I knew that a Fulbright experience as an ETA would help me expand upon the cultural connections I had made in Freiburg.

How do you envision this will influence your future career?
I am planning on pursuing a masters degree in public policy in 2021 with a focus on development in international NGOs. This Fulbright will help me to develop my ability to work in international spaces with team members from cultures different from mine, and I am so excited about that opportunity. I also consider Germany a second home and this award will allow me to help strengthen the connection between the two countries I love (America and Germany).

What advice do you have for future students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
If you are interested in a Fulbright the application process can be daunting, but it helps to spend time finding your narrative. Consider yourself holistically, all your passions, and where you have put your focus during undergrad. Writing grant proposals is about advocating for yourself and why you are the best candidate for the job. Once you recognize your experiences are a toolbox, you can pull from them to write a compelling application.

Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
I would like to thank Dr. Karen Wachsmuth and Marie Synofzick for all their help during the application process, the team at the Academic Year in Freiburg for encouraging me to apply, and the UI German department for pushing me to see German as a dynamic part of my time at Iowa.

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).