Hannah Haack, who received a BA in history with a minor in German from the University of Iowa in May 2021, is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Award to Germany for 2022-23.
Hannah Haack
Hometown: Williamsburg, Iowa
Award: 2022-23 Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Award to Germany
Degree: BA, history, minor in German
Could you give me a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?
I will be teaching English language and American culture in Germany for the 2022-2023 academic year. For my supplementary project, I plan to volunteer at local historical societies to provide historical interpretation services. Given the current political climate in Europe, I also expect to spend time helping with the refugee crisis.
What drew you to this field of study?
I became interested in German culture and history after studying my own German heritage. The more history I learn, the more questions I have, so I am excited to be able to visit the places I’ve studied in college— including the town my family emigrated from— to discover and develop new questions.
How do you envision this will influence your life/future career?
Not only will this experience strengthen my language ability, but I will also gain valuable cross-cultural experiences that will push me to think in new ways. Professionally, I will be able to establish connections and develop interests that will guide my future research and enhance my career as a public historian.
What advice do you have for future students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
My advice is: If you are even considering applying, do it. Not only will you connect with faculty and students on campus, but you will also discover what you are truly passionate about and what experiences have shaped you into who you are today. Regardless of your final Fulbright status, you will be left with connections and a strong sense of self for future applications.
"If you are even considering applying, do it. Not only will you connect with faculty and students on campus, but you will also discover what you are truly passionate about and what experiences have shaped you into who you are today."
Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
I would like to thank Professor Tyler Priest, Professor Michaela Hoenicke Moore, and Professor Michael Swellander, along with my language evaluator, Professor Elke Heckner, for their recommendations and encouragement. I would also like to thank the extensive web of faculty mentors and the Fulbright staff at Iowa, especially Professor Brenda Longfellow, Professor Bill Reisinger, and Dr. Ari Natarina for their ideas and feedback. Finally, I would like to thank Dr. Karen Wachsmuth for her stellar advice and unwavering support throughout the application process.
Explore the many funding opportunities open 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).