Laura Evans (BS neuroscience ‘22) is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Award to South Korea for 2023-24. 

Hometown: Ames, Iowa 
Degree: BS, neuroscience 

Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright? 

I will work in South Korea for a year-long appointment as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) helping elementary students improve their English. While there, I will have the opportunity to design projects targeted at creating cross-cultural engagement. 

How do you envision this will influence your life/future career? 

I'm excited to forge international connections and lifelong friendships! I'm looking forward to the confidence gained from living independently in a foreign country, leveling up my Korean proficiency, and picking up some great recipes to add to my repertoire. Lastly, working as an ETA will help me hone my skills as an educator and develop a concrete research proposal for graduate school (I'm aiming for a neurolinguistics PhD). 

What advice do you have for students interested in applying for a Fulbright? 

First of all, if you are doubting your ability to complete the application--you can do it! Applying with the University of Iowa's Fulbright team will be immensely helpful as they have numerous resources at their disposal to help you during this process. Finding your 'why' is imperative. A strong 'why' will guide you as you write and re-write your personal statement and other essays and will prevent you from getting discouraged as you complete the long application process. Lastly, surround yourself with people who will cheer you on and support you in this journey. You will need their encouragement not only while applying for the Fulbright, but also while you move abroad and begin your new adventure! 

Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright? 

I had planned to study abroad with the University of Iowa after my sophomore year in summer 2020, but 2020 did not go according to anyone's plans! Once I entered my senior year, I began taking Korean language courses and attending the Korean Conversation Group club at Iowa, which reignited my interest in traveling abroad. My experience in French and Korean classes sparked my interest in becoming an English teacher, and my professors recommended I apply to the Fulbright program. 

Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process? 

I would like to thank my Korean professor, Joung-A Park, and my French professor, Dr. Sohair Abul-Haija, who inspired me not only to want to master foreign languages but also to teach! They both brought infectious energy to the classroom making it a joy to participate. Their mentoring went beyond the classroom and they both encouraged me to apply to teach English abroad, which led me to Fulbright. Massive thank yous to Dr. Ece Demir-Lira, who has taught me so much about child development and education research, and Dr. Katelin Dannen, who puts so much effort into optimizing her teaching materials to benefit her students and has encouraged me to do the same. The contributions of Professor Park, Dr. Sang-Seok Yoon, Dr. Demir-Lira, and Dr. Dannen were critical to my application. I would like to thank Dr. Ethan Kutlu for encouraging me to continue language research projects while abroad and taking the time to prepare me for the shock of moving to a new country. I would also like to thank Dr. Ari Natarina and the Fulbright team at the University of Iowa who interviewed me, reviewed my essays, and recommended me to the Fulbright commission. I would like to thank Rose Young, Leslie Colton, Meenakshi Chinmai, and my family for their support and encouragement throughout this process. Above all, I would like to thank my mother who spent countless nights on the phone helping me through the lengthy process of editing and rewriting my essays and cheering me on with unflagging support.   

EXPLORE THE MANY FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO UI STUDENTS AND ALUMNI 

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.