Jennifer Jiman, who received a BA in biology from the University of Iowa in 2023, is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award to South Korea for 2024-25.   

Hometown: Des Plaines, Illinois 
Degree: BA in Biology 

Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?   
I will be going to South Korea to teach English, with an emphasis on speaking, while also fostering a collaborative learning environment. 

How do you envision this will influence your life/future career? 
After completing a PhD in genetics, I plan to become a university professor in genetics. Serving as an ETA will allow me to develop comprehensive teaching skills which will be essential to becoming a good professor. 

What advice do you have for future students interested in applying for a Fulbright? 
I would recommend volunteering in the community and meeting people from a variety of backgrounds. Volunteering, especially in English as a Second Language programs like the International Women's Club, really helped me improve my communication and teaching skills while also learning about the difficulties of living in a foreign country and how to navigate and overcome those obstacles from the women I worked with.  

Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright? 
I would say that the Korean language program and professors in the Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures played a big role in encouraging and continuing to foster my interest in teaching English in South Korea. 

Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?  
I would like to thank Professor Sang-Seok Yoon, Professor Joung-A Park, Professor Newell Ann Van Auken, and my mentor Dr. Rosemary Lee. 

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.