Margo Christensen, who received a BA in history and social studies education from the University of Iowa in 2023, is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to Thailand for 2024-25.  

Hometown: Ogden, Iowa 
Degree: BA history and social studies education 

Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?   
During my time in Thailand, I will be teaching English to Thai students. We will practice a range of skills, including reading and writing, as well as conversational and speaking skills. I will be immersing myself in the culture of the country and working with locals to provide a sports club to members of the community I am placed in. I am beyond ecstatic to begin this journey and continue to learn more about Thailand and its people. 

How do you envision this will influence your life/future career? 
As an aspiring social studies teacher, having firsthand cultural exchange will be vital to my teaching style. Having this experience will allow me to more adequately teach my future students about foreign countries, traditions, and lifestyles. I hope to inspire students to be curious about the world around them and encourage them to explore beyond the United States' borders. 

What advice do you have for future students interested in applying for a Fulbright? 
Applying for a Fulbright is an extremely gratifying process. While there are a lot of different pieces to the application, there is so much support at the University of Iowa and they are more than happy to help assist you through the process so don't hesitate to reach out to them. My advice to future applicants would be to begin researching your country as soon as you start researching the Fulbright grant. The more you know about the country and its culture, the better your application will be. Additionally, don't be afraid to contact other Fulbrighters who have been through this process. They have invaluable experience to share and will provide an insider's viewpoint.  

Were there experiences at the UI that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright? 
The Fulbright was first put on my radar my sophomore year. I was immediately excited about the potential of being able to teach abroad and this inspired me to seek out other opportunities to study overseas. This past fall, I taught at a secondary school in Ireland through the College of Education's student teaching program. I deeply enjoyed my time there and loved being able to work in a community that was different than my own.  

Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?   
I'd like to thank the Fulbright advising team, specifically Karen Wachsmuth and Ari Natarina, for their help at every step of this process. I would also like to thank Mandy Powers, Maia Sheppard, and Will Coghill-Behrends for their role as the authors of my letters of recommendation. Each of these people left a positive impact on me and I am thankful to have worked with them during my time at the University of Iowa. 

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.