Paras Bassuk (BS psychology ‘25) is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to Spain for 2025-26.
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
Due to their selection as a 2025 Rhodes Scholar, which allows them to attend the University of Oxford for graduate school starting in fall 2025, Bassuk has chosen not to accept their Fulbright grant.
Although you are unable to accept the award, could you share what you had planned to do with your Fulbright grant?
I was offered a grant to teach English in Galicia, Spain. This northern province is home to a wide array of linguistic influences, and the Galician school system is trilingual. I planned to bring creative pedagogy to my students, drawing from my background as a multimedia artist, musician, and community organizer. Even though I will not be able to accept this grant, I am honored to have been offered this phenomenal opportunity and excited that another deserving scholar will be able to teach in my stead.
What advice do you have for students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
I recommend engaging with your mentors and teachers early in the process. Even if you don't feel like it, you have a community of support that can help you see yourself in the award. Talk to your community about your strengths and experiences and socialize your personal statement topics to figure out what resonates with those who know you best.
Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright?
Studying abroad in the SIT Argentina Human Rights and Social Movements program gave me the confidence to put myself forward for the Fulbright grant in Spain. Having an immersive language experience and getting to engage with real communities and work for a community-based organization was a precious experience. I went abroad during the fall semester of my junior year, which felt like good timing in the context of my language learning to hit the ground running and rapidly improve my Spanish.
Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
I am grateful to my recommendation letter writers Emma Welch, Dr. Brenda Lilian Pereyra, Dr. Ethan Kutlu, and Dr. Judith Liskin-Gasparro. I would also like to thank Sylvia Dean from International Programs for her input and counsel throughout the application process, and Dr. Karen Wachsmuth for overseeing the University of Iowa Fulbright preparation process.
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