Marissa Good (BS political science, sociology, and ethics & public policy ‘23) is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to Belgium for 2025-26.
Hometown: Marion, Iowa
Could you give me a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?
I will be assisting with English courses in Belgium at UCLouvain Saint-Louis. Outside of the classroom, I intend to volunteer and network with feminist organizations such as Inspiring Girls Belgium and Women Now. I am also interested in facilitating extracurricular club meetings at UCLouvain focused on developing women's leadership and empowerment skills. I co-founded a similar student organization at the University of Iowa known as IGNITE UI, so I would like to discuss similar topics and create a modern pen-pal exchange between the American and Belgian students.
How do you envision this will influence your life/future career?
The opportunity to live abroad for a year and fully immerse myself in a different culture will provide me with new perspectives and skills that I will use throughout my life. I intend to work at an international feminist nonprofit or advocacy organization where I can develop vital programming and policies focused on achieving greater gender equity. My time in Brussels will provide me with new connections and improved multicultural and communication skills. I am very excited to improve my French and Dutch language skills as well.
What advice do you have for students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
Start the process early and use your University of Iowa resources! International Programs staff (specifically Dr. Karen Wachsmuth and Sylvia Dean) were vital for submitting my successful application. They provided great advice and edits on my (many!) drafts.
Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
In addition to my wonderful family and friends, I would like to thank my colleagues, Laurie and Sumi, who supported and assisted me throughout the long application process. I am also incredibly grateful to the staff and students at Friendship Community Project, an Iowa City nonprofit that provides English classes for immigrants and refugees. Volunteering there allowed me to discover my love of teaching and inspired my application to the ETA program. Lastly, I am extremely grateful to my undergraduate mentor, Erika Christiansen, for her guidance and wisdom that supported my leadership journey and got me to this point.
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