Emily Callahan (BA political science, journalism & mass communication ’22) is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to Montenegro for 2025–26. 

Hometown: Mechanicsville, Virginia 

Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright? 
During my Fulbright, I’ll be teaching English in either a high school or college classroom in Montenegro. As part of my project, I also plan to introduce students to classic American literature and start a wiffle ball club to share a few fun aspects of American culture. 

How do you envision this will influence your life/future career? 
This opportunity will give me a more global perspective that I’ll carry into all future endeavors, both personal and professional. 

What advice do you have for students interested in applying for a Fulbright? 
Just go for it. I started the application process a bit later than usual, which meant I had to move quickly to get everything together. But I knew opportunities like this don’t come around every day—and it was absolutely worth the time and effort! 

Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright? 
Studying abroad during my final undergraduate summer really sparked my interest in living and working internationally. I also took a course with Professor William Reisinger on politics in Russia and Eastern Europe, which deepened my curiosity about the Balkans, where I’ll now be teaching.

Are there individuals you’d like to thank for their support? 
Absolutely. I’m incredibly grateful to the Fulbright advising team at Iowa, especially Sylvia Dean and Dr. Karen Wachsmuth. I also want to thank Professor Reisinger for his excellent teaching, guidance on my essays, and help with the interview process, as well as Professor Charles Munro for his mentorship throughout my undergraduate years and for writing a recommendation on my behalf. 

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