Maia Rivera Diaz (BA international relations ’24) is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to Spain for 2025-26. 

Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright? 
During my Fulbright year, I will serve as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in Galicia, Spain. For my supplemental project, I plan to organize basketball clinics for children in my community. I also intend to volunteer at local food banks and learn Galego, the regional language. 

How do you envision this will influence your life/future career? 
After completing my Fulbright, I plan to attend law school and pursue a career as a Foreign Service Officer. Serving as an ETA in Spain will provide me with valuable experience engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, understanding their needs, and helping answer their questions—skills that are essential to my future career goals. 

What advice do you have for students interested in applying for a Fulbright? 
Go to the information sessions, stay on track, and if possible, aim for the priority deadline. Applying to the Fulbright Program is challenging, but starting early makes the workload much more manageable. At Iowa, you’ll find many mentors and professors who are eager to support you throughout the process. 

Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright? 
I came to Iowa knowing I wanted to study international relations. Once here, I made sure to explore the opportunities offered by the International Programs Office, and Fulbright immediately caught my attention. During my sophomore year, Professor Brian Lai recommended the program to me, though I was too early in my academic journey to apply. Later, other professors echoed that encouragement. When the time was right, I attended the information sessions—and the rest is history. 

Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process? 
I would like to thank my recommenders in the Department of Political Science, Associate Professor Brian Lai and Ambassador Ron McMullen, as well as my former supervisor, Lisa Werner, at the Iowa Social Science Research Center. I’m also deeply grateful to Karen Wachsmuth and Sylvia Dean for their guidance throughout the application process. Special thanks to Judith Liskin-Gasparro, my language evaluator, and to Jeffrey Dawson and Kathleen Newman, my Fulbright mentors. 

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.