Andrew S. Kelleher (BA international relations, political science ‘25) is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to Kosovo for 2025-26.
Hometown: New Albin, Iowa
Kelleher is honored to have been selected for a Fulbright in Kosovo. He was also recently awarded a Rangel Fellowship from the U.S. Department of State, which offers graduate school funding, internships, and a pathway to a Foreign Service career. Due to updated policies, recipients must now choose between the two opportunities. While a final decision is pending, Kelleher has indicated he is likely to pursue the Rangel Fellowship.
Although you may not accept the award, could you share what you had planned to do with your Fulbright grant?
I was offered an English Teaching Assistantship position in Kosovo, where I would have shared my knowledge of American culture and the English language with university students. I had planned to draw on my experience as a tutor, acting instructor, church youth director, economic developer, and civic volunteer to create a dynamic classroom environment that encourages students to express themselves and step outside their comfort zones while learning English. Outside the classroom, I intended to start an improvisational acting class and host film screenings that highlight American values.
What advice do you have for students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
Take advantage of the opportunities for feedback! The priority deadline is an internal deadline set by the International Programs Office, and I highly recommend submitting it by then so you can receive as much feedback as possible on your essays. The Fulbright team at Iowa are experts and will help make your application shine!
Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright?
Studying abroad in Spain during summer 2024 as part of the Iowa Hispanic Institute was a major influence. That experience showed me how impactful language and cultural instruction can be. After leaving Spain, I felt much more connected to the country, and I wanted to provide a similar experience for students in Kosovo by sharing aspects of the English language and American culture.
Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
I want to thank the writers of my recommendation letters: Camie Treptau, Professor Nicholas Martini, and Ambassador Ronald McMullen. Sylvia Dean and Dr. Karen Wachsmuth provided invaluable advice as I drafted my application. I’m also grateful to my faculty mentors, Dr. William Reisinger and Dr. Kathleen Newman, for their guidance and suggestions on activities that helped strengthen my application.
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