Andy Stewart (BS psychology ‘24, BA German ’24) is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to Taiwan for 2025–26.

Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa 

Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright? 
I will be assisting with English language instruction for elementary-aged children on the Kinmen/Matsu islands, while also volunteering in the community through various service projects—such as connecting with a local library to volunteer as a page. 

How do you envision this will influence your life/future career? 
I see this trip to Taiwan as an opportunity to explore teaching as a potential aspect of my future career in academic libraries, as well as a momentous personal growth experience. I previously lived abroad in Germany for two years, and one of my regrets from that time is not immersing myself more fully in the host community. This ETA grant gives me the chance to truly engage with a community while contributing through service—something I’ve deeply wanted to do since graduating.  

Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright? 
The initial impetus for going abroad during undergrad came during the COVID-19 lockdown. I enjoyed the experience so much that I arranged to stay a second year with the same program. I was especially encouraged by Glenn Ehrstine of the German language faculty to pursue study abroad in the first place, and I credit him with lighting that spark. 

What advice do you have for students interested in applying for a Fulbright? 
Take any class(es) related to your host region or country where you can demonstrate a strong interest in the culture and history. Building a good relationship with the instructor can also be incredibly valuable—their recommendation can significantly strengthen your application. For example, I took an Asian humanities course and earned a recommendation by showing enthusiasm for the material and going the extra mile to engage with the course content. 

Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process? 
I would especially like to thank Professor Wenyang Zhai for a stellar experience in her Asian Humanities: China course, which gave me a strong push in the direction I’m currently headed. 

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