Josie Mbaye (BA environmental sciences ’25) is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award (ETA) to Taiwan for 2025-26.
Hometown: Slater, Iowa
Due to a decision to sign a teaching contract for the upcoming year, Mbaye has opted not to accept the Fulbright grant.
Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you planned to be doing with your Fulbright?
During my Fulbright year, I planned to teach English in Taiwan by intertwining English grammar and vocabulary concepts with relevant science, geography, and cultural concepts. Outside of school, I intended to develop a collaborative club cooking classic American and Taiwanese dishes using vegetables and fruit from the U.S. and Taiwan, lead a week-long geology camp for middle schoolers, and volunteer with an organization serving Taiwanese adults with disabilities.
What advice do you have for students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
I encourage any interested applicants to go for it! Make a plan; get involved in teaching English prior to your Fulbright year; talk to friends, family, and mentors to see what unique qualities and passions you should highlight in your application; and be confident! You deserve this opportunity as much as anyone else does, so don't count yourself out. Give yourself the chance to succeed!
Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright?
Studying abroad in Chile for a semester with SIT, teaching English abroad with the College of Education in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, and completing my ESL practicum at Borlaug Elementary and West Liberty High School were formative experiences that enabled me to grow as a learner, educator, and person. These experiences helped me develop the skills, confidence, and enthusiasm I needed to apply for the Fulbright.
Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
I want to thank all of my recommenders, Amira Nash, Alyssa Bancroft, and Lori Adams, not only for their support through the application process, but also for their support during my time with them at the university. I also want to thank Dr. Karen Wachsmuth for her guidance and Sylvia Dean for her time and support during the application process-- she truly went above and beyond!
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