Noah LeFevre (BA social studies education, political science ‘25) is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award (ETA) to Bulgaria for 2025-26.
Hometown: Hesston, Kansas
Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you plan to do with your Fulbright?
I will be an English teacher in one secondary school and two elementary schools in Panagyurishte, a small town between Sofia and Plovdiv. I will also be leading a weekly English club through a professional high school and a coach for an English debate and speech group.
How do you envision this will influence your life and future career?
After completing my ETA grant, I plan to go to the Denver, Colorado, area to become a social studies teacher. Bulgaria and the surrounding countries have rich histories that are often overlooked in traditional classrooms. I hope to incorporate my time in Bulgaria with photos and stories for my future students. Even if my students don’t go to Bulgaria itself, I hope to instill a sense of adventure and curiosity.
What advice do you have for students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
I highly recommend finding somewhere that you are interested in or have a connection to. Be willing to get out of your comfort zone. Once you've done that, utilize Sylvia Dean and Karen Wachsmuth in the International Programs office. They both helped me so much with writing my proposals and preparing for my interviews. Applying for Fulbright is all about following your interests and using your network of people to support you.
Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright?
The greatest influence I have from the University of Iowa is Ambassador McMullen from the Department of Political Science. He recommended me for the Fulbright program and always wants his students to find adventures. His stories in class drove my passion to travel and see the world. Many of my friends and colleagues have studied abroad, and they have had very positive experiences. So, their stories made me want to reach for the same.
Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
I would first off like to thank my parents for their continued support; whether it came to reading over my forms or working through the logistics, they have always wanted me to get out and see everything. As for the Fulbright process, Sylvia Dean and Karen Wachsmuth deserve praise for their help reading through the numerous drafts and interview practices. They know the Fulbright program well and make sure the applicants are confident. I would like to thank Ambassador Ronald McMullen, Ellen Carman, and Dr. Stephen Warren as my recommenders. Thank you to my girlfriend, friends, and family members who always have my back.
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