Brenda Gao (BS psychology ’25) has received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to Taiwan for the 2026–27 academic year. 

Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa 
 

Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright? 

I will be teaching English in Penghu, an archipelago located in the southwestern Taiwan Strait. I will be placed in elementary and junior high schools. I look forward to learning more about the ocean and the local community. 
 

How do you envision this will influence your life and future career? 

I want to advocate for the specific needs of Asian communities, where there is often a strong cultural stigma surrounding mental health. Fulbright will help me gain experience within the cultural context of the populations I plan to serve. 
 

What advice do you have for students interested in applying for a Fulbright? 

Choose a country that aligns with your goals and genuinely interests you. Gain relevant experience to support your application. Ask other finalists for advice and feedback. Take advantage of the resources available through UI International Programs. Start early and attend the information sessions. 
 

Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright? 

Applying for and completing the 2025 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program in Japan, with the help of Dr. Karen Wachsmuth and Sylvia Dean at UI International Programs, especially motivated me to pursue a Fulbright. I also developed a strong interest in international exchange through my Japanese studies and my position at Global Ties Iowa. 
 

Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process? 

I would like to thank my recommenders, Dr. Kendall Heitzman, Dr. Grazyna Kochanska, and Amy Alice Chastain, for supporting me in every endeavor. I also thank Dr. Karen Wachsmuth and Sylvia Dean for their incredible assistance with my CLS and Fulbright applications. 

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.