Neha Haque, who will receive a BA in English and creative writing from the University of Iowa this May, is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Award to Mexico for 2020-21
Hometown: LeClaire, IA
Award: 2020-21 Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Award to Mexico
Degree: BA in English and creative writing
Could you give me a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?
I will serve as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in Mexico for the 2020-2021 academic year, where I plan to use engaging writing prompts and reader’s theatre as a way of teaching American popular culture and figurative language. Outside of class, I will create a Bollywood fusion dance group and research the medical use of Mexican plants as a form of dental treatment.
How do you envision this will influence your future career?
As an ETA in Mexico, I will improve my understanding of Mexican culture and cross-cultural communication. This education will not only allow me to excel as a dentist providing comprehensive dental care to the Mexican and Latino communities of Eastern Iowa, but also address the linguistically diverse community.
What advice do you have for future students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
Completely go for it! The process itself is very rewarding, and you learn a lot about who you are as a person. I would encourage any prospective Fulbrighters to reach out to all of the great advisors and mentors we have at the University of Iowa.
Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
I would like to extend how incredibly grateful I am to Karen Wachsmuth, Marie Hoppe, Carol Severino, Ivan Parra, and David Gooblar for their help in this application process.
explore the many funding opportunities available to UI students and alumni
Students are encouraged to begin their funding searches and applications at least six months to one year in advance. Schedule an advising appointment with Karen Wachsmuth to discuss your interest in an international fellowship or begin an application (as a UI undergraduate student, graduate student, or alumna/us).