Kristofer May, a recent graduate of the UI with a B.A. in Russian and a B.S. in Biology, is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship grant to Russia for 2016-17. 

Kristofer May, a recent graduate of the UI with a B.A. in Russian and a B.S. in Biology, is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship grant to Russia for 2016-17. The Roaring Spring, PA native will serve as an ETA at the university level in Russia, further providing Russian students with the opportunity to learn about the United States and its history. He also hopes to improve his own understanding of Russian rural medicine, a field in which he plans to work in the future. Additionally, May will offer tutoring services for Russian students in the sciences, provide trombone tutoring, and participate in a community band.

Hometown: Roaring Spring, PA

Degree and field of study: B.S. in biology, B.A. in Russian (University of Iowa)

What will be the focus of your teaching?

I will be teaching English with a focus in conversation skills at the University Level. I plan to have a supplementary project that will consist of instructing Russian students in English scientific terminology.

What drew you to this field of study?

I have always loved learning about languages including English and hope to use my free time in Russia to learn more about their healthcare system. I also hope to enjoy providing students with a view of real American culture.

How do you see this Fulbright grant advancing your work?

I plan to work in medicine and this opportunity will allow me to get more experience working in stressful environments and learn about the field in an international context while providing me with contacts in various fields.

How do you envision this will change your life?

I am hoping to improve my teaching skills for use in the future and this will provide me with an opportunity to see my medicine and teaching from a different perspective.

Would you have any advice for future students interested in pursuing a Fulbright?

Don't be afraid to check out your country of interest before you go. Also if you realize that this is something you want to do, don't be afraid to put yourself out there.

The highly competitive Fulbright Program, created by U.S. Sen. J. William Fulbright in 1946 and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, provides grants annually for international research and teaching in an effort to foster global partnership and cultural exchange. For more information on applying for a Fulbright through the University of Iowa, visit our Fulbright page.