Name:Peter Oster
Majors: Global Studies, Political Science, History, Russian.
Minor: National Security Studies
On and off campus involvement: Russian Club; Lincoln Literacy Council; UNL Young Democrats; Big Red Investment Club
Where are you currently located and describe your current duties as an ETA.
I am in Kyzylorda, a small city in the south of Kazakhstan. As an ETA, I teach English and lead language clubs at two high schools, support volunteer-led activities at the local American Corner, and proudly represent my country as both an American and a Nebraskan.
Why did you apply for Fulbright ETA?
I applied as a Fulbright ETA because I recognize in education the enormous potential for mutual exchange. Working as a teacher abroad, I not only teach students about English language and the United States, but they teach me about their country as well. Through mutual understanding, "cultural diplomacy" lets people across the globe work together to improve our countries, communities, and world. As a Fulbright recipient, I am proud to be at the forefront of international exchange and to make a difference in my host community.
I applied specifically to Kazakhstan after studying the country as an intern at the National Security Archive in Washington, DC, where I prepared materials for an in-country history conference on the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program. In this program, Kazakhstan and the United States worked together to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. After learning so much about Kazakhstan, I wanted to visit the country to learn firsthand about its people and culture.
Tell us about the city, country, and the overall experience thus far.
Kyzylorda is steeped in Kazakh culture and its citizens take great pride in their heritage, eagerly showcasing it to guests. Life here has been a unique opportunity to learn about Kazakhs and their traditions. A few of my favorite things include the dombra, a two-stringed guitar-like instrument used to play lively folk songs, and hearty Kazakh cuisine, including horse meat and a stew-type dish called beshbarmak. Just as I teach my students English, they try to teach me useful words and phrases in Kazakh; I plan to formally begin learning Kazakh language soon. In my short time here I have already learned so much about Kazakhstan and anticipate learning more.
What is your advice for current GLST majors interested in applying for Fulbright in the future?
One of the most important things you can do to prepare yourself as a Fulbright ETA is gain teaching experience, especially teaching English in a cross-cultural context. This is excellent practice for mutual exchange, and will provide you with valuable experience proving your ability as an educator. Such opportunities exist both on campus and in the Lincoln community. I recommend volunteering as an English tutor for UNL's PIESL (Programs in English as a Second Language) or, as I did, for the Lincoln Literacy Council.
Begin working on your application early! The more time you have to outline and edit your essays, the better. I also recommend taking full advantage of UNL’s incredible Fellowships Office. The folks there do a great job helping you perfect your essays and application.
More details at: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/about/types-of-awards/english-teaching-assistant-awards