Name: Jennifer Gotrik
Major/Minor: Fine Arts (Painting) and Journalism/Mass Communications
Little bit about myself: I was a W.H. Thompson Scholars mentor for three years and loved every minute of it. I studied abroad five times in my undergrad (India, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Dominican Republic, and Turkey) thanks to the scholarship and also met some of my best friends through the program. In my free time I paint, go to as many live shows as possible, read, and spend time with friends!
Why did you decide to apply to Fulbright ETA program? I think the ETA program really combines all that I learned as a W.H. Thompson Scholars mentor and as an English tutor through Lincoln Literacy. I've always had a fascination with the English language and have been a bookworm since early childhood. They say teaching is the best way to learn, and teaching abroad has always been a dream of mine!
Why did you pick Turkey? My final undergrad course was a study abroad archaeological dig in Gazipasa, Turkey. I spent five weeks in the country and fell in love with the beautiful culture and the people. Last year I had applied for the ETA in Malaysia and was disappointed when I didn't make it to the second round. I think it was a blessing in disguise because the program in Turkey feels like a much better fit for me.
How long did the application process take? What are some things scholars should consider when applying? The application process can take several months. Writing and re-writing the essays probably takes the most time - I easily had over ten drafts per essay. Another important part of the application are the three references. Choose someone who knows you well, knows how you interact with others, and knows what your goals are!
Who were your resources during the process? What are your recommendations for students wanting to apply? The Honors office staff in Neihardt was an incredible resource during the process. They know everything there is to know about Fulbright (and other grants!) and what the Fulbright application committee is looking for in essays. They read and revised my essays and application many, many times. The W.H. Thompson Scholars professional staff, professors, family members, and friends were also so, so helpful. Send your essays to as many people you can and get all the feedback you can! Be yourself in your personal statement - don't get caught up in using big words and formal language; they want to see who you are!
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the largest U.S. exchange program offering opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide. The program currently awards approximately 1,900 grants annually in all fields of study, and operates in more than 140 countries worldwide. Fulbright U.S. Student alumni populate a range of professions and include ambassadors, members of Congress, judges, heads of corporations, university presidents, journalists, artists, professors, and teachers. Bose Corporation founder Amar Bose, actor John Lithgow, composer Philip Glass, opera singer Renee Fleming and economist Joseph Stiglitz are among notable former grantees.
The English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Programs place Fulbrighters in classrooms abroad to provide assistance to the local English teachers. ETA’s help teach English language while serving as cultural ambassadors for the U.S. The age and academic level of the students varies by country, ranging from kindergarten to university level.
More details at: http://us.fulbrightonline.org/about/fulbright-us-student-program