IOWA CITY, IOWA (April 28, 2023) — Guilherme Pinho of Le Claire, Iowa, who will receive a BA in political science and German from the University of Iowa in May 2023, is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Award to Germany for 2023-24.
Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?
As an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in Germany, I will be assisting with English lessons in a local school. I will also help the community by hosting evening English classes and providing information about working/studying in the US. I am most excited to begin hosting weekly "Cars and Coffee" meetings to teach my students about American car culture.
How do you envision this will influence your life/future career?
I hope to one day work in diplomatic affairs, however specific that might be, where a Fulbright experience will prove indispensable. The goal of my time with the local community will be to foster closer ties between it and the US, which should prove great practice for the same thing among nations. Getting to practice German will also help me become more fluent.
What advice do you have for future students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
Pick a place and a purpose. Knowing what you want to accomplish means you only need to find out how to say it and why it needs to happen there. Let your advisor and many people hear you say it, then work and rework.
Were there experiences at the UI that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright?
My experience with German courses at the University of Iowa and time spent studying abroad helped me reach a level of German I never thought I could. A Fulbright seemed the perfect junction between this new skill and my political science degree.
Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
I would like to thank Karen Wachsmuth and Ari Natarina. They'll be there for you throughout the application process. Thank you to Professor William Reisinger. I would also like to thank Bruce Nottingham-Spencer and Michael Swellander, professors of German. Finally, thank you to Ambassador Ronald McMullen and English instructor Christiane Portele for recommending me.
Fulbright Scholars — college and university faculty, administrators, and researchers, as well as artists and professionals — build their skills and connections, gain valuable international insights, and return home to share their experiences with their students and colleagues. Scholars come from and go to all institution types and geographic regions across the United States and around the world.
The Fulbright Scholar Program for academics and professionals awards more than 1,700 fellowships each year, enabling 800 US Scholars to go abroad and 900 Visiting Scholars to come to the United States. As a Fulbright Scholar, you'll make meaningful contributions to communities abroad and at home, as well as in your chosen field. You'll also advance your career by joining a network of accomplished alumni serving as leaders and educators across the globe.
About the University of Iowa
As a top global university, Iowa is the ideal destination for learning, discovery, and innovation. We bring art and science together to create a truly unique interdisciplinary education. With over 200 areas of study to choose from, students are encouraged to mix and match majors, minors, and certificates to earn a degree that reflects their unique interests.
From inside our world-class medical center to the most prestigious creative-writing program in the US, students have access to quality academic support and are equipped with the tools they need to stand out in a competitive workforce. Our 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows students to work directly with experts in their field while earning valuable, practical skills.
Our campus seamlessly blends into the heart of downtown Iowa City, making it easy to access academic resources and belong to a larger, welcoming community. With over 500 student organizations, clubs, and communities on campus, and countless in-town events scheduled throughout the year, Iowa makes it easy to build a network of friendships and connections that last a lifetime.
To learn more about the University of Iowa, click HERE.
