Grand Valley student named Global Leaders Fellow

David Gonzalez, a junior Spanish major from Grand Rapids, has been named a Global Leaders Fellow through the U.S.-Brazil Connect Program (USBC). 

The program is an intensive 18-week English-language coaching program. As a selected Fellow, Gonzalez will coach a group of Brazilian students online in English language skills, and then in classroom sessions during an in-person, four week visit to one of U.S.-Brazil Connect’s sites. 

By developing a mentoring relationship with their assigned students through online platforms and in-person classroom time, Fellows have the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, facilitate small groups, work cross-culturally and develop relationships with Brazilian youth.

“As a returning fellow with USBC I am looking forward to sharing my experience with first-time fellows,” Gonzalez said. “As a student, I’m looking forward to developing leadership and communication skills in multiple languages.”

Fellows are required to spend a minimum of four hours per week online with students via Facebook and Google Hangout. Online coaching of Brazilian students is required for eight weeks prior to travel to Brazil and for six weeks following return. U.S.-Brazil Connect provides support and guidance for engagement with students. On a weekly basis, Fellows will evaluate their students’ participation and report to their team leaders.

Gonzalez worked with staff from the Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships at Grand Valley State University to apply for the highly competitive placement. 

The application process is currently closed for the 2015 cohort. 

For more information, visit www.us-brazil.org or gvsu.edu/fellowships.