Graduate student earns Fulbright Award to teach in Turkey

Graduate student Katie Hoffswell will be living her dream this September.

Hoffswell, a graduate assistant at the Padnos International Center and studying in the College Student Affairs Leadership program, was recently awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award and will spend the next academic year overseas teaching English to Turkish students. 

“Throughout my time working in the Padnos International Center, I've grown my interest in international higher education and developed the skills to help college students reach their full potential,” said Hoffswell. “Teaching English to Turkish students will be a wonderful way for me to apply what I have learned while expanding my cultural knowledge.”

Brenda Tooley, associate director of the Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement, worked with Hoffswell to develop and refine her application essays and said she will be an outstanding representative of Grand Valley as a Fulbright Student Award recipient. 

“Fulbright U.S. Student awards open doors and change lives,” said Tooley. “Katie is well-prepared for a successful year in Turkey, working with Turkish students as they develop their English language capacities and learning about the systems of support for students available within the Turkish university system.”

The Fulbright U.S. Student program provides grants annually for approximately 2,000 graduating seniors, graduate students, young professionals and artists to study, conduct research, or teach English abroad in over 140 countries. 

Students interested in pursuing major national and international award opportunities can visit the Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships for information and receive direct support throughout the application processes.