My name is Carina Schubert-Wachter, and I'm an alumna of both the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program and Teach For Austria. My journey with these two impactful programs has been nothing short of transformative, both personally and professionally.
It all began when I was selected as an FLTA to the United States, in the state of Florida. As an aspiring communication enthusiast with a passion for cultural exchange and language learning, this opportunity was a dream come true. Arriving in America, I was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by my host university community, and I immediately felt a sense of belonging.
During my time as an FLTA, I had the privilege of working at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, where I collaborated with professors, engaged with students, taught them German, and immersed myself in the American higher-education system. The experience was eye-opening and enriching, as I gained valuable insights into different teaching methodologies, academic cultures, and the diverse perspectives of students from all walks of life.
Inspired by my experience with the Fulbright Program, I knew that I wanted to continue making a difference in the field of education. That's when I discovered Teach For Austria. Drawn to its mission of providing quality education for all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, I applied to join their fellowship program.
Becoming a Teach For Austria fellow was a turning point in my career. Through intensive training, ongoing support, and hands-on teaching experience, I developed the skills and confidence to lead a kindergarten group and make a meaningful impact on young children's lives. Working in a kindergarten with children aged 3–6, I had the opportunity to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child felt valued and supported in their learning journey.
Whether it was designing engaging learning activities, fostering social-emotional development, or collaborating with families and community members, every day brought new opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of my students.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time with Teach For Austria was witnessing the growth and development of the children in my care. From fostering their curiosity and creativity to instilling a love of learning, seeing the joy and excitement on their faces was incredibly rewarding.
Looking back on my journey with the FLTA Program and Teach For Austria, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, friendships, and memories that have shaped me into the educator and individual I am today. While my time as an FLTA and as a Teach For Austria fellow may have come to an end, the impact of these programs will continue to inspire me as I strive to create a more equitable and inclusive education system for all.
My original studies were in communications management and executive management. However, my experiences with Fulbright and Teach For Austria led me down a different path. I am now a trained early-childhood educator and a PR manager at Teach For Austria as well as an artist.
As I continue my journey in the field of education, I am committed to advocating for every child's right to quality education and ensuring that no child's potential is limited by their circumstances. Through the power of education, we can create a brighter and more hopeful future for generations to come.