Working as a Teaching Assistant in Austria allowed me to share my knowledge and experiences as an American with my students, fellow teachers, and friends in Austria. It was a unique opportunity to learn about a new culture and to teach others about the United States. Even though I am now back in the United States, I still keep in touch with some of my Austrian students, colleagues, and friends, allowing us to continue to exchange opinions and ideas.

Elina Stelman is a graduate of Lafayette College with a degree in international affairs. She taught at the HBLA Kematen as a US Teaching Assistant in 2010–11. Photo courtesy of Elina Stelman.