This experience helped me grow an insane amount, and I am forever thankful for Fulbright Austria bringing me a new family—even if they’re based 4,300 miles from home.
One of my favorite classes I ever taught as a USTA was a joint lesson I invited the British TA in town to come and do with me in my English Freiwahl class on British vs. American English.
Applying to Fulbright Austria was certainly one of the best decisions I made in college. I learned so much from different cultures and made lifelong friends and great memories! If given the chance, I would recommend visiting Austria. Stellung, bereit, los!
I still think of my time in Austria as the most important time in my life. The friends I met while in Austria are some of my strongest relationships. And thank goodness for my skills in public speaking that I cultivated in Austria!
The lessons I learned from Fulbright Austria benefit not only me, but also the education of US students through my teaching.
Moving to Villach was extremely important in shaping who I am today.
"I have made invaluable connections through the Fulbright Program that have affected my life positively, sometimes in unexpected ways."
"...the people I met helped open my mind to examine challenges differently and to appreciate different perspectives, not only just to talk, but also how to meaningfully listen."
"This opportunity changed my life in a unique, valuable and positive way."
"...I delighted in the opportunity to be a cultural ambassador in Vienna as I shared information about the United States with my high-school aged Austrian students."
"I have no doubt that participating in the Austrian-American Fulbright Commission's US Teaching Assistantship Program gave me an enormous leg-up in the job search when I returned to the US, having gained international work experience through a highly reputable and respected program."
"It is easy to overlook the necessity of a program like the Fulbright whose effects are not always easily quantifiable in numbers, output or economically. But after my experiences as a grantee there is absolutely no question of the grave importance of the Fulbright program."
"My time in Austria was exceptional and I have returned every year..."
"As a teacher assistant my year abroad was indescribable. I traveled to 8 countries in 9 months and feel as if I left a family and second life in Austria."
"This has allowed me to experiment with different styles and formats of materials and content delivery as well as observe a number of experienced practitioners with varied styles, which has accelerated the development of my own personal voice and style as a novice educator. This has been invaluable as I begin the lifelong process of developing as a foreign language educator."
"Through my experiences, I have been able to bring my international experiences into my classroom and show my students the many possibilities that exist outside of school. My teaching skills improved as well, having worked with non-native English speakers."
"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."
"I owe my career to my Austrian Fulbright stay."
"I am ever so grateful to the Fulbright program and to the people who make it possible for my love of Austria, their literature, their history, their music and culture..."
"During my first year as a USTA, I was assigned to a Gymnasium that both students and teachers described to me as one of the city's worst. That wasn't at all my experience."
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