As an Auburn graduate, you are equipped with the capabilities and mindset to build cross-cultural awareness and relationships with people and communities from other parts of the world; tackle the world’s challenges of global interdependence; solve problems; and work globally. Because of your in-demand skills your first destination options include living and working outside the United States. Regardless of your major, positions are available for you to teach English as a Second Language. These opportunities last a year or longer and are paid. If you’re interested in living abroad, developing your global skills and gaining international work experience, explore the programs listed here.
For questions or support, contact Ellie Lee.
I taught English at a German magnet high school, Herschelschule Gymnasium in Hannover. I cannot overstate the impact my students and colleagues have had on me as an educator and human being. Teaching English overseas is so much more than a way to build classroom and curriculum development experience before graduate school: it is a way to become part of a community. Though I am sure we are all concerned with being of service overseas by bringing insider information about American culture and sharing the linguistic resources of a native speaker with English language learners, the solidarity and hospitality extended to me by my own students, many of whom were immigrants, expats and refugees to Germany themselves, will stay with me for the rest of my life.
-Katie Kirk, Yale Divinity School '23, Fulbright '19, Auburn University Philosophy with German minor '18, Auburn Vienna Program '17
Fulbright came onto my radar during my college search, and knowing that I wanted to apply, I chose my classes, internships and extracurricular activities with that goal in mind. All Fulbright knows about you is what you and your recommenders tell them on your application, so it is important to clearly connect your experiences to the position you want, as well as the Fulbright mission. I also recommend thinking about your statements as stories that show how you have grown and how you can contribute to your community while abroad. In short, writing is the key to success.
The semi-finalist announcement came in January, and I did my best to wait patiently for the official decision in April. When it finally arrived, I cried happy tears and had the chorus of Matthew Wilder's "Break My Stride" stuck on repeat in my head for at least three days. Since then, the Auburn Family has been tremendously supportive, and I am honored to share the Auburn spirit as a Fulbright English teaching assistant in Galicia, Spain!
-Amelia Grace Hill, Auburn University '21, B.A. in Spanish and B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in business, office systems management and philosophy
