Lombard Resident Earns Fulbright Grant

Michelle Petersen, a 2012 Elmhurst College graduate, has been awarded an English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) grant through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program to teach and study in Brazil for the majority of 2014.

Petersen is one of six students total from Elmhurst College to have received a prestigious and highly competitive award through the Fulbright Program.

The Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, offers opportunities for students and young professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and primary and secondary school teaching worldwide. The highly selective Fulbright Program chooses ideal candidates to send abroad for their academic excellence and leadership potential, with the prospect of strengthening English-language instruction in other nations in addition to enhancing and developing The United States' international relations.

Petersen will spend roughly 20-25 hours a week teaching English in a Brazilian university in Southern Brazil. She will also be studying Portuguese and contributing to various project works and community service opportunities during her stay.

Petersen, who earned her degree in Spanish and Secondary Education, has studied and done field work in Spain, Mexico, and Peru. She became TEFL/TESOL certified to teach English internationally, and has participated in various research opportunities within the World Languages, Literatures & Cultures Department of Elmhurst College during her time as a student. Upon completing her stint in Brazil, Petersen intends to complete her Master's degree in Spanish and International Higher Education.