Jane Hulburt, Spencer Neitzel and Chiara Terzuolo, all graduating seniors, are recipients of Fulbright Scholarships, which allow them to spend next year teaching or researching in foreign countries.
Hulburt received a teaching assistantship from the Fulbright program and will be spending the year in Germany. During the year, Hulburt will spend about 15 hours per week in a classroom, assisting high-school-aged students in learning English and American culture.
Fulbright scholars are strongly encouraged to do something with the students after school hours, and Hulburt, a double major in German and music, hopes to teach music lessons or start an ensemble.
Unsure about post-graduate plans, Hulburt decided to apply for the Fulbright. She wanted to spend more time in Germany – she studied there in high school and as a junior at Lawrence – but also to try teaching.
“I’ve taught music before but I’ve never taught German or English,” said Hulburt. She is also interested in the music scene, and in getting involved herself.
In writing two essays as part of her application, Hulburt consulted her uncle, a professional writer. Since the board reviewing the applications would be reading so many essays, Hulburt’s uncle told her to get creative.
For her second essay, which asked what she would do with the Fulbright, Hulburt wrote from a different perspective. “I made it sound like I was older talking about my past experience. It was fun to write,” she said.
Hulburt is excited about the chance to absorb German culture and also spread American culture. “This is such a great opportunity to really be able to be in their culture and be a teacher for them. It’s not only that I’m benefiting from them, but they’re benefiting me,” she said.
Neitzel also received a teaching assistantship for Germany. He will also teach English to high-school-aged students. Since most of Neitzel’s students will have been learning English since a young age, he will focus on American culture, rather than grammar.
Neitzel is aware that Hollywood creates many American stereotypes, and he’s interested in introducing Germans to other aspects of culture. “My goal is to make them exposed to works that are a little more underground and a little more unique to what American culture is,” said Neitzel.
As a double major in German and psychology, Neitzel was interested in applying for the Fulbright because of his love of the German language. After studying in Germany in the fall of 2007, Neitzel wanted to go back and integrate himself more in the culture than a study abroad experience typically allows.
While he does not yet know in which city he will be placed, Neitzel is already making plans for visitingTurkey and Paris, as well. “I’m kind of fulfilling all of my leftover dreams from when I was abroad,” said Neitzel.
Terezuolo will be on a different adventure from either Hulburt or Neitzel. She will be in Japan on a research grant from the Fulbright program, studying the differences in teaching methods between traditional Japanese instruments and classical, western instruments.
“It’s kind of interesting, this traditional versus classical, and how people don’t always understand that it’s different,” said Terzuolo.
Terzuolo is majoring in East Asian studies, minoring in Japanese and has strong interest in ethnomusicology. While in Japan, she will be based out of a major conservatory while she does her research. She will continue to take voice lessons, as she has done here, and also take lessons on the koto, a 13-string zither.
One of the reasons Terzuolo decided to apply for the Fulbright grant was her desire to go back to Japan after her study abroad experience during the spring of 2008. Terzuolo is originally from Italy, and is also excited to be an example that not all foreigners are American.
While waiting to hear back from the Fulbright program, Terzuolo spent her fall applying to graduate schools. She was accepted to the School of Oriental and African Studies in London and has now deferred her acceptance.
Terzuolo hopes to use her research opportunity as a way into the Japanese music world once her year is up. “I would like to work within it,” said Terzuolo. “I think it would be fascinating to see how a Japanese opera company works.
Hulburt, Neitzel and Terzuolo win Fulbright Scholarships
