Corinne Peterson (’19) first experienced Germany during her study abroad experience to Nebraska Wesleyan’s sister school in Eichstätt, Germany. The experience was incredibly impactful, and the psychology and modern languages-German double major has been looking for the opportunity to journey back to Germany ever since.
She recently got that opportunity after becoming an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) thanks to the Fulbright Scholarship, the flagship international education exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government.
“Moving to another country is difficult and can be intimidating,” said Peterson. “I’m glad I already got a taste of what it is like to live away from my home and support system.” Though this Fulbright experience will look a little different. Peterson will be in Germany for roughly 9 months, rather than a semester. “...but my experiences from NWU have made me feel so much more prepared and comfortable taking this step.”
In Germany, Peterson will be placed in a school to assist an English teacher in their classroom. Her experience will also include projects outside the classroom such as leading cross-cultural activities and clubs.
Peterson says the Fulbright application was not an easy process. “It was extensive. There were a lot of essays and essay questions – lots of drafts and a lot of editing. I started the application process a little late, so it was especially a hustle!”
"The support from the faculty at NWU was so helpful and they really helped me through the whole process. I can’t thank them enough!"
But the help Peterson received from her former professors was invaluable. “I could not have done it without the help of [Professor of Communication] Karla Jensen and the other wonderful professors in the modern language and English departments. The support from the faculty at NWU was so helpful and they really helped me through the whole process. I can’t thank them enough!”
Peterson has aspirations to become a German teacher and she knows her Fulbright experience will prepare her to reach her future career goals.
"I am excited to build new cross-cultural relationships and connections," she said. "Being immersed in the culture for so long will also immensely improve my German language skills and that is something I get to carry with me forever!"
Peterson's award brings NWU’s Fulbright Scholarship total to 61.