Two graduating seniors have been awarded Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships for the 2012-13 academic year.

Rory Jones, who is graduating with a double major in history and German, has been awarded a teaching assistantship in Germany.

Lauren Raddell, a business major with a minor in German, has been awarded a teaching assistantship in Austria. She will be teaching in the city of Vöcklabruck.

The Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship program is one of several academic exchange programs administered by the U.S. Department of State. The application process begins in the fall when prospective candidates are interviewed by faculty members on their campus, who then rank and recommend students to the Fulbright Commission. The commission reviews the applications and selects a number of candidates to recommend to partner countries, who then screen the applicants again and match the candidates with schools in different cities.

Nine Southwestern students have received Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships in the past five years. Emily Gutzmer, Zach Zeman and Tanlyn Roelofs were awarded assistantships in 2010; Carolyn Acker, Erin Osterhaus and Jamie Falconnier were awarded assistantships in 2009; and Amy Tanguay and Chelsea Edge were awarded assistantships in 2008.

“Fulbright Teaching Assistantships offer our students the opportunity to gain experience in managing the complexities of intercultural exchange,” said Erika Berroth, associate professor of German. “Teaching and learning across cultures promotes thinking creatively and contributes to developing skills and attitudes that support proficient communication. Our students realize their potential as cultural ambassadors and mediators.”

Students selected for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Program receive round-trip transportation to the host country, a salary for the academic year based on living costs in the host country, an allowance for books and research, and medical insurance. They have an orientation program, participate in a variety of enrichment activities during the course of the year, and benefit from becoming part of an extensive network of Fulbright Scholars. Most English Teaching Assistants work in their schools for 20 to 30 hours a week, which leaves plenty of time to pursue independent research projects, internships or community service projects.