Quepee

Hi Magdalena, One of my references (who recently spent a Fulbright year teaching in Slovenia) said that my biggest obstacle will be manufacturing a history/desire to teach English. Not that it isn't something I am directly interested in, but seeing as I have no previous teaching experience, it is going to have to be a tough sell. I shared my worries about my lack of competitiveness (no plans for grad school) and she said from what she gathered, the committee is more interested in diversity than prestige. That's not to say that I won't have to come up with a damn good reason why I think I would be a good candidate for this program, and why I am choosing Croatia over dozens more locations. The totality of it all is making my head spin!

Hi! Is it cheating to say that I only discovered the Fulbright ETA program a few days ago? I feel like I jumped on the bandwagon when others have planned this step for years. Guilty or not, I'm applying to the ETA in Croatia! So far, I have two recommendations set up: one from a former professor who is teaching English in China for the month and the other from a former professor who spent the last year teaching in Slovenia thanks to Fulbright (I feel like I hit the jackpot with that one!) Still searching for a third reference... Like a lot of people, I am stumped on the Personal Statement and Project Proposal aspects. As far as the personal statement goes, I feel like I might not be the typical Fulbright ETA-er. I've graduated in May of 2010. I'm 25. I was unemployed all of 2010. I have no plans to go to graduate school. I'm looking into becoming TEFL certified through Cambridge's CELTA program, but that is about it. I'm not sure if my lack of direction will hinder me, or might perhaps make me stand out?! Probably not...I'm not sure how to be honest about myself without sounding like I am looking for a paid year in gorgeous Croatia! All in all, I am going to keep plugging along, learning as much about Croatia as humanly possible and talking (via email) to as many past Fulbrighters as I can. Now, if only I could come up with an awesome project! I'd love to hear back from any and every one! Kendall