For information: 800-692-4020

Learn about Northwestern
Connect with Northwestern
Invest in Northwestern

 

Northwestern alum Charity Straszheim '10 receives Fulbright Scholarship

Straszheim makes eight Northwestern Fulbright Scholars in eight years

May 10—– December graduate Charity Straszheim ’10, was recently awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) Scholarship, through which she will teach for one year in the Czech Republic, beginning in August. Straszheim was one of two Northwestern students offered a Fulbright ETA scholarship; however the other student declined for personal reasons.

The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is the largest international exchange program allowing students, scholars and professionals the opportunity to engage in study, research or teaching assistantships all over the world. Participants selected include those with strong academic merit and leadership potential.

“I am most excited about the challenge of it all,” added Straszheim. “I don’t expect there to be many fluent English speakers there and I am sure it will be a bit isolating. Yet, I am excited to see how the Lord will provide and work as I seek to pursue further the vocation of teaching as well as pursue relationships with my fellow teachers and students.”

Since 2004, Straszheim has traveled to the Czech Republic three times to teach English. Unsure of her future post-graduation, and hoping for an opportunity to return to the Czech Republic, Straszheim learned that she was a Fulbright alternate at the end of March and was offered the Fulbright award on April 12.

“I have a passion for education, for other cultures, and for other languages,” said Straszheim. “I know that I have been directed to go to the Czech Republic for this season, and I am eager to see what the Lord will do there.”

Though her curriculum has not been finalized yet, she knows she will be working with two different Czech schools teaching English, and possibly developing curriculum with other English teachers.

Straszheim, of Roland, Iowa, graduated with a B.A. in Visual Arts Education. Since graduation she has been substitute teaching in various Minnesota schools, and most recently as an art teacher for grades 7–12 in the Roland-Story school district in Iowa.

Learn more about student Fulbright Scholarships and the Fulbright Scholarship program.