Author: Melanie Smith

Journey to becoming a Fulbright Scholar

by: Damaris Ramirez-Espinal and Philip De-Graft

Philip De-Graft interviewed Alaa Zaid about her experience and journey of becoming a Fulbright scholar at Stetson University. They had in-depth discussions on various topics such as cultural engagement, teaching, and curriculum development. Learn more about what Alaa Zaid has to say regarding these topics and advice for students who want to pursue becoming a Fulbright scholar.

Background and Motivation

Philip De-Graft: Can you tell me about your journey to becoming a Fulbright Scholar? What motivated you to pursue a Fulbright, and what was the application process like for you?

Alaa Zaid: I graduated from the Faculty of Languages, Literature and Simultaneous Interpretation which provided me with a strong foundation in language and cultural studies. I’ve worked as an English instructor for four years and a teaching assistant for one year, often teaching my students about American culture and lifestyle. Through my work and studies, I connected with friends from the US, which fueled my excitement for the opportunity to explore their world and build new connections. The opportunity to move from the theories, videos, and books to the real-world experience of the U.S. was incredibly motivating. The application process was lengthy and challenging but ultimately rewarding. It involved crafting a personal statement, highlighting my achievements, and demonstrating my commitment to fostering mutual understanding between Egypt and the US. My motivation stemmed from a passion for bridging cultural gaps and sharing Egypt’s rich heritage with the world.

Philip De-Graft: How has your background in English as a Foreign Language education influenced your teaching style or perspective on language learning?

Alaa Zaid: As a graduate of the Faculty of Languages and an English teacher, I’ve learned to see language as a bridge for communication. This perspective shapes my teaching style, focusing on interactive, student-centered learning and using cultural context to make language more relatable and engaging.

Experiences at Stetson University

Philip De-Graft: What have been some of your most rewarding experiences as a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) at Stetson University?

Alaa Zaid: One of the most rewarding aspects of my Fulbright experience has been watching my students improve in reading and writing Arabic, a challenging language. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them actively engage with and enjoy the activities I prepare.

Philip De-Graft: How has your role in developing course materials and teaching Arabic as a foreign language helped you grow as an educator?

Alaa Zaid: Preparing and developing course materials for the Arabic class was initially challenging, as I needed to make the lessons both engaging and accessible. My goal has always been to ensure students understand and actively practice what we cover in class. This process not only pushed me to explore creative teaching methods but also helped me gain a deeper understanding of my students’ mentalities and learning styles. Adapting my approach to what works best for them has significantly strengthened my skills as an educator.

Teaching and Curriculum Development

Philip De-Graft: Could you share some examples of the innovative teaching methods or materials you’ve developed for your students?

Alaa Zaid: I created an interactive classroom game that combines competition with active learning. Students move around the room, searching for words strategically placed on the walls. This dynamic activity not only reinforces their learning but also makes the experience enjoyable and memorable. By engaging both their minds and energy, I’m confident they’ll retain what they’ve learned long-term.

Cultural Engagement

Philip De-Graft: You’ve had the opportunity to share Egyptian culture with students through various presentations and workshops. How do you feel cultural exchange enriches the learning experience for both you and your students?

Alaa Zaid: I’ve organized cultural events like “Hijab Talks,” which have been incredibly rewarding. These events provided an opportunity for my students and others from various majors to gain a more authentic understanding of our culture and religious beliefs. It was fulfilling to help break stereotypes about the Arab world, address unspoken questions, and engage in meaningful discussions on diverse topics. Interacting with Stetson students also enriched my own perspective, as I not only gained a deeper understanding of American culture but also learned about cultures from around the globe, thanks to the university’s vibrant international community.

Philip De-Graft: How has traveling around the U.S. influenced your personal growth and understanding of different cultures? Could you share some of the most memorable experiences from your visits to various states and how they impacted you?

Alaa Zaid: I’ve had the chance to visit six states so far and plan to explore six more during my winter break. Each place has taught me something unique. One of the most memorable experiences was visiting my friend’s Native American family in South Dakota. I had the privilege of learning about their culture and lifestyle, which was truly inspiring. Exploring local museums and hearing their stories deepened my understanding of their history. The highlight was visiting natural wonders like Badlands and Black Hills, where I also saw snow for the first time in my life. It was an unforgettable experience to be surrounded by people who’ve become like a second family to me.
Along the way, I’ve also made wonderful friends, which has been a great comfort, especially during the early days when I dealt with homesickness. These experiences have opened my eyes to the vastness and diversity of the world, while helping me grow in ways I never imagined, shaping a more open and adventurous version of myself.

Future Goals and Impact

Philip De-Graft: How has the Fulbright experience shaped your academic or career goals moving forward?

Alaa Zaid: The Fulbright experience has strengthened my ambition to pursue advanced studies, possibly an MBA, master’s, or PhD in the U.S. It has also deepened my commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding and language education as tools for global unity.

Philip De-Graft: What do you hope to achieve with your work, both during and after your time at Stetson, in terms of educational or cultural exchange?

Alaa Zaid: During and after my time at Stetson, I aspire to expand educational and cultural exchange initiatives that inspire students and educators to embrace diversity. I plan to organize more cultural events and discussions aimed at bridging gaps between different cultures, fostering understanding, and building connections across communities.

Advice for Future Fulbright Applicants

Philip De-Graft: What advice would you give to students or educators interested in applying for a Fulbright scholarship?

Alaa Zaid: I encourage them to apply for Fulbright scholarships and embrace the opportunity for a life-changing experience that will broaden their perspectives on the world. Since arriving here, I’ve grown personally in countless ways, becoming more adventurous and open to new experiences. I urge them to engage with the community, take the initiative, and always think outside the box. Building friendships and appreciating the cultural diversity at Stetson University and across the U.S. will enrich their journey and contribute to their growth.

Chasing a dream: an opportunity as a life changer

by: Yana Verbova

Have you ever pondered what it’s truly like to chase your dreams, regardless of how daunting the path might appear? Let me assure you, the impossible is within reach. My story stands as a beacon of hope and resilience.

Two years ago, I stood on the brink of a dream, miles away from home in a country engulfed by war. Two years ago, I arrived at Stetson as a dedicated Ukrainian student to be one of the four lucky ones thanks to the Ukrainian Initiative program. Prior to Stetson, I studied dentistry for two years in Ukraine, but an unexpected burst of war events like a horrendous gash on the heart of my beautiful country ruined all my plans and belief in the bright future. 

When fate decides it is your turn, there is no way to lose the chance that happens once in a hundred, but grab it in a heartbeat instead. That is exactly what I did. However, I felt like I was split into two worlds: leaving my fabulous country with my close friends and family, who undergo a lot of difficulties every single day fighting for their own life, or building my own bright future in the USA. No matter how tough of a decision it was to me, I consciously decided to give Stetson a go, since studying in Ukraine was barely possible already at that time. 

My decision was absolutely right, the best one ever, I would say. The moment I set foot on campus, I fell in love. Though my first week was challenging, dealing with homesickness and loneliness, I embraced my mission: to gain a prestigious education that would empower me to help rebuild my country. 

The past two years (2022-2024) were filled with diverse and exciting experiences. My journey was nothing short of transformative, ranging from gaining hands-on experience with the dental club during my first year, to delivering presentations and events to raise awareness about Ukraine. I also had the privilege of tutoring peers at the Writing Center, traveling, and repeatedly earning a place on the Dean’s List. 

Stetson felt like home at the first glance. Encouragement from faculty members, support from the international student community, and the thrill of engaging classes really made my heart warmer and renewed my long-lost belief in a fulfilled life. I am proud to be a part of the marvelous Ukrainian community, with whom we built such an inseparable bond throughout these two years. Having a myriad of Ukrainian events and presentations made me feel both heart-rending and glad, since spreading awareness nowadays is a key. 

Stetson has also been a place for professional development for me, since my job at the Writing Center wasn’t just about commas and essays, but it truly gave me essential tools to be a clear and effective communicator and a leader, which is vital in the healthcare profession. Let alone talking about my Senior Research, where elaborate analysis of studies came into reality of me studying the participants in real life. 

To all prospective international students: I encourage you to apply to Stetson University. This supportive community, coupled with academic excellence in the beautiful sunshine state, will undoubtedly enrich your life. Embrace the challenge; you are the architect of your own future. Never stop believing in yourself and striving for self-realization.

My Stetson experience has been a wild ride-a rollercoaster of knowledge, compassion, hope, success and failure. None of this would have been possible without the incredible people who shaped my journey. I laughed, cried, grew and flourished at Stetson. Stetson is a place to be, Stetson is home, Stetson is my sole. 

Everything is possible! Never stop believing and doing everything for your own self-realization! I am profoundly grateful to everyone who supported me on this journey and to the universe for this unparalleled experience. I am ready to embrace my next endeavors with optimism and determination.

  So, here’s to Stetson, to our incredible journey together, and to a future where Ukrainians and Americans fly side-by-side towards a healthier, brighter tomorrow! And hey, if I ever find myself missing that Florida sunshine during my studies at Brown University for my MPH, you can bet this Hatter will be hopping on the next flight back to the warm Floridian home I found at Stetson!

“Once a Hatter, always a Hatter”. Couldn’t be happier to say this as a Stetson Alumna.

By Sara Hassler

April 5th, 2024 marked a new day for study abroad at Stetson University. The WORLD David and Leighan Center for International Learning, hosted their inaugural conference here in Deland. Attendees and presenters from all over Florida came together to enjoy the fruits of their labor from their time studying abroad. Neighboring schools like University of North Florida, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, came together to host the Lessons from Abroad Conference.

The morning began in Lee Chapel with a warm and proud welcome from President Christopher Roellke, led by Provost Skomp sharing her support for the conference and her own mention of leading a study abroad program in her past. The opening ceremony was concluded by Assistant Director of International Learning Programs, Melanie Smith, who joyfully directed the group towards the first presentations in Brown Hall and Sage Hall. Presentations now having begun, the two halls were brimming with stories about traveling abroad, becoming international students, and all the wonders of stepping out of one’s comfort zone to pursue higher education. Presenters stretched from Stetson students to students from the visiting universities giving their take on their lessons from abroad. 

The day was nicely interrupted by a break for lunch in the Stetson Room, where attendees and presenters had a chance to learn how to utilize their study abroad experience in their resumes and ventures into the workforce. Presentations led by University of North Florida and Stetson University aimed at teaching students how to include their experiences abroad in their resumes and how to account for the lessons they encountered while abroad. From missing a bus in Europe to remastering the experience to demonstrate a  student’s critical thinking skills, attendees were provided with worksheets that allowed them to identify learning objectives that matched with their time abroad. 

After lunch, presentations continued and the conference was later concluded with closing remarks in Lee Chapel. That marked the end to the first ever Lessons from Abroad Conference at Stetson University, the beginning of a great tradition that will hopefully be continued for years to come. 

by: Damaria Y Ramierz-Espinal

On February 2^nd while students were in their daily routine with either classes or other matters, at WORLD we were preparing for a wonderful event that morning. The WORLD Fair was in full swing with the festivities and excitement from the children from an elementary school visiting our campus.

Nearly 80 3rd and 4th graders had the opportunity to learn about multiple countries and cultures from around the world. In total, Stetson students presented 15 tables with each one highlighting a different country or continent. The children had a fantastic time at the fair with a range of games, food, activities, and fun facts for them to explore.  Everyone one who tabled also had a great time interacting with the children as they were able to share a piece of new cultures and home with them. The WORLD Fair was a great success with everyone having a blast during the event!

By: Anne Walcher

As the sun dawned on this Tuesday morning, the campus of Stetson University was quiet and calm. Only a few students stayed on campus over the winter break. But the WORLD Office with all its ambassadors buzzed with excitement and anticipation. It was the start of International Student Orientation Days, a time for WORLD to welcome new students from all over the world. The welcoming committee gathered in U-hall, ready to extend a warm Stetson welcome to the arriving students and ready to help move them into their new home.

The official kick-off took place Wednesday. The day started early (no worries, we had plenty of coffee) with a jam-packed schedule at the Lynn Business Center. WORLD aimed to provide our new internationals with essential knowledge from Immigration Basics, Handling the Logistics, Student Health Insurance to Living on Campus and Working on Campus. However, it wasn`t all business- after a fun campus-wide scavenger hunt we had a delightful lunch from Moe`s, fueling students for the remaining activities. In the afternoon, the group embarked on a trip to Walmart for some essential shopping. The day ended with a cozy Pizza dinner at WORLD, providing the perfect setting for students to unwind and share stories.

The second day started a little bit later but there was no shortage of enriching activities. Presentations about Academic Culture in America and a following Mock Class were combined with Campus tours, showcasing the main buildings and key locations on campus.  A break and lunch from Publix offered moments of relaxation and sustenance for the last presentations of International Student Orientation. Finally, the group gathered for a picture in front of the iconic fountain- a symbol for unity and shared experiences.

Reflecting on these days of orientation, it was a blend of many feelings. We had stressful moments trying to find one student’s luggage, funny moments laughing about stories students shared with us and sometimes even sentimental moments because these days reminded us how we felt when we arrived at Stetson. Friendships were made, and the shared experiences created a strong sense of community.

The New International Student orientation days were not just an introduction; they were the first chapter in a story of cross-cultural connections, personal growth, and the pursuit of knowledge on our vibrant campus of Stetson University.

Welcome to all our new international students!

WORLD Ambassadors worked with the African Student Union and the International Student Organization to host Nigerian Culture Hour at WORLD on Friday, December 1 at 5pm. More than 30 students were in attendance to learn some fun facts about Nigeria, playing a Mentee game, and enjoying real Nigerian food prepared by Deltona caterer Forks & Fingers Nigerian Cuisine.