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Western Illinois University graduate student Kathryne Valentin (Canton, IL) — pictured here during a study abroad program in Chile — has been selected as finalist for the competitive Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
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WIU Student, Canton (IL) Native, Selected as Finalist for Competitive Fulbright U.S. Student Program

April 11, 2016

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MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois University graduate student Kathryne Valentin (Canton, IL) has been selected as a finalist for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Individuals selected for the competitive program are offered a grant for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) program. According to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program website, during their grants, Fulbrighters will meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences.

Ehren Kuzekov, study abroad advisor in the WIU Office of Study Abroad and Outreach, said applicants to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program go through a yearlong application process. As a "Fulbrighter," Valentin—who is pursuing her master's degree in educational and interdisciplinary studies and completed her bachelor's degree in Spanish in 2015 at Western—will serve as a Fulbright ETA program instructor in Argentina in 2017.


It was Valentin's interest in studying abroad that not only motivated her to apply for the Fulbright program, but also to attend Western, based on WIU's many study abroad opportunities.

"I was able to study abroad multiple times throughout my undergraduate career, but as a graduate student, it was difficult to find study abroad courses that fit into a master's degree program," Valentin explained. "I decided to expand my search to programs more professional in nature, such as teaching abroad fellowships and grants. Ever since my first study abroad experience, I knew I wanted to teach English abroad at least once in my life."

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program facilitates cultural exchange, through direct interaction on an individual basis, in the classroom, field, home and in routine tasks, allowing the grantee to gain an appreciation of others' viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things and the way they think, states the program's website.

Valentin noted her study abroad experiences through WIU, as well as her courses and relationships with Western faculty and staff members, have helped to prepare her for her next adventure abroad.

"Throughout my time as both an undergrad and grad student at WIU, I have had the opportunity to take courses that have prepared me to work in a diverse, multicultural setting. On top of this, many of my previous and current professors have provided me with opportunities to develop my skills both professionally and academically by supporting me throughout the various stages of my academic career," she said. "With the encouragement and support of these various faculty and staff members, I have learned that I can accomplish great feats, as long as I have the determination and belief in myself that I can do so."

Upon completing her M.S.Ed. at WIU, Valentin plans to pursue a career in international education.

"The Fulbright ETA program will not only further develop my intercultural skills, but it will also give me the opportunity to work with students to better understand their needs," she added. "Whether I am working with international students in an English as a Second Language [ESL] program or helping U.S. students prepare to go abroad, the Fulbright ETA will give me a chance to further develop my skills and prepare me to work in culturally diverse environments."

For more information about study abroad opportunities through Western, contact Kuzekov at (309) 298-2504 or via email at EM-Kuzekov@wiu.edu. Visit WIU's Office of Study Abroad and Outreach online at www.wiu.edu/studyabroad. Learn more about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program at us.fulbrightonline.org.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing