Sain baina uu! (Hello in Mongolian!) My name is Caitlin, and I'm originally from the Washington, D.C. area in the USA. Over the past four years, I’ve transformed my curiosity about the world into a passion for becoming a global citizen and learning about different cultures and languages. I’m 22 years old and currently serving as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in Mongolia.
Growing up near Washington, D.C., I was surrounded by people from all over the world, which sparked my love for exploring new places, trying new foods, and learning about different ways of life. That passion eventually led me abroad for university—I moved to Shanghai, China, to study at NYU Shanghai, and later spent time studying in Madrid, Spain. Throughout college, I had the chance to visit many countries across Asia and Europe, deepening my interest in global cultures. I majored in international relations and minored in Mandarin Chinese, which further fueled my fascination with languages and how they shape our understanding of the world.
This curiosity ultimately inspired me to apply for the Fulbright grant to Mongolia. From both an international relations perspective and a cultural one, Mongolia is truly captivating. Nestled between Russia and China, the country has a rich nomadic heritage, with many people still living a traditional herding lifestyle in the countryside. This stands in striking contrast to Ulaanbaatar, the modern and vibrant capital city where I now live and teach. Experiencing this blend of tradition and modernity has been one of the most unique parts of my time here.
As an English teacher at a local university, I’m engaged in cross-cultural dialogue every day while working to strengthen English education in my community. I’m thrilled to share my journey in this remarkable country with all of you, and I can’t wait to connect throughout the school year!
Want to learn how you could be a Fulbright Scholar like me? The Fulbright Program is the United States government's flagship international exchange program. Fulbrighters foster mutual understanding between the United States and partner nations, share knowledge across communities, and improve lives around the world. Learn more by clicking here!
