I am so glad I was able to join Fulbright Mongolia this year as an ETA, which I applied for and got accepted to right after graduating university a year ago! I hope that I have inspired you all to learn more about Mongolia’s very unique and special culture, and that you have learned to love the animals and quirky (different) parts of their culture, just as I have. Fulbright is a US program that you are able to study, do research, or teach with, and it provides you with an amazing opportunity to travel abroad with a purpose and generous scholarship. Mongolia is just one of Fulbright’s programs, but there are so many more! What is unique about Mongolia’s Fulbright program is that the group of people is small, and all ETAs teach in universities, except for the researchers who work with local organizations.
When you all grow older, if you realize you want to travel abroad and try out living in a new country after university graduation, I highly recommend that you remember your experience with me during our Reach the World exchange, and consider applying to Fulbright! Fulbright is a truly wonderful way for you to promote cultural exchange and experience a new culture with a purpose that will help you with your future jobs!
My time in Mongolia has been a lot of figuring out what I can do when it is -30 Fahrenheit outside, making new international and local friends, collaborating with Mongolian students, and experiencing a new work culture with my internship I am doing alongside my ETA work! I have a lot of love for Mongolia as a deeply traditional and hospitable culture, and for my friends who have shown me so many beautiful sides of Mongolia.
As you all get older, I highly encourage you all to stay curious.
