Sabaidee! This is the traditional greeting in Laos. My name is Madeline Figas, and I'm from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Growing up, I loved playing all types of sports, from ice hockey to tap dancing. Outside of sports, I spent my time reading books that took place all across the world and even in fantasy worlds. When I graduated high school in 2020, I decided to go to Boston University. There, I met friends from all different continents and learned about many new cultures. I tried Korean barbecue, went to a silent Buddhist retreat, and cheered my friends on at traditional Chinese dance competitions. In my junior year, I studied abroad in Paris, where I lived with a host family and improved my French. Last May, I graduated with a degree in economics and was awarded a Fulbright grant to teach English in Laos. Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China. Currently, I am an English Teaching Assistant at Savannakhet University, a city in the southern region of Laos. I'm so excited to get to know you all and share my journey with you!
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!
