Stories

An interview with English Department alum Teresa Contino ’23 on her experiences this past year as a Fulbright Scholar in Náchod, Czech Republic

By Júlia von Gersdorff ’25

How did you fulfill the purpose of your Fulbright project in the Czech Republic? What were some of the key activities you partook in?

As a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Náchod, Czech Republic, I believe I have fulfilled my objective in my application to “develop cross-continental connections with students and integrate a creative pedagogical framework in the classroom,” while working at Jiráskovo gymnázium.

Currently, I teach about 15 lessons per week to students in their last year or second to last year of high school in preparation for university. In the classroom, I try to cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance and comfortability.

I also meet with students outside of class during my English Conversation Club; we meet in cafes, on walking trails around the castle, or at school. I create presentation-style slides to accompany the meetings with conversation questions, icebreakers, games, and creative writing prompts. Sometimes we write together uninterruptedly for about 15 minutes. I will put on classical music and when the time is up, we share what we have written. Other times we just talk and play word games or cards.

I have also hosted movie nights at school in our school’s theater. After watching 10 Things I Hate About You, some of the last-year students stayed longer; we baked chocolate chip cookies, played hide and seek in the dark, and slept over at the school. I am so thankful for the students’ willingness to speak English with me, ask me questions about the United States, and learn more about their interests.

I have also had the opportunity to engage with students outside of the classroom while hiking or exploring neighboring towns together. My school and I hosted a cabin weekend in Vižňov with 30 of my students and 10 fellow ETAs. We hiked, sang songs, played games, roasted sausages, and s’mores, and had many laughs together.

In retrospect, what was/were your most rewarding experience(s) as a Fulbright scholar?

One of the most rewarding experiences is simply realizing that the process of cultural adjustment is ongoing. One week I might feel totally integrated and the next week I may feel homesick or like a fish out of water. Because I have endless opportunities for unique experiences during lessons, meals, hikes, social gatherings, music concerts, or even while grocery shopping, I have found bits of home through the social connections I’ve made. I am very thankful for my mentor whom I frequently meet with outside of school to explore local galleries, find new coffee shops, go on hikes through the forest with her dog, and attend classical music concerts or poetry readings. She has been an extremely supportive welcoming presence which has inspired me to develop a positive and open mindset and spread it forward. For instance, before Christmas, she invited me to her friend’s house in a nearby village where we made wreaths from branches, pinecones, chestnuts, and ribbons. I am immensely grateful for opportunities such as these that inspire creativity, cultural immersion, and integration into the local community.

How did your experience as an English major aid and/or impact your experiences teaching English in the Czech Republic?

My experience with the SCU English Department has helped in countless ways. For one, I am so grateful for the Santa Clara Review for the artistic and literary community that has helped shape my leadership and organizational skills. The faculty have also supported my research interests in pedagogy, digital humanities, and teaching which have facilitated my ability to put the theories into practice here in the Czech Republic.

What are your next steps after your Fulbright ends?

I will be attending Claremont Graduate University in the Applied Cognitive Psychology User Experience Masters Program.

Now that you have gone through the experience of being a Fulbright ETA scholar, what advice would you give to future English students interested in the Fulbright Program?

I would advise students interested in the Fulbright Program to highlight in their application that they are open to:

• Stepping into unknown situations with receptivity and flexibility
• Gaining confidence with public speaking, teaching, and lesson planning
• Experiencing countless cultural immersion opportunities
• Making lifelong friendships with students, colleagues, and fellow Americans
• Representing United States (and Californian) culture

Students interested in Fulbright opportunities are invited to visit Santa Clara’s Office of Student Fellowships and/or to contact OSF Fellowship Advisors/English faculty members Dr. Loring Pfeiffer (lapfeiffer@scu.edu) and Dr. Stephen Carroll (scarroll@scu.edu) to learn more.

Teresa with students in Jaroměř getting matcha

Teresa with students at prom

Teresa at the US Ambassador's House in September

Teresa with all the other Fulbright ETAs in the Czech Republic

Teresa hiking in Ardšpak with fellow ETA Elise

Teresa and her mentor Zdena Jirková