The University of Oregon is privileged to host 4 Fulbright FLTAs this year. Sponsored by the United States Department of State, the program is designed to develop Americans' knowledge of foreign cultures and languages by supporting teaching assistantships from around the globe. This academic year in 2021-22, the UO is hosting speakers from Turkey, Pakistan, Brazil and Kenya who are teaching UO students about their lands and peoples. Read more about our FLTAs by clicking below.
Erick Munene Njue
Name: Erick Munene Njue
Country: Kenya
Languages you speak, studied or learned: Swahili, English, Kikuyu, Kiembu
Language teaching here at UO: Swahili
Language teaching you did at home: Teacher of English
Favorite hobbies: Running, watching movies, travelling, outdoor activities.
Why did you become an FLTA? Why did you come to Oregon?
FLTA was the best channel as a language instructor to share my language and culture with the world. This prestigious program also gives me a chance to learn American culture and language instruction. Therefore, I am a Global Teacher.
An interesting word or phrase from your language that just doesn't translate to English or other languages:
Ugali, Chapati, Nyamachoma (East African foods) Siku ambayo utatembea uchi ndio upatana na mkweo
Something you hope to do or try during your time here:
I hope I will travel to as many places as possible, watch movies at Imax, attend Ducks Football matches, attend basketball games, showcase my culture and share my language.
Anything else you would like to share:
I wish to thank The Fulbright Program and the University of Oregon for a chance to share my language and culture with American students and community. This opportunity gives me a chance to grow personally and professionally. I pass my gratitude to Yamada Language Center, Department of Linguistics and my supervisor, Mwalimu Mokaya for your support.
Laura Keidann Rodrigues da Silva
Name: Laura Keidann Rodrigues da Silva
Country: Brazil
Languages you speak, studied or learned: Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French. I also studied a little bit of Dutch and German.
Language teaching here at UO: Portuguese
Language teaching you did at home: English and Portuguese
Favorite hobbies: Reading, watching TV shows and movies (I love dramas, comedies and musicals), practicing sports (tennis, swimming, running/walking), listening to music, computer programming.
Why did you become an FLTA? Why did you come to Oregon?
I became an FLTA because I love language and cultural exchanges, and I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to teach Portuguese as an additional language, to learn more about U.S. culture, and to meet people from all over the world! I had seen the experience of English Teaching Assistants in Brazil, and how much they contributed to our community, and I had heard amazing stories from previous FLTAs. I came to Oregon because it seemed like the perfect place for me (starting with the UO colors, which are the same as Brazil's!). The UO has a well-established language teaching program. I can learn from excellent professors and promote activities inside and outside the classroom. Plus, the nature in Oregon is breathtaking, and I can't get over it!
An interesting word or phrase from your language that just doesn't translate to English or other languages:
"Saudade" is a mix of melancholy, longing and nostalgia. It is the feeling of deeply missing something or someone.
Something you hope to do or try during your time here:
There are so many things! I hope to go on hikes to explore the outdoors, I want to get a good photo with the Duck, and I want to make Brazilian brigadeiros so that people here can get a taste of my favorite Brazilian dessert.
Anything else you would like to share:
Learning a new language can be challenging at times, but it is worth it!
Mehreen Fazal
Name: Mehreen Fazal
Country: Pakistan
Languages you speak, studied or learned: Urdu, Hindi, English, Shina, Khuwar
Language teaching here at UO: Urdu/Hindi
Language teaching you did at home: English
Favorite hobbies: Reading, Writing, Mobile Photography, Travelling
Why you became an FLTA? Why you came to Oregon?
The reason I chose Fulbright FLTA is to polish and enhance my language teaching skills along with being a cultural ambassador.
I came to Oregon because it is all surrounded by nature. and of course the diversity here is just amazing.
An interesting word or phrase from your language that just doesn't translate to English or other languages:
Ju'gaad. ( a non-conventional hack/unconventional solution)
Something you hope to do or try during your time here:
Experience US culture (main festivals), US life, make friends and connection and explore as much as I can.
Anything else you would like to share:
I feel so privileged to be a DUCK!
Seçil Ayna
Name: Seçil Ayna
Country: Turkey
Languages you speak, studied or learned: Turkish, English, Spanish
Language teaching here at UO: Turkish
Language teaching you did at home: English
Favorite hobbies: Cooking, biking, yoga, running
Why you became an FLTA? Why you came to Oregon?
I became an FLTA to meet American culture, gain new experiences and make new friends whilst sharing my own culture, increasing diversity and bringing new perspectives to the university. Back in Turkey, I lived in Istanbul for almost 10 years. Crowds, traffic, no bike roads, not much green... Oregon is the opposite. Quieter, greener, flatter... A great place to take a break to enjoy life.
An interesting word or phrase from your language that just doesn't translate to English or other languages:
"Kolay gelsin!" is a phrase that is said so that the other person can do their job (any task) comfortably without any trouble.
e.g. - I'm going to class now. - OK, kolay gelsin! (May it be easy.)
(You see someone cleaning.) - Kolay gelsin!
(You leave a restaurant. To the waiter:) - Kolay gelsin!
Something you hope to do or try during your time here:
I hope to go on a road trip.
Anything else you would like to share:
Go Ducks!