2026-2027 FLTAs

Selam!

My name is Elif Yağmur Aymelek, and I am from Muğla, Türkiye. I am the Turkish instructor at the Yamada Language Center as part of Fulbright’s Foreign Language Assistant (FLTA) program. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Foreign Language Education at Middle East Technical University, Ankara, where I’m currently pursuing a master’s in English Language Teaching. I’m passionate about international education and had the opportunity to spend a semester in Germany as an Erasmus exchange student.

I am a native speaker of Turkish, and I also speak fluent English and just a little German. Outside the classroom, you might find me drinking tea, watching a movie, journaling or listening to music. I also love nature walks as well as traveling and collecting souvenirs along the way.

I look forward to sharing my language and culture with you! Tanıştığıma memnun oldum!

As-salamu Alaykum! My name is Eyas Hegazi, and I’m the Arabic language instructor at the University of Oregon this year. I hold an M.Sc. in Physics and, until recently, worked as a teaching assistant for undergraduate physics courses. Alongside my scientific background, I have a deep appreciation for Arabic poetry and calligraphy, as well as a strong interest in education and cultural exchange. These interests inspired me to join the Fulbright FLTA Program.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy running, hiking, camping, cycling, and water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding and windsurfing. I’m thrilled to be in Oregon and excited to explore its beautiful nature, get to know its people, and share my culture and native language with my students.

Kumusta?

I am Leslie Pastoril from Davao City, Philippines. As a Fulbright scholar, I serve as a Foreign Language Teaching Assistant for the academic year 2026-2027, teaching Tagalog as part of the Self Study Language Program at the University of Oregon. Back home, I am a public school teacher at Maa National High School in the Division of Davao City and a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education, major in English Language Teaching at the University of Southeastern Philippines. I love watching movies, taking pictures, going sightseeing, and sipping coffee.

Tara at matuto tayong mag-Tagalog. Mabuhay!

Habari,

I am Makena Winnie from Kenya. I am a Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA). I hold a Bachelors of Education in Arts specializing in English and Literature. I have a strong passion for languages, teaching, and cultural exchange. I am excited to teach Swahili and share my language and the East African culture with you.

I warmly invite everyone to come learn, practice and enjoy the beautiful Swahili language with me. Let’s make learning Swahili fun, engaging and memorable!

Karibuni sana!

Oii pessoal! Prazer! My name is Natalia Rosalen de Castro, but you can call me Natty! I’m from the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and I’m the Portuguese Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) at the Yamada Language Center / Self-Study Language Center.

Throughout my academic journey, I’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in Portuguese, English, and Latin Language and Literature Studies, as well as a master’s degree in Foreign Language Teaching. I’m passionate about learning and teaching languages, and I’ve had the opportunity to study several of them, including Japanese, German, and Spanish. Besides that, I love exploring new places, meeting new people, reading fantasy books, and playing all kinds of games, among other things. If something sounds interesting, you can bet I’ll want to give it a try!

I’m looking forward to meeting you all and finding opportunities to share my knowledge and love for Brazil while learning about other people’s cultures. Vejo vocês em breve!