Chinese Flagship News

Nguyen Ngoc Minh Nguyen has been selected for a Fulbright US Student Program English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) in Taiwan. A 2024 graduate in Chinese and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), Nguyen will represent the United States as a cultural ambassador while working in English classrooms in Taiwan throughout the upcoming academic year. 

The Fulbright US Student Program offers full funding for graduating seniors and recent graduates to spend an academic year abroad in English Teaching Assistantships (ETAs) or conducting research or creative projects that may or may not be part of a postgraduate degree program.  

Nguyen is the daughter of Hoa and Lam Nguyen of Bowling Green. For Nguyen, a first-generation student, the Fulbright award is both a personal milestone and a professional opportunity. “Being awarded the Fulbright grant to teach English in Taiwan is a dream come true as a first-generation low-income immigrant,” she said. “I am deeply grateful, not only for this opportunity but also for everything I've learned about myself along the way.” 

Nguyen began the application process under tight deadlines and intense pressure, but she credits her success to the strong support system around her. “The application process was definitely challenging, especially since I started late, but with Dr. Grimsley's guidance and the support of my family, professors at WKU, and friends in the U.S. and abroad, I found the strength to keep going.” 

She also expressed deep appreciation for the WKU TESL program. “The professors, classes, and hands-on experiences have significantly contributed to my growth as a student and ESL educator,” Nguyen said. 

Facing unique challenges of this year's Fulbright application cycle, which included delayed award notifications, Nguyen leaned on a growing community of potential grantees in similar circumstances. “There were moments of stress and self-doubt, but this experience gave me the opportunity to connect with other Fulbright semifinalists and taught me the importance of patience and trust in the process.” 

Nguyen joins a 74-year legacy of WKU students who have participated in the Fulbright US Student Program, the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government that is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.  

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research in more than 160 countries worldwide. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. 

The primary source of funding for the Fulbright Program is an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments, host institutions, corporations, and foundations in foreign countries and in the United States also provide direct and indirect support.  

Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. Current students and recent graduates interested in exploring the potential of a Fulbright-funded year abroad should reach out to [email protected] for advising as early as possible.The campus deadline for completed applications is September 1.