National Scholarship Office

Fulbright Spotlight: Anne Penrod

VCU alumna Anne Penrod spent one year in South Korea, fully funded by the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Learn more about what Fulbright could look like for you!

What was your most memorable experience during your grant year?

One time, I was having a bad day. I had been teaching for just one month, and everything in my life still felt new and challenging. My co-teacher and another colleague saw that I was having a tough time and stepped in to support me. They helped me finish my lesson planning, brought me ice cream, and invited me to play volleyball after school to lift my spirits. Their simple acts of kindness reminded me that even in little ways, compassion can transform someone’s day for the better.

What program/country did you choose and why?

I was a South Korean elementary English Teaching Assistant (ETA). I picked this program because I had previously been an exchange student in Seoul and wanted more experience working with children for potential careers.

What made you want to apply for Fulbright in the first place?

Fulbright seemed like the best program to apply to because besides paying for my flights, finding housing, and placing me at a school, they also offered a 6-week-long orientation where I got to meet other ETAs.

What did a typical day look like?

Every day, I walked to school, which gave me 30 minutes to prepare for classes. My co-teacher and I taught about four classes daily, with each session consisting of 20 minutes of my instruction followed by 20 minutes from my co-teacher. 

During lunch, we spent time with students during recess and planned lessons for the next day. If I finished early, I would chat with other teachers.

After school, I either cooked dinner or shared a meal with a nearby friend. In the evenings, I enjoyed watching TV and texting friends before bed.

What did you discover about yourself?

My experience solidified my love of working with children and helped me realize that being an ESL teacher might be a good fit career-wise. 

Post-Fulbright, what are you doing now?

I’m currently looking for long-term substitute ESL teacher positions at elementary schools.

What advice would you give to prospective Fulbright applicants?

Apply! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and being in your 20s is the perfect time to try and explore new things. The worst that Fulbright can do is say “no.” This past year was one of the best years of my life, and I’m incredibly grateful for people pushing me to apply. So, even though the application is daunting, just try it out and see how things go.

The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The program operates in over 160 countries worldwide. Over 2,000 grants are given to graduating seniors, recent alumni, and graduate students to conduct research, carry out creative projects, pursue a year of postgraduate study, or teach English abroad.

The NSO will host a Fulbright Information Session on April 3 at 2pm. Register to attend to learn more about the Fulbright Program and how the NSO can help you apply. 

You can read our first Q&A with Anne from before her Fulbright year on our blog.

VCU’s National Scholarship Office (NSO) assists students and recent alumni with the application process for the Fulbright Program and other esteemed awards. To learn more about external funding opportunities, schedule an appointment with a member of the NSO staff.

Categories Fulbright Award, Fulbright ETA Award
Tagged Fulbright Award, Fulbright ETA Award