Domingo to Papua New Guinea on a Fulbright
Cornell College senior Chad Louise Garo Domingo has accepted a highly competitive Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to teach English in Papua New Guinea.
Domingo, who comes to Cornell from Hawai’i, will graduate in May and will leave the U.S. in January of 2025 to work in the country for a year with a possibility for extension. He is excited to explore the local culture, way of life, and most especially experience the local food. For now, he’s still living in the moment when he received word that he won the award.
“This moment was and is still so surreal,” Domingo said. “I had just gotten back from work at around 10 a.m. and was unwinding when I suddenly got an email from Fulbright about an update to my application status. I quickly logged on, and I literally jumped for joy with so much elation.”
The island country in the southwest Pacific Ocean is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world with more than 800 languages spoken among its people. Domingo says the language barrier will be a challenge, but he’s excited to learn more and have conversations outside the classroom.
“Immigrating from the Philippines and moving to Hawai’i allowed me to immerse myself in so many different cultures growing up,” Domingo said. “I have always admired how different yet the same everyone is and this program highlights this experience that will allow me to learn more about a culture that is different from the one I grew up in but with similarities like living on an island with the threat of dwindling resources and a plethora of identities that are so important in shaping us into who we are and want to become.”
Domingo, who was also the treasurer for Cornell’s Black Awareness Cultural Organization (BACO) this year, went through an extensive application and interview process before he was notified he received his award. Several Cornell staff and faculty members helped him throughout this process.
“He did extensive research on Papua New Guinea and wrote thoughtful, very specific essays about how his previous experiences and training will assist him in supporting his host community,” said Dungy Writing Studio Director and Director of Fellowships and Scholarships Laura Farmer who helped him with his application. “Chad is someone who naturally builds community and brings people together. I know he’ll flourish as part of this program. They are lucky to have him.”
The international relations and philosophy major says it’s an all-expenses-paid program with stipends to cover the cost of living. It’s a program, that will no doubt, impact his future.
“This program will impact my future goals because it will allow me to venture into another field where I can use my expertise and knowledge,” he said. “I think this program will open my eyes to so many injustices that are found not only in the United States but in countries all over the world. As an aspiring attorney, this experience may very well shape which field of law I want to practice in, stay tuned!”
Domingo says the inaugural Fulbright program in Papua New Guinea started this year with two Fulbrighters currently in the country.
“I think it is extra special that I am one of the first awardees for this country’s program. Making a meaningful change with the partnership between the United States and Papua New Guinea is something that I am enthusiastically grateful for. I want to give my sincerest gratitude to my parents and siblings, my friends here at Cornell and back home, Laura Farmer, David Yamanishi, Aparna Thomas, and the support I am getting from the campus community. Mahalo nui loa! Agyamanak unay! Thank you very much!”
Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 students, scholars, teachers, artists, and other professionals—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential—with the opportunity to forge lasting connections, counter misunderstandings, and help people and nations work together toward common goals. The Fulbright Program is funded by an annual appropriation from the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations in more than 160 countries and the United States provide direct and indirect support.
