Gwen Westervelt ’26 will spend nine months working as an English teaching assistant in Spain after being awarded the Fulbright Teaching Assistant Award.
According to Westervelt, her experiences at Cornell did a lot to prepare her for this opportunity. Not only did these experiences strengthen her communication and leadership skills, but she also built a strong academic foundation, worked with people from a variety of backgrounds, and received support from faculty and advisors throughout the application process.
“Cornell’s emphasis on intercultural literacy encouraged me to think globally and engage with perspectives beyond my own,” Westervelt said. “Through coursework, extracurricular activities, and mentorship, I developed skills in communication, adaptability, and critical thinking that will help me succeed in an international teaching environment.”
The award will provide funding to support living expenses while in Spain—such as a monthly stipend and health coverage—as well as funding for travel. When this Washington state native heard the news, she was excited and grateful.
“It felt rewarding to see all of the work that went into the application process pay off, and I was excited for the opportunity to live abroad, teach, and experience a new culture,” Westervelt said.
While in Spain, Westervelt will be putting her elementary education degree to good use as a teaching assistant. According to the Fulbright Spain webpage, participants in the program are expected to assist and teach classes for up to 16 hours a week, with an additional two hours a week for planning, and “actively engage with their host community.”
“I’m most looking forward to immersing myself in Spanish culture, improving my language skills, meeting new people, and working with students in the classroom,” Westervelt said. “I’m especially interested in learning more about Spanish education and cross-cultural communication.”
Applying for the program was intense and included written essays, recommendations, transcripts, and interviews. Since receiving the award, there’s been even more paperwork to prepare visas, complete background checks, arrange travel, and learn more about the region she’ll be placed in. Despite the rigorous requirements and process, Westervelt says it’s important for her fellow Cornellians to be willing to stretch themselves.
“Don’t be afraid to apply for opportunities even if they seem competitive or outside your comfort zone,” Westervelt said. “Take advantage of the support systems at Cornell, ask questions, and pursue experiences that push you outside your comfort zone.”
She also had words of advice for any high school students considering Cornell.
“Cornell offers an incredible combination of academic rigor, supportive communities, and opportunities for growth,” Westervelt said. “The college encourages students to explore their interests broadly while also providing the resources and mentorship needed to pursue ambitious goals.”
Her own experiences at Cornell gave her the confidence to pursue opportunities like the Fulbright and helped her realize how valuable cultural exchange and education could be. As excited as she is to represent Cornell and the United States, she already has plans on where she hopes to go after her time in Spain.
“After the program, I hope to continue pursuing opportunities that involve education. international work, public service, or cross-cultural communication,” Westervelt said. “I’m very grateful to everyone at Cornell who supported me through the process. I think this experience will shape my future academic and professional goals in meaningful ways.”