(Posted May 20, 2021)

Audrey Kulberg '21

Photo by Candice Hersh

Audrey Kulberg '21

Photo by Candice Hersh

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Audrey Kulberg, a Juniata College senior from Tinton Falls, NJ, who studies political economy with a secondary emphasis in philosophy, has received a Fulbright English Teaching Award to live and work in Mongolia from January through December 2022. 

Kulberg will teach English at a university in Mongolia, yet to be determined.

“The Fulbright program started in the aftermath of World War II, it grew during the Cold War, and it continues on today, expanding the boundaries of research, knowledge, and sharing English as a foreign language in partner nations,” said James Tuten, professor of history and Juniata’s Fulbright Adviser. “At its heart, though, this prestigious honor is about people connecting and creating bonds across international borders and cultures. Our Fulbright scholars grew through their experiences and with today’s technologies, they maintain the friendships they build for decades.”

Kulberg first learned about the Fulbright from her adviser, Deborah Roney, assistant professor of English and director of Language in Motion. Roney recommended that she discuss the possibility of applying with Tuten. 

Tuten and Roney, along with Emil Nagengast, professor of politics and international studies, aided Kulberg in editing her application, and she received feedback from Caitlin Murphy, acting dean of international programs (education); Elliot Hirshon, ESL (English as a second language) instructor; and Jack Barlow, Charles A. Dana Professor of Politics. 

“Their assistance made a huge difference. I went through 10 drafts of my essays and worked with faculty and advisers at each stage,” Kulberg says. “I’m so grateful for their willingness to devote their time and energy to discussing and reviewing my application. I couldn’t have done it without such an excellent team for support and guidance.”

Tuten and Roney, along with Emil Nagengast, professor of politics and international studies, aided Kulberg in editing her application, and she received feedback from Caitlin Murphy, acting dean of international programs (education); Elliot Hirshon, ESL(spell out) instructor; and Jack Barlow, Charles A. Dana Professor of Politics. 

After completing the Fulbright Fellowship, Kulberg is considering graduate school or taking the Foreign Service exam to work for the U.S. State Department. 

“I imagine that I might discover new professional interests and opportunities while abroad,” said Kulberg. 

Kulberg is an Eagles Abroad Scholar for French and spent a month in Lille, France, during Summer 2018 as part of Juniata’s European Summer Program. She traveled to the Senegambia region in Summer 2019 and spent a semester studying at Lille Catholic University during Fall 2019. In addition to these experiences, Kulberg completed an internship at the U.S. Department of State and stayed at the Washington Center during Spring 2020. 

As a student at Juniata, Kulberg worked as a cataloging assistant in the library during her first two years, was an ESL tutor for the EAP (English for Academic Purposes) program during her sophomore year, and was a tutor within the politics department since Spring 2018. She was the Juniata Associate for the Center for International Education during her senior year and is currently a writing associate for a first-year seminar class. 

The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant programs place individuals in classrooms abroad to provide assistance to the local English teachers. ETAs help teach English language while serving as cultural ambassadors for the U.S. The age and academic level of the students vary by country, ranging from kindergarten to university level. Applicants for English Teaching Assistant Programs can apply to only one country. 

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.