Fulbright Reality Czech

Maria Vostrizansky is an English Teaching Assistant in the Czech Republic during the 2024-25 academic year. She teaches English at Gymnázium Jihlava, working with students aged 11 to 19. Maria graduated from Alma College, Michigan, in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History and will pursue a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy at The Fletcher School, Tufts University, in 2025. Her research interests center on international relations, particularly the evolving roles of Eastern European countries in global diplomacy. Passionate about bridging cultural divides, Maria aims to inspire future generations to engage with pressing global challenges. Photo: Maria, together with her Czech mentor and colleague Iveta Nečadová and her host school's Headmaster Pavel Suk, September 2024, Prague. At the heart of international diplomacy lies dialogue—conversations that span borders, institutions, and ideologies. From February 25 to March 1, 2025, I had the incredible hono...

Christian Blackburn and Britt Mobley are Fulbright English Teaching Assistants. When Christian signed up to spend a year at the Technical High School in Liberec, and Britt at a Vocational High School in Tábor, they knew they were in for the adventure—but they couldn’t have imagined just how much this year would teach them. As two Southerners from the Carolinas, they came with their accents, traditions, and a hope to bring a piece of home into our classrooms. What unfolded, though, was something deeper and far more rewarding: "Spending a year as Fulbright English Teaching Assistants in the Czech Republic gave us the chance to reflect on who we are, where we come from, and how we connect across cultures. From the mental labor of language learning and lesson planning, to navigating the paradox of American pride and cultural humility, to sharing sweet tea and pork belly on a football field, this year reminded us that true exchange happens in the everyday moments of showing up...

Václav Novotný je vedoucí Kanceláře dopravní infrastruktury v Institutu plánování a rozvoje hlavního města Prahy (IPR). Ve své práci se dlouhodobě zaměřuje na udržitelnou mobilitu, integraci dopravy do územního plánování a podporu veřejného prostoru. Propojuje dopravní inženýrství s urbanismem a architekturou a klade důraz na mezioborovou spolupráci a vzdělávání studentů. Podzim roku 2024 strávil společně s manželkou a dvěma syny v New Yorku jako stipendista Fulbright-Masarykova programu. V neziskové organizaci Regional Plan Association, která již přes 100 let zlepšuje kvalitu života nejen Newyorčanů, sbíral nápady přenositelné do Prahy.  Rozhovor s Václavem Novotným vznikl ve spolupráci s Ladislavem Loukotou ze stránky  Vědátor  a je čtyřicátým sedmým dílem seriálu příběhů k 30. výročí Fulbrightovy komise. Videozáznamy najdete začátkem každého měsíce na našem  YouTube  kanále a  Facebooku . Koncem týdne Vám přinášíme textovou verzi rozhovorů zde na blogu. ...

Anna Malečková is a senior lecturer at the Department of Histology and Embryology at the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen. She spent six months at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County as a Fulbright-Masaryk scholar from August 2024 to February 2025. As the Methodology Manager of the Teaching and Learning Center at her home faculty, her main focus during this international experience was exploring competency-based learning as a way to help students reach their full potential. While she gained valuable insights into innovative teaching methods and classroom strategies, her most profound takeaway was the mindset she encountered: one of openness, encouragement, and possibility.  Looking back, it still feels a bit surreal, that I spent six months in the U.S. I’ve traveled alone before, even lived in a foreign country, but this experience felt different right from the start. Despite all my careful planning, I ran into a few surprises along the way – like flying through Paris during ...

Janessa Garcia is an English Teaching Assistant at the Catholic Gymnázium in Kutná Hora. With a degree in Political Science, a passion for history, and dreams of shaping education policy, her 10-month journey has blossomed into a dynamic mix of teaching, mentoring, cultural exchange—and unexpected personal transformation. Whether she's leading spirited debate and reading clubs, offering English conversation classes to fellow teachers (including the school’s director!), or even learning piano from her colleague and students, Janessa has made the most of every moment. But perhaps her most surprising and rewarding endeavor? Lacing up her running shoes. What began as a reluctant experiment has grown into a full-blown marathon goal—and along the way, Janessa has discovered that long-distance running has more in common with teaching and personal growth than she ever imagined. Maybe, the most pitiful thing you can do in life is not challenge yourself and soar past the limits you have crea...

Jolie L'Heureux is  an astronomer. From gazing at the stars as a curious child to searching for the echoes of cosmic events, Jolie L’Heureux’s journey into astrophysics is as inspiring as the universe she studies. A graduate of Columbia University, Jolie is currently conducting post-baccalaureate research at the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. As a Fulbright student grantee, she spends nine months hunting for electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave events—an effort to shed light on some of the most mysterious phenomena in the cosmos. Jolie’s love for science was first sparked during museum and library visits with her mother, and now she pays that inspiration forward through outreach: "I especially like to be involved with outreach events with younger children, to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to see the beauty of our universe and be inspired to become a scientist. For younger kids, I think it is important to share with them cool thing...

Eliana Good is a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant at Gymnázium Litomyšl. With a background in mathematics and studio art, a deep curiosity for cultural traditions, and an unwavering passion for squash, she was placed into a vibrant Czech town of 10,000—home to a UNESCO-protected castle and a local squash gym. Through dedicated lesson planning, classroom enthusiasm, and boundless energy, Eliana has quickly earned the hearts of both her students and colleagues. Over the past eight months, she has built a strong support network among fellow Fulbright grantees and local educators, claimed victories in regional squash tournaments against both male and female opponents, and engaged with the area's Jewish community. As Passover invites moments of reflection, Eliana finds herself asking: "...[W]hat are the most important lessons I can leave these students with? Have I taught them anything? Have I sparked their curiosity and critical thinking? Which of them, if any, will keep in to...