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...

By Maureen Heydt   This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.  Max Gollin Max Gollin is a Princeton University grad, and has just finished up his grant year serving as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant to the Czech Republic. Max spent this year teaching at a gymnázium in Jihlava, a prominent provincial capital that straddles the dividing line between Bohemia and Moravia. Max is also an avid musician, and frequently incorporated music into his classroom to help make lessons fun and exciting for students. Read below to find out what Max has to say about his grant year in the Czech Republic, his advice for future Fulbrighters, and what he plans to do next. -------------------------------------- Fast Facts ------------ --------- ------------------- Hometown: Bowie, Maryland College, Major/Minor: Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs School in Czech Republic: Gymnázium, Jihlava Age: 22 Favorite Czech...