How Madison Fitzpatrick, an American Scholar, Secured a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Grant at Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador Through the Fulbright Program

My name is Madison Fitzpatrick, and I am from the Bay Area, California. I studied International Security and Conflict Resolution at San Diego State University and graduated in 2024. I decided to pursue this program because I was passionate about international affairs and conflict resolution. I wanted to be able to travel the world and make a positive impact.

I’ve also always had a keen interest in politics and global issues.

I also minored in Spanish and studied abroad for a semester in Ecuador with SIT Study Abroad. That semester made a transformative impact on my life, as it led me to apply to the Fulbright scholarship in Ecuador a year later. By studying abroad, I was able to switch from theoretical learning to a more practical approach; I stayed with host families, traveled around the country, and conducted an individual study project on traditional medicine. I formed lasting connections to the country, which only continued to grow when I returned as a Fulbright recipient.

Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Grant Details

I received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant grant for Ecuador. I worked as an English teaching assistant at Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Galapagos, for a 9-month contract. I received a monthly stipend of $1,100 to cover my living expenses. I also received money for supplies, settling in, and participating in cultural events. In total, I estimate that I received around $10,000.

Educational Background

When I applied for the Fulbright, I was in my last year of college and had a 3.8 GPA. I was studying International Conflict Resolution and Spanish. My Spanish ability and time I spent in Ecuador helped me prepare to apply for the Fulbright because it meant I could communicate with my students and that I was familiar with the culture of the country. The Fulbright’s goal is to increase mutual respect and understanding between people of the United States and other countries through educational and cultural exchange. I was a strong applicant because I have worked in very diverse spaces, and through my academic background, I had the opportunity to learn from many different cultures and perspectives.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Universidad San Francisco de Quito?

How Did You Find Information About Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Grant and Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Galápagos?

I was only interested in Fulbright, and I discovered it when a representative came to one of my classes to promote Fulbright and encourage us to apply.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

No, I did not.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Grant?

I found the application online and started working on my written responses about 7 months in advance. My university advisors gave me advice and helped me edit the responses until I was ready to submit my application.

How Is Your Experience at Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Galápagos?

My experience was incredible. I worked at a university in Ecuador (Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Galápagos). My Fulbright commission provided me with the necessary resources to live in the country, but overall I felt I could live and work very independently.

What Did You Pursue After the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Grant?

I have since completed a paralegal certificate program at UCSD and am now in the process of looking for work as an immigration paralegal.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Spanish?

It depends on the country, but most non-English-speaking countries have a language requirement as part of the application. For Ecuador, I believe it was intermediate or advanced intermediate Spanish.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

In my application, I shared a personal story about my first time teaching English when I was a teenager. I talked about how I was nervous until I led the students in an activity and realized they were nervous too.  We were all able to laugh about it, and I realized I could make us all feel more comfortable by being a nonjudgmental presence and not always taking learning too seriously. I think the anecdote demonstrated how I am able to relate to my students and create a comfortable atmosphere in the classroom, which is conducive to learning. I have experience, skill, and academic knowledge, but my greatest traits as a teacher are my empathy and patience. I focused on the core of why I love to teach, and I think that is what made my application stand out.

What Would You Have Done Differently If You Were Going Through the Process Again?

I would have prepared for my interview more. I used a lot of filler words and sounds like “uhhh” while answering all the questions. I think my delivery would have been better if I had taken some time to prepare and center myself before the interview. Unfortunately, I had gotten the time wrong, and the interview was 3 hours earlier than I expected, so I had to rush out of class and get online with no prep time.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Always have multiple people give you feedback on your application. For the written sections, focus on showing your personality, passion, and ability to thrive in new/challenging situations. It takes resilience to live in a new environment/culture, and it takes passion to be a teacher. Let them know why you believe you are equipped for the job. Remember that you are also a representative of the United States, and think about what you can provide to the organization, as well as the community and school you are placed in.