ASU global studies graduate awarded Fulbright English Teaching Award to Vietnam

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of profiles for spring 2017 commencement. See more graduates here.

Megan Kelly is a graduating senior with a global studies degree from Arizona State University's School of Politics and Global Studies. Recently Kelly received the prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Award to Vietnam. The Fulbright English Teaching Award places native English speakers in classrooms throughout the world, allowing recipients to aid students who are learning English as a second language.

Kelly first heard about the Fulbright English Teaching Award as a freshman at ASU. After attending an informational session on the program, Kelly began to think about applying for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“After winning the award I mostly felt shocked and overwhelmed,” Kelly said.  “It still feels slightly unreal because I don’t know many of the details and have never been to Vietnam before. I definitely feel a mixture of excitement, nerves, and anticipation.”

Kelly prepared for the Fulbright English Teaching Award throughout her college experience, taking advantage of the many opportunities offered by the School of Politics and Global Studies.

“I was also able to participate in the McCain Institute Policy Design Studio in Washington D.C. for a semester, where we simulated the U.S. Vietnam Embassy for a semester, allowing me to create a strong connection to a specific country,” Kelly said. “This also led me to writing my honors thesis on geopolitics in the South China Sea, giving me the opportunity to learn even more about the region.”

When asked about what she looked forward to most in Vietnam, Kelly said she was excited to meet her soon-to-be students.

“I know that I will be able to learn a lot from them, possibly even more than I will be able to teach them.”

After finishing her work in Vietnam, Kelly plans to attend graduate school. While originally planning on a career track with the Foreign Service, Kelly is now considering a future career that involves international education, possibly through non-governmental organizations.

Written by Henry Campbell