Congratulations to Department of Biology alumna, Jennifer Jiman (BA in Biology, 2023), for receiving a 2024-2025 Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award to South Korea!
With this award, Jennifer will teach English and start a book club for elementary school children.
Below is an interview with Jennifer written by Ben Partridge, a Senior Designer with UI International Programs. This can also be accessed at the above link. For more information about all 16 University of Iowa students and alumni who received a 2024-2025 Fulbright Award, visit https://now.uiowa.edu/news/2024/04/16-students-alumni-receive-fulbright-awards-travel-abroad-2024-25
Jennifer Jiman, who received a BA in biology from the University of Iowa in 2023, is the winner of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award to South Korea for 2024-25.
Hometown: Des Plaines, Illinois
Degree: BA in Biology
Could you give us a brief synopsis of what you'll be doing with your Fulbright?
I will be going to South Korea to teach English, with an emphasis on speaking, while also fostering a collaborative learning environment.
How do you envision this will influence your life/future career?
After completing a PhD in genetics, I plan to become a university professor in genetics. Serving as an ETA will allow me to develop comprehensive teaching skills which will be essential to becoming a good professor.
What advice do you have for future students interested in applying for a Fulbright?
I would recommend volunteering in the community and meeting people from a variety of backgrounds. Volunteering, especially in English as a Second Language programs like the International Women's Club, really helped me improve my communication and teaching skills while also learning about the difficulties of living in a foreign country and how to navigate and overcome those obstacles from the women I worked with.
Were there experiences at Iowa that inspired you to pursue a Fulbright?
I would say that the Korean language program and professors in the Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures played a big role in encouraging and continuing to foster my interest in teaching English in South Korea.
Are there individuals you'd like to thank for their investment in this process?
I would like to thank Professor Sang-Seok Yoon, Professor Joung-A Park, Professor Newell Ann Van Auken, and my mentor Dr. Rosemary Lee.