Northwestern Alum, Charity Straszheim '10, Receives Fulbright Scholarship

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NWC alum and Fulbright Scholar, Charity Straszheim '10

ST.PAUL, MN (05/11/2011)(readMedia)-- December graduate Charity Straszheim '10, was recently awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) Scholarship, through which she will teach for one year in the Czech Republic, beginning in August. Straszheim was one of two Northwestern students offered a Fulbright ETA scholarship; however the other student declined for personal reasons.

The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and is the largest international exchange program allowing students, scholars and professionals the opportunity to engage in study, research or teaching assistantships all over the world. Participants selected include those with strong academic merit and leadership potential.

"I am most excited about the challenge of it all," added Straszheim. "I don't expect there to be many fluent English speakers there and I am sure it will be a bit isolating. Yet, I am excited to see how the Lord will provide and work as I seek to pursue further the vocation of teaching as well as pursue relationships with my fellow teachers and students."

Since 2004, Straszheim has traveled to the Czech Republic three times to teach English. Unsure of her future post-graduation, and hoping for an opportunity to return to the Czech Republic, Straszheim learned that she was a Fulbright alternate at the end of March and was offered the Fulbright award on April 12.

"I have a passion for education, for other cultures, and for other languages," said Straszheim. "I know that I have been directed to go to the Czech Republic for this season, and I am eager to see what the Lord will do there."

Though her curriculum has not been finalized yet, she knows she will be working with two different Czech schools teaching English, and possibly developing curriculum with other English teachers.

Straszheim, of Roland, Iowa, graduated with a B.A. in Visual Arts Education. Since graduation she has been subbing in various Minnesota schools, and more recently as an art teacher for grades 7–12 in the Roland-Story school district in Iowa.

Learn more about student Fulbright Scholarships and the Fulbright Scholarship program.

About Northwestern College

Founded in 1902, Northwestern College is a private Christian liberal arts college in St. Paul, Minn. offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, two master's degrees and several associate degree and certificate programs. More than 3,000 students representing 31 states and 28 countries are enrolled in Northwestern's traditional undergraduate and graduate and continuing education programs in North and South America. Northwestern College exists to provide Christ-centered higher education equipping students to grow intellectually and spiritually, to serve effectively in their professions, and to give God-honoring leadership in the home, church, community, and world. Visit www.nwc.edu.