University of Evansville Student Katie Welch Receives Fulbright Grant to Teach in South Korea

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EVANSVILLE, IN (04/05/2012)(readMedia)-- Graduating University of Evansville senior Katie Welch will spend her first year out of college halfway across the world, where she has been awarded a Fulbright grant to teach English in South Korea for the 2012-13 academic year.

Welch, a native of Boulder, Colorado, whose family currently resides in Lexington, Kentucky, will graduate May 5 with a Bachelor of Science in French education. In July, she will complete a six-week orientation in Goesan, South Korea, after which she will receive her specific school assignment.

"At the University of Evansville, we couldn't be more proud of Katie for earning this tremendous opportunity to put her degree to work by teaching English in South Korea," said Earl Kirk, UE director of study abroad. "Katie's time abroad will be a tremendous asset to her growth as an educator and a global citizen."

Welch's interest in Korean culture began as a UE freshman, when she met several Fulbright scholars and befriended fellow UE student Bryce Mitchell, who graduated in 2010 and also received a Fulbright English teaching assistantship grant in South Korea. At UE, Welch is involved with the ENL Fellowship, a student organization that provide free English tutoring to international students, and has roomed with a Korean student whom she says is "like a sister."

Welch also has spent two summers studying abroad in South Korea, at Ewha Womans University and Korea University.

"Since my major is education, I can't not be excited to teach, especially when I can share with students something that is truly a part of me - the English language and the American culture," Welch said. "Of course, due to the relationship I have developed with Korea, the Korean people, and the Korean culture, I am excited to be going back. In many ways, Korea is like another home."

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and people of other countries, the program offers opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide. It was established by Congress in 1946.