ONIF Student Spotlight
December 9, 2022
Name: Marianne Hayes
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Major: Psychology
Graduation Date: May 2022
Fellowship Award: Fulbright English Teaching Flagship Program in Taiwan.
What are your current or future career plans? I plan to work in education! Whether that be in the classroom or in another educational capacity, I am passionate about equitable and inclusive classrooms where each student is celebrated and teachers are supported. Currently, as a Fulbright grantee, I am embracing a growth mindset and gaining tangible skills to apply as an educator.
What did you enjoy most about the program? I enjoy my day-to-day life because with each experience I become more immersed in the culture and a part of the community. Some highlights of daily life include:
- Going to a night market and trying new foods (my current favorite is a scallion pancake).
- Monday night Mandarin class with my roommates.
- Getting my favorite bao from a local shop on my way home from school (my dinner costs less than $2 USD).
- A bike ride along the Keelung river bike trail.
- Für Elise playing from the garbage truck.
- Greeting my students in the hallways. It always brightens my day when I hear “Hello Teacher Marianne” from across the hall.
Reflecting on day-to-day life reminds me to be present and enjoy the moment because it will go by so quickly!
What was the most challenging aspect of the program? The most challenging aspect of the program is also the most rewarding for me. My first international flight was the 14-hour flight across the world to begin this fellowship. The settling-in process proved more challenging than I anticipated as I navigated life in a new culture and environment. While I have felt alone or anxious at times, I have already experienced immense self-growth and learned to value this season of independence. I do feel greatly supported by the Fulbright Taiwan program in many ways. We are assigned a local coordinator who helps with tasks such as finding apartments and setting up bank accounts. We have ongoing workshops and conferences for professional development, networking, and cultural exchange. I am also grateful for FaceTime because I know friends/family are one call away.
How has Covid-19 impacted your experience? Traveling across the world with Covid-19 restrictions still in place made the arrival process slightly challenging. I had extra steps to navigate in the airport and entered a seven-day quarantine. Since then travel restrictions have been lifted so I look forward to traveling to nearby countries during my grant period!
What advice do you have for future applicants? My advice is to not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone when choosing a program or country to apply to. International fellowships, in particular, provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture and experience tremendous self-growth.
What would people be surprised to know about your experience? 7/11’s in Taiwan are very popular and convenient so some days I find myself having breakfast, lunch, and dinner there!
Additional comments. The ONIF office was incredibly helpful throughout the application process, especially Cassidy Alvarado! She supported me through shifting deadlines, always willing to meet, proofread essays, and connect me with other people in the program.
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For more information about the Taiwan English Teaching Flagship Awards (ETF) visit: https://www.fulbright.org.tw/2022-2023-taiwan-english-teaching-flagship-awards-etf-application-is-now-open/ or contact ONIF.