WSU student receives Fulbright to Poland

Maria Mellis graduated from Wayne State University in May 2015 with a major in secondary English education, teaching minors in mathematics and Spanish, and a co-major in university honors. Inspired by the Polish culture and language, Maria applied for and received a U.S. Fulbright Grant in 2015 as an English Teaching Assistant in Bydgoszcz, Poland.

Over the past academic year, she has taught practical English classes (mostly focused on conversation or writing skills) at Kazimierz Wielki University for first-year undergraduate through second-year master's students.

While teaching in Poland, Maria has also volunteered with Native Speaker in Our School, a program that sends native English speakers into primary and secondary schools to encourage young Polish students in their study of the English language.

Additionally, Maria has been learning Polish and involving herself in the local community in various ways (including through singing in a young adult choir at a local Catholic basilica and hosting American-themed cooking and dinner events with her students). At the conclusion of the Polish academic year at the end of June 2016, Maria plans to return to the Detroit area, enriched by her time exploring and sharing Polish and American culture.

Maria considers her year in Poland a blessing and a privilege, most especially the opportunities to be immersed in Polish culture and to form connections with students and other locals; she is excited to continue to engage in cultural exchange and educational dialogue by bringing her experience of Polish culture home to Detroit and by maintaining contact with teachers, students, and friends in Poland.

Interested in applying for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship or Research Grant? Learn more about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.