Anna Benjamin '26 Earns Fulbright to Teach English in Spain

What are you looking forward to the most?

I spent my spring semester in Seville, Spain. During my time in Spain I visited nine different cities, but I know that the Canary Islands are going to be completely different. I am beyond excited to emerge myself in a new culture and environment, and am grateful to have the opportunity to continue to use my Spanish. I’ve never lived in a tropical climate and I can’t wait to sit on the beach and see the marine wildlife native to this area. 

How did Oberlin shape or influence you to pursue the Fulbright?

As a Hispanic Studies major I have taken a handful of courses about Spain. Following my time in Seville, I proposed an honors thesis that emerged from the cultural comparison.

How does pursuing the Fulbright align with your post-college life and career goals? 

I plan to pursue a master's degree in public policy or international development. I want to be a policy analyst, specializing in education or immigration policy. Being an ETA will bolster my knowledge of international education systems, and teaching will get me more direct experience with education. It will also help me build invaluable skills, and make me an internationally oriented policy maker. Immigration is a prevalent policy issue in Spain and especially in the Canary Islands. Engaging with the nonprofits that serve these immigrant communities will broaden my perspective on immigration policy.

If you’re a rising or graduating senior interested in Fulbright, connect with Fellowships & Awards to learn more about pursuing research or an arts project, obtaining a graduate degree, or teaching English in a foreign country of your choice following graduation.