Ellie Fleischer ’25, a recent Ӱҵ graduate with majors in Economics and Political Science, has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant to serve as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in Germany. She will teach secondary school students at Lindenauschule, a STEM-focused institution in Hanau, just outside of Frankfurt, from September through June.
Fleischer joins a highly competitive and prestigious group of American scholars selected for Fulbright awards. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is a government-sponsored international education program that seeks to expand relationships between the United States and other countries through cross-cultural dialogue. Fleischer is the latest in a growing tradition of Ӱҵ students, faculty, and alumni who have earned national fellowships.
"Ellie’s success in winning a Fulbright to Germany has been a testament to her ability to link her passions—political science, economics, and German— together in a meaningful and high-impact way," saidDr. Julia Karolle-Berg, Professor and Chair of Classical and Modern Languages and Cultures at Ӱҵ."This is the kind of integrative approach to learning that we hope to encourage all students at Ӱҵ to pursue."
Sparked by Study Abroad and a Passion for Cultural Exchange
Fleischer’s interest in Germany and global education took root during a study abroad experience at Philipps-Universität Marburg during her junior year at Ӱҵ. There, she took courses in German language and economics while connecting with students from around the world.
“I knew I wanted to return to Germany,” said Fleischer. “After my trip, Dr. Karolle-Berg sat down with me and introduced me to the Fulbright Program.”
With guidance from Dr. Karolle-Berg, Fleischer began laying the groundwork for her Fulbright application. She gained hands-on teaching experience by volunteering with Literacy Pittsburgh, where she tutored adult learners from Morocco in English language skills and American culture.
That same summer, Fleischer participated in a highly-competitive internship at Goldman Sachs, where she helped clients build their financial literacy. She later drew connections between her financial education work and her tutoring experience in her Fulbright essays, explaining how both gave her the opportunity to empower others.
Teaching, Leadership, and Life After Fulbright
While in Germany, Fleischer is eager to engage with the local Jewish community while learning more about her own cultural heritage. She also plans to participate in the country’s growing lacrosse network, drawing on her experience as a Ӱҵ lacrosse player.
Though she has future ambitions in the finance world after completing the program, Fleischer sees her Fulbright experience as essential to any career path.
“I’m excited to learn to work with people who are different from me and who are taking different paths,” she said. “This will make me more adaptable and able to accept change. Working in a new environment and becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable will help me grow.”
Fleischer credits Ӱҵ with helping her find the right opportunities and providing support throughout the application process.
“I’m excited to take the path less traveled,” she said. “If it wasn’t for Dr. Karolle-Berg telling me about Fulbright and encouraging me to apply, I would have never heard about this amazing opportunity.”
Fleischer encourages other Ӱҵ students interested in Fulbright to start preparing early.
“Study abroad and get teaching experience,” she advised. “Find out if getting involved in the global community is right for you. It isn’t always easy. There will be hard days abroad, but it’s worth it.”
