Learning in Latvia: Alumna Awarded a Fulbright Teaching Assistantship

Alisa Tsaturov, a 2015 government and politics alum who also obtained a minor in Russian, has recently been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Latvia for the 2016-2017 school year.

Tsaturov, who currently works as a Program Assistant with the U.S. Department of State, hopes to build upon her experience as a University of Maryland Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education English Tutor by helping Latvian students learn English. Tsaturov, set to leave in September and return in May, speaks of her impending trip:

1. What interests you about this field and how do your interests relate to your Fulbright achievement? 

I've always wanted to study abroad, but since I was a transfer student, I wasn't able to fit it into my undergraduate experience. I studied Russian and Eastern European politics as part of my major, and decided on Latvia because  of the Russian language component and because I would like to learn more about the development of post-Soviet states. I was inspired to apply for the Fulbright after working at the State Department and hearing about the experiences of my peers and coworkers, many of whom have studied and worked abroad. 

2. What did you do as an English tutor at the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Education?

I became an English tutor during my first semester as a transfer student at UMD. I tutored a broad range of students, including those from the College Success Scholars, a program which offers additional support to students to better prepare them to succeed both academically and professionally. Tutoring while also being a full-time student was a challenge, but ultimately it taught be how to organize myself and also proved to be a very rewarding experience since I helped students to improve their grades and gain confidence in their skills.   

3. You are hoping to organize a book and film club to support students learning English. Why do you think that this is important? 

As a heritage speaker of Russian, I have found that exposure to literature and films helps to build vocabulary and cultivates a greater appreciation of the target language and culture. I think it's important to give students a choice in their education- it's a way for students to find something they are interested in and to get excited about learning English. 

4. Why are you choosing to volunteer at the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia and why is this significant to you?

I am particularly interested in the rise and fall of communism and the effects of the Soviet era on Latvia. Through volunteering, I hope to come away with an understanding about Latvia's path to independence and how Latvians view their shared post-Soviet identity in the context of the country's history.

5. What are you looking forward to most and what do you hope to get out of this experience? What are the “next steps” you want to take upon your return?

I'm looking forward to immersing myself in a new culture and of course, teaching!  After returning to the U.S., I plan to attend grad school.  I will be eager to share and discuss my experiences with those who are interested in applying to the program in the future. 

Published on Thu, Jun 2, 2016 - 9:52AM