SB Grad Awarded Fulbright Scholarship

Andréa Nesteruk, who graduated summa cum laude from Stony Brook in May 2010 with a B.A. in Italian Studies and an M.A. in Teaching, has been awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarship for an English Teaching Assistantship in Italy. She is one of approximately 1,600 U.S. citizens, and the only one from Stony Brook University, who will travel abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program during the 2011-2012 academic year.

The Office of International Academic Programs and Services was instrumental in advising Nesteruk throughout the application process, and submitting her campus committee evaluations and application for consideration to the Institute of International Education, the body that administers international scholarships and grants.

Nesteruk will be co-teaching high school level English courses with Italian educators in Rome and L’Aquila, Italy. In an effort to broaden her Italian students’ understanding of the American way of life, she will provide lectures and presentations about American culture and society and encourage students to use English creatively through various activities and projects. Additionally, her project proposal is to start an afterschool student book club where she will read and discuss books written in English.

“Andréa’s love for teaching and the Italian culture fit perfectly with the Fulbright mission of fostering cross-cultural understanding,” said William Arens, Dean of International Academic Programs and Services. “This is a tremendous opportunity for her, and she is truly deserving of this honor. She will undoubtedly reach many students during her time abroad.”

Nesteruk is also the recipient of the De Luca Award, given to the outstanding graduating senior in Italian Studies. This past school year, she taught Italian to sixth graders in the Half Hollow Hills School District. You can follow her journey on her blog www.romerica.blogspot.com as she documents her experiences in Italy with hopes of deepening both her and her readers’ understanding of the Italian culture.