2026 – 2027 FLTAs

2026-2027 Fulbright FLTAs at Michigan State University

We are pleased to host Fulbright FLTAs from 12 countries in 2026-2027. Please read below to learn more about these teacher-scholars! 

2026-2027 FLTAs (Alphabetical by Last Name)

Ms. Lady Bonilla, Ecuador, Quechua

Picture of Lady Bonilla in a traditional Quechua Dress

Lady Bonilla is an Ecuadorian professor at the FUCATIVAM institute, which in English means -Foundation for Training and Comprehensive Technical Assistance-. where she specializes in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction. She is a dedicated educator recognized for her innovative teaching practices and her commitment to fostering students’ academic, social, and emotional development. Lady earned a degree in Pedagogy of National and Foreign Languages with a specialization in English. Throughout her professional career, her leadership and commitment to education led her to develop a language-learning program in collaboration with a community enterprise called “Sumak Yaku”, working with Indigenous children to strengthen foreign language skills while valuing and incorporating their mother tongue, Kichwa (Quechua). At Michigan State University, she looks forward to sharing her culture and language with others while continuing to grow both academically and professionally.

Ms. Soumaya Fredj, Tunisia, Arabic

Picture of Soumaya smiling at the camera. Soumaya has a white blouse with a black vest/dress over it, and a pink hijab with a bow tied around the neck.

Soumaya Fredj is a Tunisian student currently pursuing her PhD in American Cultural Studies with a concentration in Visual Media and Film Studies. She has been selected for the Fulbright Teaching Assistant Program 2025–2026 at Michigan State University. At the University of Sousse Council, Soumaya was elected as the first female student representative for two consecutive years. During her mandate, she participated in various regional advancement projects for graduate and undergraduate students in Sousse. In 2019, Soumaya served as the regional coordinator for baccalaureate students’ orientation sessions. She has also volunteered with local non-profit organizations, overseeing English Summer Clubs for children. As a former Soliya Program participant (2021) and later a J. Christopher Stevens Initiative alumna (2024-2026), she has demonstrated a sustained commitment to promoting intercultural communication and international collaboration.

Ms. Chih-Ling Kuo, Taiwan, Chinese

Chih-Ling Kuo was born and raised in Taiwan and is currently a master’s student in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language at National Taiwan Normal University. She has experience serving as a language assistant for both English and Chinese courses, along with valuable internships at the American Institute in Taiwan and the Overseas Community Affairs Council. Driven by a passion for cross-cultural exchange, she leverages her bachelor’s degrees in Learning and Material Design and English Instruction to design interactive, innovative, and accessible learning materials. Moreover, she is committed to supporting learners not only in mastering the language but also in discovering the diverse cultural nuances behind the words. In her academic journey, she is keen on exploring spaces where theory meets practice, with particular interests in cross-linguistic learning strategies, multimodal learning materials, pragmatics, psycholinguistics, and bilingual education.

Ms. Yana Menchynska-Polishchuk, Ukraine, Ukrainian

Picture of Yana in traditional Ukrainian clothing. She appears to be walking, with ribbons streaming behind her.

Yana Menchynska-Polishchuk earned a degree in International Relations, Public Communications, and Regional Studies from Lviv Polytechnic National University in Lviv, Ukraine. She has teaching experience in international settings, working as an English teacher in Beijing, China, and in a bilingual environment in Kyiv, Ukraine. She has also worked as a methodology specialist and supervisor of English teachers, supporting teacher development and instructional quality. In addition, Yana Menchynska-Polishchuk has delivered webinars for educators across Ukraine, sharing practical teaching strategies. Moreover, she has volunteered with civic organizations and provided free English language classes to former Ukrainian prisoners of war released from Russian captivity. As a native Ukrainian speaker, Yana Menchynska-Polishchuk is passionate about promoting Ukrainian language, culture, and identity through education and intercultural exchange.

Ms. Tram Nguyen, Vietnam, Vietnamese

Tram Nguyen

Tram Nguyen is an English language teacher with a strong background in science and a deep passion for national geography and history. Her motivation for joining the FLTA Program is to strengthen her teaching expertise in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI). She also wishes to show her students that a language is not merely a school subject, but a doorway to explore the world. She hopes to inspire adults and students who have not yet found their passion for learning by using herself as an example of lifelong learning. She is also eager to introduce the beauty of Vietnam through cuisine and music, drawing on her ability to cook Vietnamese specialties and perform Vietnamese songs on the guitar and piano.

Ms. Maria Clara Lima Oliveira, Brazil, Portuguese

Picture of Maria Oliveira. She has long, dark, somewhat curly hair, glasses, and is smiling at the camera. Bookshelves are in the background.

Maria Clara Lima Oliveira holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Teaching Credential in Portuguese and English Language and Literature from the University of São Paulo (USP) and is a language and literature educator. Her main academic and professional interests include literature, literacy development, and the use of artificial intelligence in education. Throughout her career, she has conducted research on contemporary American literature, participated in academic conferences organized by Unesco, published work on digital education, and led professional development courses for teachers. Passionate about literature, culture, and education, she strives to be a reflective educator, developing projects that foster critical thinking and learner autonomy.

Mr. Ojo Benjamin Oluwadarasimi, Nigeria, Yoruba

Ojo sits casually on a stool in a photo studio with a yellow background. He is wearing a green polo shirt and black pants and shoes.

Ojo Benjamin Oluwadarasimi is an English Language teacher with 5 years of classroom experience. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in English Language from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. He specialises in Sociolinguistics and also assist in teaching Use of English in the Department of English at Obafemi Awolowo University. His academic interests center on the relationship between language and society, language variation, and communication across diverse cultural contexts. Throughout his career, he has been committed to helping students build strong language and communication skills while developing a deeper appreciation for literature, language, and culture. As a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant, Benjamin looks forward to sharing Yoruba culture and perspectives, thereby fostering intercultural understanding, and contributing to meaningful educational exchange.

Ms. Elif Özçeşmeci, Türkiye, Turkish

Picture of Elif Özçeşmeci

Elif Özçeşmeci holds a BA from Ankara University and an MA from Hacettepe University, both in English Language and Literature. Her graduate research focused on Irish theatre, situating her scholarly interests at the intersection of dramatic literature and cultural history. Following her academic training, Elif established a broad and substantive career in English language teaching. She developed focused expertise in test preparation and exam methodology, working with learners across primary, secondary, and university levels in both online and in-person contexts. Certified in pedagogical formation and in Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language, she brings a cross-linguistic perspective to her instructional practice. Her professional work extends beyond the classroom to encompass lesson planning and curriculum design, through which she applies a systematic approach to building effective and coherent language learning experiences.

Mr. Subkhiddin Raupov, Tajikistan, Tajik

Subkhiddin Raupov

Subkhiddin Raupov is an English teacher from Tajikistan, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Language. Throughout his career, he has shown a strong commitment to language education and has developed solid expertise in teaching English to students of different ages and proficiency levels. He currently serves as an English Teacher and Head of the International Relations Department at the Levakant International Institute of the University of Tourism and Entrepreneurship of Tajikistan. In this role, he combines classroom teaching with international cooperation, supporting academic exchange and global engagement. He is also an alumnus of several U.S. government-sponsored programs. As a Fulbright FLTA candidate, he is eager to expand his horizons, build meaningful connections, take part in cultural and intercultural exchange, gain new experiences, and contribute to mutual understanding through international education.

Ms. Rabia Shah, Pakistan, Urdu

Rabia stands in front of a ramp and a brick building. She has a red shawl and her long, black hair is worn down. She is smiling.

Rabia Shah is an educator from Pakistan working in English language teaching, teacher training, and educational program support. She has worked with English Works! and other U.S. Department of State funded exchange programs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, focusing on classroom practice and student engagement. Her experience includes teacher training and supporting interactive, learner-centered English language instruction. She has also contributed to academic workshops promoting practical teaching strategies. Her interests include differentiated instruction, digital literacy, and reflective teaching practice. She will serve as a Fulbright FLTA 2026–2027 at Michigan State University, engaging in cross-cultural exchange and language teaching. Fun fact: Her humor naturally finds its way into everyday interactions, keeping things light and engaging.