Student Spotlight: Tom Myers
Tom Myers is a CAS student, who graduated from UAA in Spring 2020 with his Bachelor of Arts in Languages, specifically German, with minors in International Studies and History. After graduating in 2020, Tom began his application for the USTA Program and Scholarship (a sub branch of the Fulbright Scholar Program). Tom was accepted for the 2021-2022 academic year program and moved to Graz, Austria as an English Teaching Assistant. Tom is taking new courses at UAA, and plans to continue sharpening his German skills. Tom is hoping to pursue a career where he can continue working with the German language, and is even considering pursuing his master’s degree.
Tom sat down with us to discuss his experiences studying abroad and his time at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
There are quite a few options for studying abroad. How did you choose the particular program that you chose?
“I worked with my German professor, Dr. Natasa Masanovic-Courtney, who was an extraordinary help. Dr. Masanovic-Courtney helped with finding the right fit. She introduced the idea of the USTA Program, and when I was working on the application, she helped me again. Since I was studying the German language, this program seemed like the most natural progression for me. Austria in particular sounded incredible, so add in that I liked the USTA Program, and it was a perfect fit.”
Can you elaborate on what the USTA Program is exactly?
“The USTA Program in Austria is administered by the Fulbright Scholar Program, and they place you in a town or city within the country. Once you are placed in Austria, you are assigned to two different secondary schools, where you work as an English Assistant Teacher. Essentially, as an English Assistant Teacher, you spend time presenting topics, help the students learn the English language, and lead discussions. In my case, I was placed in Graz, Austria, and I ended up working with quite a few different classes and teachers.
You were living and studying abroad for a year. Outside of your teaching responsibilities, what else did you get out and do?
“I hiked! One of the things that stood out to me the most in Austria is the natural environment. All the hills and the mountains? They were incredible! Additionally, the culture and the food of the area I was staying in was really great. I did a little traveling outside of Graz, including a visit to Vienna and Salzburg.”
What would you say are the benefits of students studying abroad? What would you say to students who are considering studying abroad?
“That’s a great question. This program was more of a working abroad experience; whereas the study abroad program I did in 2019 was about my education. Regardless, if someone is considering studying abroad or working abroad, I would highly recommend it. It is an opportunity to visit another part of the world, and to find out for yourself what it is like outside the normal. The benefit of any sort of program - whether it is study abroad or working abroad – is getting outside of your comfort zone. It is the opportunity to learn more about another part of the world, outside of a book. For me, as a German major, my knowledge of the language vastly improved. It was also a great opportunity to get exposure to another culture. I gained a deeper appreciation both of my life here in Alaska as well as what it’s like to live in another country, another part of the world.
What advice do you have for students who planning to study or work abroad?
“General advice. I would tell them to stay open and flexible to new ideas while also being sure of yourself. I think that is a good combination: being confident in your abilities to live abroad while staying open and flexible to learning new ideas. The opportunity to encounter situations in places you are not familiar with, adapt to those situations and then being ready to learn from them. Above all? I would say to enjoy your time while you are immersed in another culture. It’s a fantastic opportunity!”
Thank you, and keep up the great work Tom!
To support current students in opportunites like this, please reach out to Dean McNulty or make a financial contribution online here.