Eleven recent graduates are pursuing their passions around the world during the 2025–26 academic year. As Fulbright scholars and teaching assistants, they’re continuing a rich tradition of post-grad international learning and service—and carrying Kalamazoo College’s spirit of exploration around the globe.
Fulbright
Erik Danielson ’25, Alex Nam ’25, Leo McGreevy ’25, Stacy Escobar ’21 and Joseph Horsfield ’25 are Fulbright scholars in the U.S. Student Program.
In partnership with more than 140 countries, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program is the federal government’s flagship for international educational exchange as it offers opportunities in graduate study, conducting research and teaching English abroad. K has earned recognition as a top producer of Fulbright students for six consecutive years. Graduating seniors apply through their educational institution. Alumni apply as scholars through their institution or as at-large candidates. As a nod to their academic merit and leadership potential, Danielson, Nam and McGreevy will serve Fulbright in Austria; Escobar will travel to Guatemala; and Horsfield will go to Ireland.
Danielson, Nam, McGreevy and Escobar will work as English teaching assistants (ETAs). In their roles, they will serve as teachers and cultural ambassadors while promoting an understanding of the U.S. and its culture, learning about their host country, and engaging with their communities.
Horsfield will attend the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and begin a Ph.D. program that has been offered to only two U.S. students each year since 2019. The opportunity, based in Dublin, encourages scientists to develop innovative research projects related to cancer; neurological and psychiatric disorders; population health and health services; biomaterials, medical devices and pharmaceutical sciences; surgical science and practice; or vascular biology. Fulbright will cover the first year of Horsfield’s educational costs and RCSI will cover the last three.
NALCAP
Fuzail Ahmed ’25, Maya Hester ’25, Sierra Hieshetter ’25 and Alexa Wonacott ’25 have received Spanish government teaching assistantships through the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP) of Spain. And Madeline Hollander ’25 and McKenna Lee Wasmer ’25 will fulfill government teaching assistantships through NALCAP in France.
The Education Office of the Embassy of Spain, located in Washington, D.C., promotes the NALCAP opportunities in Spain, seeking diverse educational outreach and long-lasting ties between American and Spanish citizens. France Education International maintains the program for France with a desire to cooperate globally in education along with technical and vocational training while supporting the teaching of French around the world.
Both programs have similar structures with Hollander, Wasmer, Ahmed, Hester, Hieshetter and Wonacott each expecting to be abroad for seven to eight months beginning in October. Afterward, the participants may apply for renewal.
NALCAP recipients receive a monthly stipend and medical insurance for 12–16 hours of assistant teaching per week depending on their program. They make their own housing arrangements and are encouraged to immerse themselves in the language and culture of their host countries while sharing the language and culture of the United States with the students they teach.
“I’m proud of the Kalamazoo College students and alumni who seek opportunities like these because they support international cooperation on issues that are shared around the world,” Center for International Programs Executive Director Margaret Wiedenhoeft said. “Each honoree is an example of the curiosity, courage and global perspective we aim to cultivate in K representatives throughout their lives. The fellowships are not just awards. They’re opportunities to engage deeply with the world, seek challenges in new environments, and grow academically and personally. Their success reflects the strength of our programs and the passion our students bring to global learning.”