Three Luther students will serve as Fulbright English Teaching Assistants in 2023-24

Luther College seniors Gideon Perez, Sadie Pichelmann and Berit Skogen have received Fulbright awards for the 2023-24 academic year. All three will serve as Fulbright English Teaching Assistants.

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. Every year, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards more than 2,000 students, artists, and early-career professionals from all backgrounds and in more than 100 different fields of study to teach English and undertake research abroad. Fulbright awards are given based upon leadership potential, academic achievement, and record of service.

Gideon Perez ’23 was selected for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Slovakia.

Gideon Perez ’23 of Austin, Minnesota, will graduate in May with a major in English. He was selected for an English Teaching Assistantship in Slovakia. “After learning about Slovakia’s rich history, deep culture, and beautiful natural landscapes, it was so easy to fall in love with,” said Perez. “Outside of teaching, I’m excited to integrate myself into a new community and meet plenty of new friends,” he said. After his Fulbright, he plans to continue teaching English or pursue a career in publishing.

Sadie Pichelmann ’23 was selected for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Slovakia.

Sadie Pichelmann ’23 of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, will graduate in May with a major in history and minors in biology and music. She also was selected for an English Teaching Assistantship in Slovakia. “I know much more about Western Europe than I do about Eastern Europe, and I hope to fill this gap in my knowledge through my time in Slovakia,” Pichelmann said. “I’m most excited for the opportunity to encounter people and situations that will challenge my sense of self and my worldviews,” she added. After her Fulbright experience, she plans to attend medical school. “I am of the firm conviction that treating each person as a whole and acknowledging their unique individuality is vital to being an effective caregiver, and being able to understand and appreciate other cultural backgrounds and viewpoints is a large part of that,” Pichelmann said.

Berit Skogen ’23 will be a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Norway.

Berit Skogen ’23 of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, will graduate in May with majors in history and Nordic studies and minors in Africana studies and religion. She will be an English Teaching Assistant in Norway, where she previously studied abroad. “I chose Fulbright because it provides grantees with so many amazing opportunities and connections. Living there for 10 months will give me a lot of language practice and opportunities to learn from my students as well as foster connections between the US and Norway,” said Skogen. When not in the classroom, she is excited to run and ski in the mountains. After her Fulbright experience, she plans to pursue graduate degrees in Scandinavian studies.

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.