Statement of Purpose – Fulbright FLTA Program
Growing up in Tanzania, I developed a deep appreciation for languages and cross-cultural
communication from an early age. I was raised in a Swahili-speaking household, but English
quickly became a vital part of my academic journey. This bilingual foundation has shaped my
worldview and nurtured my passion for language education. As I pursued my studies in
Information Management, I began to recognize the power of language not only as a tool for
communication but also as a bridge between cultures. The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching
Assistant (FLTA) Program presents an incredible opportunity for me to deepen this passion and
contribute meaningfully to language exchange between my country and the world.
My academic qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Information Management from
Tumaini University Dar es Salaam College (TUDARCo). While my degree focused on IT and
systems management, it also equipped me with vital soft skills such as communication,
presentation, research, and cross-cultural collaboration. During my university studies, I
participated in several student-led projects, often working with peers from diverse backgrounds.
These experiences strengthened my appreciation for diversity and laid the foundation for my
interest in intercultural education.
Parallel to my academic path, I gained practical teaching experience at the high school level,
where I taught both English and Swahili. For six months, I taught English to students aged 15 to
18, with class sizes averaging 42 students. This experience was followed by six months of
teaching Swahili, my native language. This period was instrumental in my personal and
professional development. I learned how to manage large classrooms, develop creative lesson
plans, and adapt my teaching style to suit varying student needs. I also witnessed firsthand the
value of language in shaping thought, identity, and social connection. Watching my students
improve and grow confident in their language abilities was deeply fulfilling and cemented my
desire to pursue a long-term career in language education and cultural exchange.
My motivation to apply for the FLTA Program stems from my belief in education as a tool for
transformation and mutual understanding. The opportunity to teach Swahili in the United States
while also learning from American academic and cultural experiences represents a perfect blend
of service and personal growth. As someone who has already been involved in language teaching
and who appreciates the subtleties of both English and Swahili, I am eager to share my
knowledge and perspectives with American students and faculty. At the same time, I am excited
to broaden my own horizons through exposure to different teaching methodologies, classroom
technologies, and educational environments.
One of the most appealing aspects of the FLTA Program is its emphasis on mutual exchange. I
don’t see this as just an opportunity to teach, but to engage, to learn, and to represent my country
authentically. I want to serve as a cultural ambassador, helping others understand Tanzania’s rich
heritage, diverse traditions, and modern aspirations. I also hope to return to Tanzania with new
insights and skills that I can apply in my local context, especially in under-resourced educational
settings where access to quality language education remains a challenge.
Being an FLTA will be a vital step toward achieving my long-term career goals. I aspire to
become a linguist and intercultural education specialist, designing language programs that
incorporate local contexts and global best practices. I am also passionate about writing and have
already started authoring culturally inspired stories that can be used as learning materials for
language students. The FLTA experience will provide me with firsthand knowledge of how
foreign language education is structured in the United States and will allow me to build a
professional network of educators, mentors, and peers. It will also improve my teaching skills,
intercultural communication abilities, and understanding of how to use language as a tool for
connection and empowerment.
Personally, I am excited about the academic enrichment component of the program. I hope to
take coursework in applied linguistics, education, and curriculum development—fields that will
support my future work in language program design. I am equally interested in attending
workshops and conferences where I can interact with fellow language teachers, exchange ideas,
and stay updated with current research and trends in language instruction.
Ultimately, the FLTA Program aligns with both my personal values and professional ambitions. I
believe in the power of education, the necessity of dialogue, and the beauty of cultural diversity.
I am committed to being a lifelong learner and educator, and I see this program as a unique
chance to grow, contribute, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
