Fulbright Winner to Pursue Passion of Teaching Language

Alexandra Flory ’24
Double Major: Sociology/Anthropology and German Studies
Hometown: Bozeman, Montana

Alexandra Flory, a recent Lewis & Clark graduate, is spending the current academic year teaching in Germany after receiving a prestigious Fulbright award. The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, fosters mutual understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchanges. Lewis & Clark is one of the top producers of Fulbright award winners in the country, demonstrating a sustained commitment to international education and engagement.

Impact of overseas study—I participated in the Year of Study in Munich program during the 2022–23 academic year. I was able to conduct a traveling research project for my thesis in sociology and anthropology about the difference in treatment for Middle Eastern and Ukrainian asylum seekers in Germany. I traveled alone to 16 different German cities and conducted interviews with people closely related to this topic. To date, this has been one of the best experiences of my life.

Teaching abroad—While I was in Munich, I discovered my love for international education. After returning to the U.S., I wanted to go back because I felt that my journey in Germany was not yet over. I loved learning German and would like to give back to the language that gave me so much by experiencing the other side of language learning through teaching.

Future plans—I plan to apply to graduate school and want to explore the world of NGOs. I am specifically interested in working on international policies about climate refugees. My experiences in Germany will allow me to develop a deeper understanding of international issues.