This year has been a bumper crop for Spider Fulbrights. Three faculty and now a third recent grad have received the prestigious grant for either research abroad or teaching English.

Jacquelyn Pearlmutter, ‘17, who is fluent in Spanish, applied during her senior year and learned recently she won a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant grant to teach in Brazil February through November 2018. 

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, designed to increase understanding between the people of the United States and other countries.

For those who know Jacquelyn, this award comes as no surprise. At Richmond, she worked as a Spanish drill instructor, studied abroad in Buenos Aires, and ultimately double majored in environmental studies and Latin American, Latino, and Iberian studies. Now, she’s on to master her next language.

This fall, Pearlmutter is taking a Portuguese class to develop speaking, reading, and writing skills prior to arriving in Brazil, and she says she’s excited to use her skills to teach English there.

“I have a passion for teaching and instilling knowledge and confidence in those who are learning English,” Pearlmutter said. “I’m excited to put my bilingual skills to work while also expanding my global perspective.”

Following her Fulbright, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician.

“It’s wonderful that Fulbright has recognized Jacquelyn’s academic achievements, as well as her desire to serve as an education ambassador for the United States,” said Dana Kuchem, director of scholars and fellowships. “This award also represents University of Richmond’s investment in opportunities that enrich and expand the educational experience for students, including study abroad.”Read more about Jacquelyn's grant.