Fulbright Teaching Achievement and Excellence (Fulbright TEA)

Praise be to Allah for I have been chosen as a participant of the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (Fulbright TEA), the 2019-2020 Cohort. This means that I’ll be spending time in the United States for six weeks to engage in academic workshops, field experience, as well as cultural (and gastronomic) excursions.

Out of 3000 educators from around the world who applied for the programme, 167 teachers, myself included, were chosen. I consider it such a blessing to have two other teachers from Malaysia as the chosen participants with whom I have begun bonding over these few weeks.

Upon my arrival in the States, arrangements have been made for me to spend time at a host university – the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and also at a high school around the neighbourhood (to be confirmed soon). Also hoping to fulfil a lifetime dream, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a chance to visit New York . . . New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do (insert music notes) . . . I’m drifting off, I know, I know. Sorry.

I thought I’d share some info here with prospective applicants for the programme in the next years. The whole experience was a systematic and exciting journey yet a challenging one. It started with a nerve-racking interview session at the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (MACEE) in Kuala Lumpur on 2nd of May 2019 and I could still remember the date clearly, for it was the second day of Ramadan.

An amazing thing also happened to me upon checking in at the DoubleTree by Hilton KL as I was given an upgrade to the executive room (with free access to the Executive Lounge and free Sahur too!); I was chosen by the hotel as the “Member of the Day”! A foreshadow, perhaps?

I received a call a month after (right after the LET meeting finished) to be informed that I passed the interview. “One step closer to setting foot on American soil”, I told myself. However, I had to sit the iBT TOEFL test and meet a minimum requirement to be considered further for the programme. It went well and on 13 September which also happened to be Hannah’s birthday, I received another call informing me that I had secured my place on the programme! It was my greatest birthday present on the next day!

Later on December 16, I was asked to attend a visa interview at the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, followed by a Pre Departure Orientation at MACEE. Quite an experience, huh? I hope this will somehow benefit prospective colleagues who plan to apply for the next cohort but I'll share more on my Insta Story later on - @azim387

I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my dearest Sarah who has been a great support throughout this journey and one who will be helping me to take care of Hannah during my temporary absence. To my school’s English Panel members who are very positive and ever willing to sit in for me throughout the six weeks of lessons, I cannot thank you enough. Hugs and kisses! To my former principal Mr. Phua who approved my application last May, my current principal Mdm. Lua who has been supportive and my colleagues at school, thank you all for your support!