My name's Analia Mireles, and I am a Fulbright ETA in Madrid, Spain for 2019-2020. I'm from Memphis, Tennessee, and I graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2019 with majors in Spanish and International Dynamics of Political Power.
I'm half French, a quarter Argentine, and a quarter Chicana, so a real blend of different cultures. I studied abroad in Havana, Cuba, and had an incredible time, so I knew I wanted to spend a year abroad after graduation. I initially thought Latin America, but I was drawn to the Global Classrooms component of the Spain Fulbright because I did Model UN in high school and college.
I had never been to Spain before, but it was honestly such an amazing experience where I learned so much and had the chance to immerse myself within the Madrid community and even travel Europe! I got involved with Espacios de Igualdad which are centers for women and also took Sevillanas dance classes, and I think being in spaces where I was the only American was the most rewarding. Here's a picture of me at Retiro Park-a Madrid classic!
My advice is don't be scared to apply to countries you've never been to and embrace your identity/story in your application. Also, don't decide to not apply because you don't have a perfect GPA because I didn't either; it's your essays that really matter.
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