Ariela Romero '25 Awarded Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to France

Ariela Romero ‘25 has been selected as one of only 11 Fulbright English Teaching Assistants to France, an honor that will allow her to share her skills and experiences abroad while deepening her own academic and professional journey.

Romero, a recent graduate of the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, said her studies and community engagement at Seton Hall prepared her for this opportunity. “My studies at Seton Hall were central to my preparation for the Fulbright ETA,” Romero said. “Throughout my undergraduate years, my professors enriched my education by contextualizing their language courses, often highlighting key elements such as the intersectionality within the diverse experiences of French and Francophone communities through films and short stories. Their inclusion of social, political, and economic realities in their curricula demonstrated that language learning is not only about mastering grammatical rules and standards, but also about understanding the diverse communities that speak the language. Beyond my academics, the Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE) played a crucial role in my journey by introducing me to the Don Bosco ESL program, where I developed a passion for English teaching. I am forever grateful to the incredible instructors at the program and to my students, who taught me how to navigate the classroom environment while deepening my appreciation for the dimensions and significance of a teacher’s role.”

Michelle Peterson, director of the Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE), praised Romero for her commitment to service. “Ariela has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to service, setting a standard unlike many of her peers,” Peterson said. “During her time at Seton Hall, she dedicated herself to numerous community outreach programs through DOVE. Ariela taught English to local immigrants and visited residents of a nearby nursing home on a weekly basis. She also traveled with DOVE to El Mozote, El Salvador, where she served as both a mission participant and translator. There, she laughed, sang, danced, and cried with the community—making them feel seen, valued, and loved. Through her deep compassion, Ariela offers others a sense of worth. She recognizes the dignity in every person and has a rare ability to reflect that dignity back to them. Her willingness to serve anyone makes her capable of leading everyone. Ariela’s extensive work in the community has thoroughly prepared her for her role as an English Teaching Assistant.”

Romero said her professors also shaped her academic direction. “I was very lucky to meet Professor Guzzardo-Tamargo and to take her course on Literature of the Americas in my final semester at Seton Hall! Her course explored the mechanisms of colonialism, analyzed strategies of resistance, and challenged the metaphorization of decolonialism across the Americas through thought-provoking works of literature,” Romero said. “My peers and I enjoyed the course so much that we often visited Professor Guzzardo-Tamargo during office hours to further discuss the themes and share our reactions to the readings. These conversations brought great clarity and meaning to my personal and professional aspirations. I highly recommend this course to everyone!”

Matthew Escobar, Ph.D., associate professor of French and Spanish, said Romero is exceptionally well prepared for the program. "Ariela is exceptionally well prepared for her role as an English Teaching Assistant in France, having already taught ESL to French-speaking students,” Escobar said. “In addition, being bilingual (Spanish/English) and an advanced speaker of French, she has a keen sense of what it means to express oneself in more than one language, as well as the challenges involved in learning and teaching foreign languages. As my student in a course on democratic values in France, she excelled in debates and in her coursework, showing exactly the kind of incisive mind and commitment to fundamental principles that will serve her well in her future career as a lawyer. We are tremendously proud of her accomplishments and confident that she will be an excellent representative of Seton Hall and the United States abroad."

Romero said she views the Fulbright as an opportunity not only for herself, but also for her community. “This opportunity means more than words can describe. My acceptance is not just a reflection of my hard work and experience, but also a moving testament to the unrelenting support and dedication of my community. Community is truly everything. The Fulbright, therefore, means giving back: by sharing my journey, inspiring others, and guiding future applicants.”

She encouraged other students to consider similar fellowships. “The Fulbright ETA program, along with other prestigious fellowships, offers students a unique opportunity to share their experiences, talents, and passions with communities abroad while fostering both personal and professional growth,” she said. “I highly recommend the ETA program to any student unsure of their post-graduation plans, particularly those who are passionate about service and seeking genuine cultural immersion. From the application process to the program itself, the Fulbright ETA can provide students with the clarity they seek.”

Students from any major or college at Seton Hall are eligible to apply for Fulbright English Teaching Assistant awards. Interested students or recent graduates should visit the Prestigious Fellowships website to learn more about this opportunity.

Categories: Education, Nation and World