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Christine Leak

Fulbright US Student Program
2026 (semi-finalist)
Major: International Studies; French
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Myrtle Beach, SC

I am a senior at the University of Washington pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and French. I grew up in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where I spent several summers coaching tennis camps and clinics. Through this experience, I discovered a strong interest in education and how it could be incorporated into my future career goals. My academic focus at the University of Washington centers on global affairs and human rights. During a study abroad program with the School for International Training in Geneva, Switzerland, I completed a research project on expanding refugee rights in the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, I conducted an independent study with the UW French & Italian Studies Department on the emerging role of AI in language learning platforms. I currently serve as the Co-Director of Academics for the Jackson School Student Association. I applied to the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award because it combines my background in teaching with my long-term goal of expanding access to basic human rights in international settings. I am also excited to develop my French, Spanish, and Catalan speaking skills while living and teaching in Andorra.

Tips

My best tip for future students is to start your application early. By gathering letters of recommendation and language evaluations early in the summer you will have more time to proofread and refine your application closer to the deadline.

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