Kenyan Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant teaches Swahili at Central State University

Eunice Kang’ethe is serving as a Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) at Central State University this academic year, teaching Swahili and sharing her native Kenyan culture with the campus community.  

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The Fulbright Program’s mission is to foster international understanding through educational and cultural exchange. Operated by the United States Department of State, the program provides opportunities for young educators from around the world to teach their native languages and share their cultures at American colleges and universities. FLTAs enrich the learning experiences of U.S. students and deepen mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations.  

Participants like Kang’ethe act as cultural ambassadors, showcasing their home countries’ history, traditions and daily life. In exchange, FLTAs gain valuable perspectives on American culture, education systems and community life, which they can share in their home countries to promote ongoing dialogue and collaboration across borders. 

Kang’ethe’s journey from Kiambu County, Kenya, to the HBCU of the Midwest reflects her resilience, passion for teaching and dedication to sharing her rich heritage with others. 

From rural Kenya to global educator  

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Kang’ethe’s experienced firsthand the transformative power of learning while growing up in a rural village without electricity. “I’m the first person in my immediate household to graduate college,” she shared, attributing her inspiration to her father and late paternal grandfather, whose encouragement fueled her ambitions.  

After earning a Bachelor of Education (Arts) and a Master of Education in Educational Technology from the University of Nairobi, Kang’ethe spent nine years teaching at two Kenyan secondary schools before applying for the Fulbright Program. The rigorous selection process, which included multiple interviews, culminated in her selection as an FLTA at Ohio’s only public HBCU. She arrived at Central State University in August.  

Teaching language, sharing culture  

Kang’ethe’s approach to teaching Swahili aligns with the FLTA’s mission to promote cultural exchange. Recognizing that many of her students have little prior knowledge of African languages or cultures, she begins by fostering an appreciation for Kenya’s rich history and traditions. “If you don’t like something, you’ll block it,” she explained. “So, I help them appreciate the culture first, then they become interested in learning the language.”  

Through gamified tools like Duolingo and Kahoot, hands-on experiences at the Seed to Bloom Botanical and Community Garden and interactive lessons at the cafeteria, Kang’ethe creates an immersive learning environment. “Monotony brings boredom,” she says, emphasizing the importance of keeping students engaged.  

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Her efforts have reshaped her students’ perceptions of Africa. “They’re learning global tolerance and to appreciate other people’s cultures,” Kang’ethe said. “I want them to embrace Kenya as one more global village.”  

Cultural exchange beyond the classroom  

As an FLTA, Kang’ethe also immerses herself in American culture. Adjusting to life in the United States has been both challenging and rewarding. From learning to use air conditioning to discovering American foods like mac and cheese, she embraces these differences with curiosity and humor.  

“Everything had cheese — not that I don’t like it, but I didn’t know you could add cheese to so much food!” Kang’ethe said. “Sandwiches from Panera Bread are my favorite. I love those sandwiches. From a Kenyan perspective, I thought they were a snack. They are a whole meal here. Every day, I learn something new about food.” 

A memorable highlight of her time in the U.S. was a visit to the Ohio Statehouse, where she met state representatives. “In Kenya, meeting politicians is almost impossible,” she noted. “Here, I was amazed by how friendly and accessible they were.”  

For Kang’ethe, the most difficult part of this journey is being away from her family, including her two daughters, ages 11 and 8. Technology has been a lifeline, allowing her to stay connected through daily video calls. “I don’t think I would have taken this opportunity without it,” she said.  

Her family’s support, particularly her husband and parents, has been instrumental. “My father is so proud of me,” she says. “I think everyone from my village knows I’m here,” Kang’ethe said with a laugh. 

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Kang’ethe’s story illustrates the transformative potential of the Fulbright FLTA Program. Her advice to young people aspiring to study abroad is simple but powerful: “Information is power. Use the internet, connect with alumni and don’t hesitate to follow up on opportunities. Do it while you’re young, before responsibilities grow.”  

As her nine-month tenure at Central State University continues to unfold, Kang’ethe is achieving the core goals of the Fulbright Program: promoting cultural exchange, breaking down stereotypes and building bridges of understanding. Her efforts to teach Swahili, share Kenyan culture and engage with her students are leaving a lasting impact.  

By embodying the spirit of the FLTA Program, Kang’ethe is not just teaching a language — she is cultivating global citizens and fostering mutual respect and understanding. Her journey from Kenya to the U.S. highlights the power of education and cultural exchange to create a more interconnected and empathetic world.  

For more information about the FLTA Program, visit https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/about/flta-program.