July 25, 2025

Presbyterian College Student Awarded Fulbright Grant for Teaching in Bulgaria

News Summary

Samantha Hauff, a senior at Presbyterian College, has been awarded the prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistant grant. She will spend a year teaching English in Montana, Bulgaria, highlighting her commitment to education and cultural exchange. Hauff’s academic achievements, coupled with her connection to Slavic culture, position her for success in this role as she prepares to lead initiatives that foster creativity and community engagement among her students. This honor reflects her dedication and the support she received from the college’s Center for Inquiry, Research, and Scholarship.

Clinton, South Carolina — Samantha Hauff, a rising senior at Presbyterian College, has been awarded the prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) grant. Starting this fall, Hauff will spend an academic year teaching English at a high school in Montana, Bulgaria, marking a significant opportunity in her educational career.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is renowned for being one of the most competitive international exchange programs globally, aiming to foster mutual understanding between nations through cultural and educational exchange. Hauff expressed deep honor and gratitude for the opportunity to represent both Presbyterian College and the United States through this program. Her achievement is attributed to years of dedication, mentorship, and a profound passion for education and cultural engagement.

Presbyterian College’s president, Dr. Anita Gustafson, commended Hauff as an exceptional student who embodies the college’s values, recognizing her significant academic accomplishments, leadership capabilities, and contributions to public service initiatives. Hauff’s academic portfolio includes an English major focused on communication studies, making her well-prepared for her upcoming role as an ETA.

Hauff’s connection to Slavic culture is both personal and profound; her family heritage traces back to Ukraine. This influence has shaped her educational approach. Her recent capstone project centered on “Chervona Kalyna,” a Ukrainian folk song symbolizing resilience during conflict, underscoring her commitment to honoring her roots through storytelling and education.

Her interest in Bulgarian culture developed while training for the 2023 U.S. Beach Wrestling National Championships under a Bulgarian coach, leading to a desire to explore women’s wrestling in Bulgaria further. Hauff notably secured a victory in the U20 Women’s 70kg division at the national championship and was selected to represent Team USA at the U20 World Championships in Romania, although an injury hindered her participation. As a member of Presbyterian College’s inaugural NCAA Division I Women’s Wrestling Team, she has also been a vocal advocate for increased opportunities for women in sports.

In addition to her sports achievements, Hauff excelled as a writer, receiving recognition for her journalistic work. Her article in The Bluestocking earned first place for the Best Collegiate Sports Story at the 2023 South Carolina Press Association Awards. Furthermore, she was honored with the Outstanding Senior in Communication Studies award due to her exemplary skills in writing, rhetoric, and public speaking.

The Center for Inquiry, Research, and Scholarship at Presbyterian College played a critical role in supporting Hauff’s Fulbright application through mentorship and guidance, demonstrating the college’s commitment to developing its students’ potential in global education contexts.

In Bulgaria, Hauff’s responsibilities will include leading her school’s team in the Bulgarian English Speech Tournament (BEST) and coaching students in public speaking and debate. She plans to initiate conversation clubs, creative writing workshops, community hikes, and prepare a commemorative book that will include folklore and poetry, fostering cultural exchange and creativity among her students.

Hauff’s experience as a substitute teacher and wrestling coach in underserved schools in Georgia and South Carolina enabled her to effectively engage students in challenging learning environments using innovative and creative methods. Her teaching philosophy reflects a deep understanding of how to reach students who face instability and trauma.

Furthermore, Hauff intends to join a local wrestling club in Bulgaria, seeking to train young athletes, mentor them, and represent USA Women’s Wrestling in competitions while she lives abroad. Following her Fulbright experience, she aims to pursue a master’s degree in communication and rhetoric, concentrating on themes of Slavic identity, politics, and cultural storytelling.

Hauff is committed to amplifying the narratives and contributions of underrepresented nations such as Bulgaria and Ukraine within the field of Slavic Studies. Throughout her Fulbright tenure, she aims to enhance her teaching proficiency, deepen her understanding of diverse cultures, and prepare to serve her community in future academic endeavors. Hauff is enthusiastic about embarking on this journey and emphasizes the significance of retelling histories that matter.

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