Austin Cheng ’25 awarded U.S. Fulbright grant to Madagascar

Just a little more than a year after studying abroad in Madagascar, Austin Cheng ’25 is returning to Africa’s southeastern coast as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) winner.

The biology major and French and philosophy minor from Newton, Massachusetts, first interned with the Ankarafantsika National Park as part of his course of studies with Toor Cummings Center for International Studies and the Liberal Arts (CISLA). The positive experience motivated his desire to return to the country.

“I saw firsthand how beneficial English skills could be to local people,” recalled Cheng. “I felt it was the place where my skillset could most benefit the people I will be working with.”

Fulbright fellows receive round-trip travel to their host countries, a living stipend, project allowances and medical insurance. Connecticut College has had 35 winners in the last seven years and is regularly recognized as a top producer of Fulbright recipients.

Cheng has some specific goals for his year-long position, during which he will teach English at several schools and other institutions.

“I am hoping to get to see more of the country and improve both my Malagasy and my French, as well as learn more about the foreign service,” he said.

Cheng credits his supports at Conn for ensuring he put his best foot forward throughout the Fulbright application process.

“[Director of the Walter Commons for Global Study and Engagement and International Fellowships] Melissa Ryan was very helpful in preparing me for my interview,” Cheng said.

Connecticut College offers a wide range of fellowship opportunities for students and recent graduates. For more information, visit The Walter Commons or email fellowships@conncoll.edu.