CASTLETON, Vt. — Castleton College student Kevin Kareckas of South Berwick, will be putting his Castleton education to work only weeks after graduation as he prepares to head to Poland to teach English at a local university for a full academic year after earning a spot in the prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Program.

“I have always had a passion for teaching,” said Kareckas who will be graduating in May with a master’s degree in education with a focus in curriculum and instruction. The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program places recent college graduates and young professionals as English teaching assistants in primary and secondary schools and universities overseas. The program aims to strengthen foreign students’ English language abilities and knowledge of the United States, while allowing program participants to gain from intensive cross-cultural interaction and international educational opportunities provided at the host institution.

Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright program has provided more than 300,000 participants, chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential, with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. “This is a highly prestigious award,” said Assistant Professor of Education Monica McEnerny, one of several department faculty who helped Kareckas prepare his submission and assisted him through the application process. “We are very proud of Kevin.”

Having served as community advisor at Castleton, working with college age students on a daily basis, Kareckas feels well prepared and excited to begin this new journey. “Education is ultimately my life’s work,” said Kareckas, explaining that this opportunity will help open doors for him moving forward with his career in the education field.

Kareckas will spend nine months abroad in Poland. In addition to teaching the English language to college students, he will also have the chance to travel and conduct independent research projects. While in his host country he hopes to connect with various community service organizations, looking to help become better involved and connect with the local community. Kareckas marks the second student out of the Castleton Education department to be awarded this honor, and plans to use this opportunity to improve international relations by serving as an exemplary ambassador for Castleton and the United States.