Hailey Hesseltine’s passion for international education has taken her from being a master’s student in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education to teaching English more than 8,000 miles away in Ordu, Türkiye.
As Hesseltine was nearing the end of her educational administration degree, she was looking for the perfect opportunity that would allow her to become involved in international education. Reading about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and knowing former Fulbright grantees, Hesseltine began forming an idea of living abroad while participating in a cultural exchange.
Now residing in a small coastal town in the Black Sea region of Türkiye, Hesseltine teaches English at various levels to around 120 students at a local university. Her work also includes co-leading an English speaking club for all students at the university. While in Ordu, Hesseltine is taking free Turkish language courses through the university. She enjoys engaging with the local community through dance courses and local festivals, and has explored many different parts of Türkiye and neighboring countries.
“Overall, it has been a rewarding experience for me both professionally and personally, and my Fulbright experience has enhanced my knowledge as a global citizen,” Hesseltine said.
Once she completes her Fulbright grant, she hopes to apply her experience to future work with international students globally.
“Whether through advising, program development or research—my goal is to leverage my firsthand experience working with international students to create more inclusive and impactful educational opportunities that empower students to thrive in global learning environments,” Hesseltine said.
UH Mānoa students, alums around the world
UH Mānoa has a long list of nearly 100 students and alumni who have received Fulbright grants to study, teach or conduct research abroad. Since 1959, UH Mānoa finalists have traveled across East Asia and the Pacific, South and Central Asia, Europe and Eurasia, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and Canada. Hesseltine recommends applicants start early.
“Crafting an application takes time and research. It’s important to properly develop your ideas for each question,” Hesseltine said. “Learn about your country of application and provide a convincing argument as to why that particular country would be a good match. Fulbright promotes global exchange and understanding so it’s equally important to show how the community abroad can benefit from you as well as how you will benefit from them.”
2026–27 applications open this spring
For those interested in applying for the 2026–27 Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the competition is anticipated to open near the end of March 2025. UH Mānoa Fulbright Program advisers will host information sessions for prospective applicants to learn more. Keep an eye out for announcements in the What’s up this week @Mānoa emails in April. Applicants will be expected to submit all materials to the campus in September 2025 before the national deadline.
