by Oleksandra Volakova

Every year, Wesleyan welcomes new FLTAs (Foreign Language Teaching Assistants) from all over the world – foreign students interested in teaching others their native language and immersing themselves into foreign culture. 11 people, coming from different backgrounds, help Wesleyan students to understand the culture and language better, becoming an irreplaceable support to the language faculty. We, as students, are highly grateful for being able to connect with FLTAs – but what do they think about their experience? We decided to ask our dear FLTAs about the experience they have had in Wesleyan throughout the whole year (or two, for some languages).

The favorite thing about being an FLTA for Maryam Ajbouni, the Arabic FLTA from Kairouan, Tunisia, is “getting to be both a teacher and a student.” She shared that the personal and professional growth was not only due to the experience of teaching students and sharing the culture, but also the classes she took in Wesleyan, and the people from around the world she connected with. Nao Tsujii, the Japanese FLTA from Nara, Japan, shares that learning about other countries’ cultures and having fun with students was one of her most memorable experiences here. Others highlighted how fun it was to share experiences, take on responsibilities, and build strong connections with students.

When asked to describe their FLTA experience in three words, their responses showed just how valuable and fun this year was. Among the words they were mentioning, many said it was rewarding, transformative, enriching, and inspiring. Even simple words like fun, growth, and friends show their perspective on their journey. Some highlighted both ups and downs — it was challenging but enjoyable, different but impressive.

FLTAs often say they came to Wesleyan to teach – but they ended up learning just as much and gaining a lot more than just experience. Manuela Zárate, a Spanish FLTA from Bogotá, Colombia, said she’s finishing this year with amazing friendships and a realization that she is capable of doing anything new as long as she loves it. Aditya Raj, a Hindi-Urdu FLTA from Raxaul, Bihar, India, adds to the list – he has learned “cultural nuances, diction, pedagogical skills and a lot of memory to reminiscence about”. 

We also asked the FLTAs how they would describe Wesleyan students – the people they’ve taught, learned from, and spent countless hours with. They say that students at Wesleyan are truly kind and sociable people, genuinely curious, creative and ambitious individuals with many passions. FLTAs appreciated students a lot for being so open minded and intelligent, joyful but also focused, and eager to learn more about other people’s backgrounds and cultures. Students’ hard work and studying until late at night, but also being able to enjoy themselves is also acknowledged.

To wrap up, the FLTAs had a few final messages to share with the Wesleyan community. Hongli reminds students that “the antonym of anxiety is action.” Aditya encourages, “Learn and grow, but never forget your roots. Your roots are what you’re made of.” Maryam offers a warm invitation: “If we didn’t cross paths much this year, there’s always Tunisia! If you ever find yourself there, please reach out.” Above all, the FLTAs were very grateful to the students who made them feel welcome, respected, and at home — from the first day to the last. And in return, we thank the FLTAs for everything they brought to campus: their languages, their cultures, their stories, and their kindness. Wesleyan is better for having had them here.

To learn more about the 2024-2025 FLTA cohort, visit their biography page at https://www.wesleyan.edu/cgs/languages_at_wes/FLTAs-home.html