In a Classroom in Madrid, a Fulbright Recipient Teaches English and Shares American Culture

Victoria Richard, a Rutgers Honors College student who graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science, brings her Model U.N. experience to Spain

Victoria Richard, an Honors College student who earned a bachelor of arts degree from Rutgers University-New Brunswick in 2025, was in Spain to teach English and serve as an adviser for a school's Model United Nations program.

A recipient of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program grant, the Smithfield, R.I., resident taught English as a second language in Madrid.

The 23-year-old, a recipient of the Henry Rutgers Scholar Award who majored in political science with a minor in critical intelligence studies, discusses her Fulbright experience, bringing Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance into the classroom and the importance of embracing the mindset that is "no pasa nada" - Spanish for "no problem."

What brought you to Rutgers?

While I was born and raised in Rhode Island, my parents were from New Jersey and my mother actually attended Rutgers, so the school had always been prominent in my household while I was growing up.

When it came time for college decisions, I knew I wanted a school that was very different from my tiny state. I wanted a school with a large student population with lots of diversity, sports and clubs, and a plethora of professional opportunities.

Considering all of that, Rutgers was an easy choice.

Briefly describe your Fulbright experience.

As an English teaching assistant, I spend most of my time in the classroom, working hands-on with students ranging from 12 to 17 years old. Most of my lessons center around American culture and current events, spanning from the Revolutionary War to Women's History Month to the symbolism in Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance.

I also help facilitate the Model U.N. program at my school, which means the world to me as Model U.N. was such a formative experience during my time at Rutgers.

Even though I do not have plans to teach full-time after this experience, I truly appreciate the gift of working with children and being able to see their excitement and feel their energy as they learn. It certainly gives me hope for the future.

What have you gained from your time in Madrid?

Living in Spain this past year has taught me so many things that it's difficult to put into words.

I suppose I would say that the overall lesson from my experience is that it's OK for your definition of success to change. In fact, it's necessary. Before this, I spent the last 16 years or so of my life as a student and success to me was a tangible number or grade or accomplishment that could be achieved - a 4.0 GPA, a prestigious internship, a job offer.

The skill of adaptability that you gain from moving to a new country and teaching young students is priceless. In Spain, they love to say 'no pasa nada' which is essentially 'hakuna matata,' or 'no worries.'

Victoria Richard

2025 Rutgers University-New Brunswick graduate

After moving here, I realized there's no grade point marker to measure how I'm doing. So much of moving abroad feels closer to failing than succeeding. Navigating the housing market, opening a bank account, a phone plan, a new commute, working with young and unpredictable students, all for the first time and all in your second language to boot. It's impossible not to feel a little bit like a failure.

And that's exactly where you grow the most. The wins are not tangible like in school. There are no As on your report card.

But maybe you make one of your students smile when they are having a bad day, or maybe you successfully help give directions in Spanish to an old woman on the street or maybe you find a new way around the city to shorten your commute.

Success looks different to me now than it did before. That's a good thing, I think.

How do you plan to apply what you've learned moving forward?

The skill of adaptability that you gain from moving to a new country and teaching young students is priceless. In Spain, they love to say "no pasa nada" which is essentially "hakuna matata," or "no worries."

Maybe things don't go exactly the way you planned it - whether that's in your personal life or professional life. You have all the skills and wisdom you need to pivot and move forward with a different plan. No pasa nada!

What drew you to your field of study?

In my freshman year of high school, I had the opportunity to speak at a rally in front of the Rhode Island State House in order to advocate for gun control. Since that moment, I knew I was interested in a career in public service.

You could often find me passionately arguing my point in civics class and researching nearby rallies to attend. I don't think it was surprising to anyone who knew me that I would end up studying political science.

What are your plans after your Fulbright experience?

I plan to continue to work in public service, although I'm not sure exactly what that looks like. I hope to find an opportunity where I can continue to work with young people and support civic education and engagement.

What are your interests and hobbies?

Baking, traveling, reading and karaoke.