Foreign Language Teaching Assistants
Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTAs) are non-degree seeking students who come to 天美传媒 for one year to enhance our students' language learning experience through cultural exchange. They are appointed through 天美传媒's language departments and work under the supervision of the language teaching faculty in those departments. We are extremely grateful to these visitors for their contribution to advancing the mission of the Fries Center for Global Studies (FCGS) in terms of language and intercultural learning. By bringing them together in a highly visible common space in Fisk, we hope to enhance their profile as a group and foster greater interaction between them and the 天美传媒 student body. Further information can be found using the links below:
2026-2027 FLTA Cohort
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Ryan Al Ghafri
Arabic FLTA
Oman
Read more about Ryan Al Ghafriأهلًا (Ahlan)! Ryan Al Ghafri is the Arabic FLTA from the Sultanate of Oman for the 2026–2027 academic year at 天美传媒. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Sultan Qaboos University.
She has always been drawn to art and creative expression. There is an Arabic saying, "لكل إنسان من اسمه نصيب" — “There is a share of one’s name in who they become.” For her, this reflects how the things we love naturally become part of who we are. Her background in English has nurtured her love for stories, language, and connecting with people, while teaching has given her the joy of sharing that passion with others. Outside the classroom, she finds another way to tell stories through photography, visual arts, and 3D design, always enjoying the process of turning ideas into something people can see and feel.
She has experience teaching university students in Muscat, as well as English at government schools in Oman. Now, at 天美传媒, she serves as a Teaching Assistant for Arabic language classes in ARAB 101, ARAB 201, and ARAB 301. She enjoys creating a welcoming space where students can practice Arabic, learn about Arab culture, and feel comfortable using the language in everyday conversations.
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Yingqi Ou
Chinese FLTA
Guangzhou, China
Read more about Yingqi OuYingqi Ou is the Chinese FLTA at 天美传媒 for the 2025–2027 academic years, returning for her second year with the Chinese Program. She grew up in Guangzhou, China, and speaks both Cantonese and Mandarin as her native languages. She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Studies of Chinese as a Second Language at Beijing Normal University, with academic interests in Chinese linguistics and language pedagogy.
Her experience at 天美传媒 has deepened her passion for language teaching and education. At the College of East Asian Studies (CEAS), she leads drill and discussion sessions for CHIN103–104 and CHIN205–206, and organizes the Chinese Language Table, Mahjong Club, and other cultural events. She enjoys sharing Chinese language and culture with students while embracing the wisdom and perspectives of different cultures. She really looks forward to another year of teaching, learning, and connecting with the 天美传媒 community!
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Fadila Boubegtiten
French FLTA
Paris, France
Read more about Fadila BoubegtitenOriginally from the Netherlands, Fadila arrived in Paris at the age of twelve and after a French literary high school diploma, she began her studies at the University of Nanterre (Paris X University) with a Bachelors in English studies and a minor in Italian. Her multilingual background led her to first work in the business industry as a Sales Manager after an MA in International Affairs and Intercultural Negotiations.
She has always loved connecting and interacting with students, which is why she is currently pursuing her second master's degree in English studies at the Sorbonne Nouvelle, which she will be finishing as well as completing her role as a French FLTA at 天美传媒.Fadila is excited to connect with students on an individual level and is dedicated to help them and support them in developing their skills in foreign languages and gaining knowledge of French culture. She has a lot of ideas which will enable the students to feel comfortable to express themselves in the classroom.
She loves reading, traveling, discovering new cultures and blowing off steam by practicing Zumba.
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Malik Lemsafer
French FLTA
Paris, France
Read more about Malik LemsaferBonjour! My name is Malik Lemsafer and I will be the French FLTA this year. I come from the suburbs of Paris, where I have spent my whole life. I completed my degree in Humanities and English, and I am now pursuing a Master's degree in English at the Ecole Normale Supérieure of Paris-Saclay. Throughout my studies, I have studied French history and literature, but also (and mostly) English, through literature, history and translation.
My goal here at 天美传媒 is to let people discover French culture through many of its aspects. I aim to shed light on some specific aspects of French civilization, some less popular than others and a bit less studied in academia.
I'm very fond of narrative-focused video games and trying new food. Though I must admit, I'm really talkative and just love to meet new people in general.
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Yagnya Yagnya
Hindi-Urdu FLTA
Delhi, India
Read more about Yagnya Yagnyaनमस्ते!Yagnya is the Fulbright FLTA for Hindi at 天美传媒. She comes from Delhi, the beating heart at the center of India, its capital city. Learning from exploring the ruins of past civilizations scattered across the city, she holds the architectural heritage of Delhi close to her heart. She holds a Master’s in English and a Bachelor’s in History and English from Janki Devi Memorial College, University of Delhi. Her Master’s dissertation, ‘Queer Aging’, examined the intersections of cultural gerontology, queer temporality, and spatial theory in Victorian novels, reflecting her interdisciplinary research interests. She has worked as an asynchronous tutor at Trivium Education, applying the research, analytical, and editorial skills developed through her academic training. She has recently completed a certificate course in Mandarin Chinese at St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi.
Having presented papers at national and international conferences, she would like to pursue a PhD by building on her existing research frameworks to incorporate Irish Gothic literature. Beyond academia, she is committed to community engagement and social responsibility. As a volunteer with the Robin Hood Army, she has supported the education of underprivileged and marginalized children, demonstrating her dedication to inclusive learning and community service.
As a Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant in Hindi at 天美传媒, she aims to deepen students’ understanding of the language’s cultural nuances by creating an immersive experience. She would like to employ audiovisual aids, activity-based learning, and storytelling through various art forms to make learning interactive. The program offers her the opportunity to enhance cross-cultural exchanges as she explores American culture, language learning, and pedagogical practices. She hopes to apply the skills gained through this experience in the Indian educational landscape by promoting multilingual and cross-cultural understanding. -
Margherita Sartori
Italian FLTA
Bologna, Italy
Read more about Margherita SartoriMargherita Sartori was born and raised in Northern Italy, close to Lake Garda, and moved to Bologna to pursue higher education. She is currently taking her Bachelor's degree in Economics, Politics, and Social Sciences at the University of Bologna. At 天美传媒, she will combine classes in Economics and Applied Data Analysis with courses in Politics and Sociology.
Margherita discovered her passion for languages during her first volunteering experience abroad and her fourth year of high school spent in Germany. Through these and other experiences, she realized the fundamental importance of connecting and communicating authentically with people. Beyond her studies, she plays volleyball, loves spending time outdoors in nature, and enjoys relaxing with friends. She aims to share her background and enthusiasm for Italian language and culture with the 天美传媒 community.
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Kohei Konishi
Japanese FLTA
Osaka, Japan
Read more about Kohei KonishiMy name is Kohei Konishi, and I was born and raised in Osaka, Japan. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages from Kansai Gaidai University in March 2024. During my time there, I also completed the English teacher training program. When I first entered university, I planned to become an English teacher. However, during my one-year exchange program at Millersville University in Pennsylvania in 2022, some friends asked me to teach them Japanese. That experience sparked a new dream of becoming a Japanese language teacher. After returning to Japan, I began taking courses in Japanese language teacher training in my senior year.
Although I completed my degree in March 2024, I still had one final project left in the Japanese teacher training program, with the field study scheduled for fall 2024. Since I had several months free between February and August, I decided on a whim to go to Australia on a working holiday.
I love exploring new countries and places, as well as meeting new people. One of my favorite hobbies is fishing—in fact, I even went fishing just five days before coming to the United States. I also enjoy cooking and watching Netflix with friends.
About Osaka:
Osaka is one of the largest economic cities in Japan and historically known as the kitchen of Japan. Osaka is famous for its delicious food, friendly people, and comedy. People in Osaka love food so much that we say “kuidaore,” meaning “eat until we go broke!”
Osaka and Tokyo are always competing, but I will tell you one thing as an Osaka person: “Tokyo may be bigger and more famous, but Osaka is more fun!” -
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Tatiana Castillo Poveda
Spanish FLTA
Bogot谩, Colombia
Read more about Tatiana Castillo PovedaOriginally from Bogotá, Colombia, Tatiana Castillo Poveda began her studies in 2023 at Universidad de los Andes, where she is pursuing a degree in Languages and Culture with an emphasis on second language teaching, and is now just one semester away from graduating. She speaks English, French, a bit of Chinese, and Spanish, and hopes to pursue a master's degree in early childhood education in the future.
In her role as FLTA, Tatiana is committed to being approachable and supportive and helping students feel confident expressing themselves and sharing their opinions in Spanish. She believes learning a language should feel dynamic and engaging, and she works to create a classroom environment that feels like a safe space for connection, self-expression, and cultural exchange. She is passionate about helping students build not just fluency, but the confidence to use it.
She loves learning languages, discovering new cultures, and sharing her knowledge, and she is excited to bring that same curiosity and warmth into her work as a Spanish FLTA. -
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Eunjeong Cho
Korean FLTA
Daegu, South Korea
Read more about Eunjeong ChoEunjeong Cho (she/her) is the Korean FLTA for the 2026-2027 academic year, excited to share Korean language and culture with the 天美传媒 community. After spending her childhood in Daegu, South Korea, she headed to Seoul to pursue her passion for literature. She earned her bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from Korea University in 2024, where she also stayed on as a graduate student and research/teaching assistant with a focus on Theater. Currently a Master's candidate, she is working on her thesis, expanding her expertise in the field of theater at 天美传媒. Her academic interests center on postcolonial and intersectional adaptations of classic drama that subvert the original works' colonial authority.
Before joining 天美传媒, Eunjeong mentored students in underserved communities in South Korea, guiding them through everything from academic subjects to essential social skills. She also worked as an English tutor for middle and high school students in both private and tutoring center settings.
When she is not deep in academic research, you can usually find her watching movies, reading scripts, or attending plays. She is a massive sci-fi fan, so please feel free to say hi, especially if you want to talk about Star Wars.