Salaam Alaikum. Hello! My name is Laura Savage (yes, real last name). I was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but I always dreamed of traveling ever since I was a little girl. When I used to watch movies, I would imagine I was where the characters were acting in far off lands. For as long as I can remember, I've loved learning languages and meeting people from other countries. I majored in international relations and minored in French, but I also speak fluent Spanish and I am currently learning to speak Behasa Melayu, the national language here in Malaysia.
In college, I started teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) to people learning English in the U.S. I tutored young kids and I taught adults, too. I had never heard of Fulbright before a mentor, a college professor of mine, suggested that I apply. I spoke with many people who had done the program and they all helped me to apply. When I received the grant, it was one of the most exciting emotions I had ever felt. Fast forward almost one year and I'm finally living in Malaysia, teaching English and learning a whole new language. I'm really eager to share my experiences with you this year and I hope I inspire you all to travel someday, too!
