¡Hola! Hello!
My name is Yanesi Gonzalez, and I am currently serving as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) to primary-aged students in Puerto del Rosario which is the main city in Fuerteventura, the second-largest island of the Canary Islands, Spain!
Before moving to this sunny island off the coast of Northwestern Africa, I grew up in South Florida and graduated from the University of Miami in December 2025 with a degree in Political Science. During my time in college, I served as a Student Government Senator, helped incoming students feel welcome as an Orientation Fellow, and interned in the U.S. House of Representatives, where I assisted constituents with federal casework. I also founded a youth mock trial program at a local middle school to help students practice public speaking and learn about their rights, manifesting my passion for education and mentorship that I bring into my classroom every day!
My ultimate career goal is to become an immigration attorney to advocate for immigrant communities. To help prepare for this path, I have spent time volunteering as a remote tutor, guiding green card holders through U.S. history and civics to prepare them for their naturalization interviews and citizenship exams. Living and working abroad in Spain as a Fulbright grantee is an incredible extension of this journey. It gives me the opportunity to immerse myself in new cultural perspectives, build deeper cross-cultural communication skills, and understand the lived experience of navigating a different country firsthand.
Living in Fuerteventura feels like a brand-new adventure. The Canary Islands are known for their dramatic volcanic landscapes, endless golden sand dunes, turquoise ocean waters, and famous winds that make it a world-class destination for windsurfing. Every day, I get to help young Spanish students discover the English language while I learn about Canary Island culture, local traditions, and the unique island environment.
I am so excited to take you along on this journey with me through Reach the World! Over the next few months, I will be sharing stories about daily life in Spain, what it is like living on an island in the Atlantic Ocean, and the amazing things my students and I are discovering together. Get ready to explore, ask questions, and learn about a whole new corner of the globe with me!
Want to learn how you could be a Fulbright Scholar like me? The Fulbright Program is the United States government's flagship international exchange program. Fulbrighters foster mutual understanding between the United States and partner nations, share knowledge across communities, and improve lives around the world. Learn more by clicking here!
