Ricardo Soares ‘12 Receives Fulbright Award

Ricardo Soares '12

Born to parents who have spent their careers in international relations, Soares has lived in Angola, Cape Verde, Italy, Laos, Niger and Portugal. He is fluent in Portuguese, English, Cape Verdean Creole and Spanish. He is eager to learn Cantonese, Macau’s second official language to Portuguese, or Mandarin, once he arrives in Macau. 

“I chose to teach in Macau with the intent to learn more about its culture and history, and to study it as a model for successful socio-economic development,” said Soares, who has a minor in economics. “I am profoundly interested in this paradigm and hope to examine and study it in considerable depth—first, in Macau and later, in graduate school. I plan to use this opportunity to learn from the people of Macau and, at the same time, to share my experiences with them.” 

Soares will be placed in a university, where he will be assigned various activities to strengthen students’ English language skills and knowledge of the United States. Fulbright English Teaching Assistant activities may include serving as a resource person in conversation groups; providing small group tutorials; serving as an attendant in a language laboratory; and giving talks related to American studies in English classes or civic/school organizations. 

Before transferring to Marymount Manhattan in September 2009, Ricardo studied at the United National International School (New York) and at the American International College (Springfield, Mass.) At Marymount Manhattan, Soares is the public relations representative for the International Studies Club. Last summer, he studied advanced Spanish composition and Spanish civilization at the International College of Seville in Spain. He has held internships at the United Nations ITSD (Information Technology Service Desk), the Office of New York State Senator Liz Krueger, and the Election Campaign Office of New York State Senator Tony Avella. After he completes the Fulbright program, Soares plans to go to graduate school and launch a career in international relations. 

“My multicultural background, academic education, study abroad experience, internships and the support from Marymount Manhattan professors and staff in particular have all helped to focus my ideas for a career in the social sciences and secure the Fulbright award,” Soares said. “By enriching my academic training and my capacity to engage with other cultures, the Fulbright ETA will advance my preparation for graduate school and my professional career.” 

The Fulbright Program is administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Currently, the U.S. Student Program annually awards approximately 1,700 grants to U.S. citizens to study, research or assistant-teach overseas. 

Marymount Manhattan College is an urban, independent, liberal arts college. The mission of the College is to educate a socially and economically diverse student body by fostering intellectual achievement and personal growth and by providing opportunities for career development.

Published: April 24, 2012