Grossman '19 Explores Italy as Fulbright Scholar

4/10/2024

After graduating from Chatham Hall, Maddi Grossman '19 fell in love with the Italian language and culture.

Initially studying psychology at Mount Holyoke College, Grossman switched her major to Italian with an art history minor before voyaging to Italy for a semester abroad. For six months in 2022, she explored, lived, and learned in Bologna while working on a thesis on Italian literature. These experiences set the stage for Grossman to apply to the Fulbright Scholar Program.

“After studying abroad in Bologna, I knew I wanted to spend more time living in Italy before graduate school. I had some language teaching experience from college, so I decided to apply to become an English teaching assistant in an Italian high school with Fulbright,” Grossman said.

As a Fulbright Scholar, Grossman was granted a comprehensive stipend for living expenses, allowing her to not only gain teaching experience, but live in an immersive environment, learn about the culture and region, and have a truly authentic experience.

“It’s been very challenging and very rewarding,” she said. “It has been a tremendous growth experience, and despite the challenges, I’m extremely grateful to be here and have this opportunity to speak a language I love and interact with wonderful people every day.”

Following her time in Campania, Italy, Grossman will continue her exploration of Italian studies at the University of Notre Dame in pursuit of a master’s degree.

During her time at Chatham Hall, Grossman was a member of the Gold Team and an accomplished rider. A Massachusetts-native, she credits the School in helping prepare her for the experiences she’s had since graduating.

“In my two years at Chatham Hall, the rigorous coursework was immensely helpful in preparing me for university study,” said Grossman. “I also feel that living far from home in high school prepared me well to live far from home in university, and now after graduation. It helped me become more independent and resourceful.”

Back