Emma Sweigart

1. What do you do?

Since graduation, I’ve been living abroad teaching English as a foreign language. I’m currently working on my master’s degree in education at Sorbonne University and student teaching.

2. What’s the coolest part of your job?

My work is always bringing me to new and exciting places. My first year after graduation, living in Dakar, Senegal, I met interesting people from all over the world and from all walks of life, and I even learned to surf.

After that, I lived in a tiny town in the mountains of eastern France, where this Atlanta native experienced both small-town life and a really snowy winter for the first time (and lived to tell the tale). Now that I’m in Paris, I get to enjoy some of the best museums in the world — not to mention the amazing food! I’ve been so lucky to meet the most incredible people, travel a lot, and expand my horizons along the way.

3. Why are you passionate about it?

My love for language and literature runs deep — I’m the kind of person who’s always reading two or three books at any given time — but I also have a strong analytical side, and teaching is the perfect bridge between the two.

I get to share my enthusiasm for the English language with my students while collecting data to analyze their progress and using research-backed strategies to support their growth. The combination of creativity, logic, and human connection is just right for me, and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing my students grow.

4. Which skills from your IAC degree have helped you be successful in this career?

To be a good teacher, you have to be a good communicator. My LMC degree taught me to communicate clearly and effectively, which helps me break down concepts and meet my students where they are.

My digital media and content creation skills enable me to create engaging, innovative lessons that prepare my students for an increasingly technology-driven world. I’m also grateful for my research experience, which allows me to develop an evidence-based approach by drawing on the latest advances in education.

In addition to these skills, my experiences as an IAC student set me on my current trajectory. My first time visiting Dakar was actually back in 2019 when I went on the LBAT Senegal program. I took French and Wolof classes and conducted field research on the application of educational technology in Senegalese schools. This experience sparked a lasting interest in international exchange and education, inspiring me to apply for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant grant that brought me back to Dakar after graduation.

5. What’s your #1 tip for students and alumni interested in your field?

Do things that scare you! I had never lived outside of metro Atlanta before graduation, and the idea of moving halfway across the world was beyond intimidating — but I did it, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Whether applying for a master’s program in your second language or organizing a last-minute trip on a shoestring budget, taking risks opens the door to new opportunities and growth. Don’t wait until you feel ready — you might end up waiting forever.