HWS News
17 March 2025 • Alums Embarking on an English Language Fellowship in Senegal
In Senegal, Brandi Taylor ’19, MAT ’21 is working for the U.S. Department of State as an English Language Fellow.
Hobart and William Smith alumna Brandi Taylor ’19, MAT ’21 has embarked on a transformative journey to Senegal, West Africa, where she is completing a 10-month English language teaching fellowship. Supported by the U.S. Department of State, Taylor leads intensive training and engages in daily cultural exchanges—a pursuit deeply rooted in her experience with HWS’ Teacher Education Program.
This fellowship comes at a pivotal moment for Senegal’s education system. For the first time, English is being introduced at the primary school level, a change Taylor views as a significant opportunity. She believes the initiative will “enhance core cognitive function and improve communication among young children.” Confident in the training she received at HWS, Taylor enjoys working alongside local educators to navigate this new chapter. “I’m honored to be supporting other educators as they build a new, improved system of language teaching together,” she says.
Taylor’s path to Senegal has been shaped by a wealth of professional and academic experiences. Prior to her fellowship, she worked full-time as an English teacher at Geneva High School while also serving as the co-advisor of the Social Justice Club. Her interest in global education was sparked during a 2018 short-term study abroad program in Kenya as an undergraduate at HWS. “Being introduced to the culture and diversity of Kenya inspired me to return as a Fulbright Fellow to reflect on my positionality in the world and learn the role that Kenya’s culture plays within Black communities in the United States,” she says.
Her journey gained momentum with her Fulbright placement in Kenya in 2022, where she forged connections with English Language Fellows. These mentors provided invaluable guidance on the fellowship application process. “They gave me application and interview tips that helped me become a Fellow myself,” Taylor shares, crediting their insights as a cornerstone of her success.
Taylor attributes much of her confidence and pedagogical foundation to the support she received from HWS faculty. “The professors in the Education Program gave me the tools I needed to teach pedagogy to educators around the world,” she says.
She also credits Fellowship Advisor Scott MacPhail for her success. "I believe his support in me is just as important as the professors within the Education Program," she says. "I can confidently say that without his help, I would not have received the three State Department funded fellowships I have been blessed with throughout the years. "
Even now, she values the ongoing connection with her mentors. “No matter where I am in the world, the professors at HWS are just a phone call, text or Zoom meeting away.”
Top: Brandi Taylor '19, MAT '21 visits an English language class led by Almamy Sane of Peyrisac High School in Ziguinchor, Senegal.
