Jackson Academy alumna Avery Anderson ‘18, valedictorian of her graduating class, is sharing American culture with students in Austria as a Fulbright English teaching assistant. Through the program, she is helping students strengthen their English skills while learning about life and culture in a new country.
Avery lives in Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, the capital city of Austria’s southernmost state, Carinthia, and teaches in the nearby town of St. Veit an der Glan. Bordering Slovenia and Italy, the region offers a unique mix of cultures and languages. Each day, Avery takes a short train ride through the Alps, passing castles, vineyards, and snow-capped mountains on her way to school.
As a native-speaking assistant, Avery teaches 13 lessons each week to students ages 12 to 19 at two schools on the same campus. One is a college-preparatory high school, known as a Gymnasium, while the other is a vocational school for students pursuing careers in hospitality and tourism.
Her lessons focus on building students’ confidence in speaking English while learning about American culture. For Avery, the opportunity to share her Mississippi roots with students has been a rewarding part of the experience.
“It’s such a joy getting to share my experiences growing up in Mississippi with the kids!” Avery said.
Avery credits her time at JA with shaping her appreciation for a well-rounded education. Through academics, choir, and theater, she explored her interests beyond the classroom and formed friendships that have lasted well past graduation.
“JA taught me the value of a well-rounded high school experience,” Avery said. “While I always strove to work hard in my classes, my teachers and mentors emphasized that a truly multidisciplinary education isn’t just about getting the grade.”
After graduating from JA, Avery attended Tulane University in New Orleans, where she continued exploring her interests through the college newspaper and radio station. After college, she began working as a copywriter at Zehnder Communications, a New Orleans advertising agency, while continuing to travel and pursue her interest in language.
A trip to Vienna sparked Avery’s love of German. After returning to the United States, she enrolled in weekly German classes at the Deutsches Haus in New Orleans. After a couple of years of practice and a few more brief trips abroad, she decided to pursue an opportunity that would allow her to keep learning and experience another culture firsthand.
Avery first learned about the Fulbright Austria program through a college mentor and decided to apply. Tulane’s Office of Fellowship Advising supported her throughout the application process, offering feedback as she refined her materials. Avery received news of her acceptance in spring 2026 and began preparing for her move to Austria.
During her year abroad, Avery hopes to immerse herself in the Austrian community, foster cultural exchange, and learn more about the country. In her first month, she traveled to Slovenia and Germany and attended events that introduced her to Austrian traditions.
“My motto here is ‘say yes to every opportunity,’ and so far it’s taken me all the way from Oktoberfest to Maturaball, the Austrian version of high school prom,” Avery said.
In the classroom, Avery hopes to give her students a deeper understanding of American history and culture beyond what they see in the news or movies. Her lessons and conversations cover topics ranging from the importance of midterm elections to the history of New Orleans voodoo.
For current JA students interested in studying, teaching, or living abroad, Avery encourages them to explore the opportunities and resources available to help them take the next step.
“You can do it, and you don’t have to do it alone!” Avery said. She recommends connecting with a future college’s study abroad office or exploring government-funded programs such as Fulbright.
“While adjusting to a new culture (and a new language) isn’t always as glamorous as it looks, the chance to connect with people from around the globe is absolutely invaluable,” Avery said. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world!”
