In Poland, a Fulbright Recipient Teaches English and Scales Walls
Christopher Slipiec, a rock climber and political science major who graduated from Rutgers-New Brunswick in 2025, plans to pursue a law degree
Rutgers graduate Christopher Slipiec spent months in Europe reaching new heights – in the classroom and on rock walls.
A recipient of a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program grant, Slipiec taught English as a foreign language at the University of Siedlce in eastern Poland from September 2025 to June.
The 23-year-old rock climber, who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in psychology and critical intelligence from the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick in May 2025, plans to pursue a law degree.
A recipient of the Lloyd C. Gardner Fellowship as an undergraduate and driven by a call for public service, Slipiec, of Paramus, N.J., discusses embracing uncertainty with open arms, seeing the world through someone else’s eyes and rock climbing.
Describe your Fulbright experience.
I was responsible for teaching my own courses and making my own lesson plans.
Between adjusting to a different culture, teaching independently at the university level and building a life in a new country, this year has challenged me in ways I never imagined. It taught me resilience, flexibility and the importance of creating opportunities where they don't already exist.
In addition to teaching English to a variety of majors such as animal psychology, dietetics and tourism, I was also lucky enough to start a conversation group where students could practice communicating in English outside of the classroom.
Watching my students practice English, exchange ideas, discuss culture and build friendships was easily the most rewarding part of my time in Poland.
What have you gained from your time in Poland?
One of the most challenging aspects of the Fulbright program is that you are asked to uproot your life in America, leave behind the rhythms and routines that have come to define you and move across the world to begin a new chapter in a place where almost everything comes with a question mark.
Suddenly, things you once took for granted, like ordering a meal or making a friend, become a much bigger undertaking.
My time in Poland has taught me to embrace uncertainty with open arms. You never know when an awkward conversation at the coffee shop that takes twice as long due to a language barrier might lead to a lifelong friendship. Living abroad served as a reminder that some of the most meaningful experiences come when you least expect them.
How do you plan to apply what you’ve learned moving forward?
It has to be the value of stepping into an unfamiliar world and embracing it with empathy and curiosity.
Working abroad has taught me that there is much to learn if you are willing to see the world through someone else's eyes. You never know when staying open to different perspectives or experiences might change the way you see the world.
What brought you to Rutgers?
Rutgers was an obvious choice when I was applying to college. With COVID still an ever-present part of everyday life, I wanted to stay close to home in New Jersey.
Additionally, the Rutgers Department of Political Science and the Eagleton Institute of Politics helped me merge my passion for law with politics.
What drew you to your field of study?
I have always loved learning about government and politics. Growing up, I was a very curious child. When I saw something I could not understand, I would always ask questions to learn more about how the world works.
To the extent my questions didn't get me into trouble, my parents often told me about politics and how our government's laws structured society. As I grew older, I developed an appreciation for civic engagement and the use of politics as a tool to make the world a better place.
During my time at Rutgers, I was fortunate enough to major in political science and work under Distinguished Professor Milton Heumann, someone who has long inspired me to pursue law school in the future. After falling in love with the study of law and politics, it was the Eagleton Institute of Politics and Rutgers Scarlet Service programs that helped me develop a passion for public service.
With all of this in mind, I wanted a Fulbright experience that would help me further my passion for public service and apply what I learned in college to make an impact, no matter how small, on my students and host community.
What are your interests or hobbies?
During my time in Poland, I was lucky enough to gain access to an indoor rock-climbing facility. It was there that I made some of my happiest memories, interacting with random strangers and overcoming challenges that transcended any language barrier.
