Mariany Monteiro’s story begins in Boa Sorte, a small neighborhood in Cariacica, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Growing up in a humble family, she learned early the value of hard work and perseverance. Her parents encouraged her to study and dream, even when opportunities seemed limited. For Mariany, school was more than a place to learn—it was a gateway to new worlds. Books, stories, and English-language pop culture sparked a fascination that would shape her future.
Her first major step toward realizing those dreams came during high school when she discovered a government-funded scholarship to study English in Canada. Despite initial setbacks, Mariany’s determination never wavered. In 2018, she traveled to Toronto for a three-month program that not only improved her English but also deepened her appreciation for cultural exchange. This experience inspired her to help other students access similar opportunities and cemented her belief in the transformative power of language learning.
Back in Brazil, Mariany pursued a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature at the Federal University of Espírito Santo, graduating in 2023. During her undergraduate years, she gained teaching experience across diverse contexts—from bilingual schools to public institutions and specialized educational programs for students with disabilities. Notably, teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP) at her university allowed her to develop materials and explore curriculum design, laying the foundation for her teaching philosophy.
Mariany has taught students ranging from second and third graders to teenagers, in both private and public schools. She describes teaching as “challenging, but so good,” with a preference for smaller classes where she can foster deeper connections. Her experiences highlight stark disparities in Brazilian education: while private school students often have access to global opportunities, public school students frequently face limited resources and unsafe environments. Yet, these challenges have strengthened her commitment to using education as a tool for transformation.
The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program represents the next step in Mariany’s journey. She discovered Fulbright in 2022 and saw it as a chance to study abroad again, enrich her teaching practice, and connect cultures. Beyond professional growth, the program offers her the opportunity to inspire her students in Brazil by sharing stories of perseverance and achievement.
Mariany’s passion for teaching is personal as well as professional. She cherishes the support of her loved ones, including Marcio, her former teaching assistant and now a primary school teacher, and Clara-Maria, a reminder of the gifts life can bring. She hopes to continue teaching K–5 students and eventually pursue a master’s in English in the U.S. or Canada, with long-term plans for a PhD.
Her advice to language learners is simple but profound: embrace mistakes, be patient, and immerse yourself in the language through music, movies, and stories. For Mariany, learning English opened doors she never imagined, and she is determined to help others do the same. Her favorite word in her native language, saudade, encapsulates the bittersweet beauty of longing and connection—a feeling she carries with her as she bridges cultures and inspires students.
Mariany Monteiro’s journey is a testament to the power of dreaming big, working hard, and using education to transform lives. From Boa Sorte to the world stage, she exemplifies how determination and passion can turn challenges into opportunities, creating ripples of change for generations to come.
About the CSLC
The Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures (CSLC) aims to support language learners at ND by facilitating meaningful experiences with linguistic acquisition and exchange both in our campus community and abroad. We believe that access to the world's languages and cultures allows us to seek out new perspectives, to value the diversity of the world's cultures, and to embody global citizenship.