Gabe Covington, a recent University of Nevada, Reno master’s graduate with a degree in Spanish literature, has been selected for a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program teaching award. This honor will take him to Spain in the fall for a nine-month appointment to teach English through the Language Assistants Program.

“Teaching is rewarding in ways that you can find in very few other places; the interaction, the relationships, helping students step towards their future,” Covington said.

He has been placed at the IES Plurilingual secondary school in Valga, a town of approximately 6,000 residents, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls in the province of Pontevedra, Spain.

Covington credits the strength of his application to assistance from the University during the two-month process, and much of his success to the invaluable mentorship of his graduate director, Wifredo de Ràfols, alongside the guidance provided by the Office of Undergraduate Fellowships.

“Gabe Covington is among the top three graduate students I’ve had the honor to work with,” de Ràfols, Ph.D., associate professor in Spanish and the graduate director for World Languages and Literatures in the College of Liberal Arts, said. “His kindness, sharp wit and sociability round out his character in a way that enriches the lives of all who have had the pleasure of meeting him.”

The Fulbright application process – comprised of written materials, letters of recommendation and interviews – was demanding, but Covington said he welcomed the challenge.

“I was grateful to have the opportunity to apply in the first place,” he said. "If you are a student, apply through the University; it offers much more support."

The Office of Undergraduate Fellowships provides advising, application support and preparation resources from early exploration through submission.

“It takes strong drive and passion to go through an application process like Fulbright; fellowship applications need to build a story, and Gabe’s did just that,” Kaden Ackerson, program manager for the University’s Office of Undergraduate Fellowships, said. “His experience with language, music and education came together to create a personality-filled and purpose-driven proposal. It’s no surprise that he was selected.” 

This success stems in part from his previous connection to the country. Covington is already well-acquainted with Spain, having completed a 2023 study abroad program in Madrid through the University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC).

During his undergraduate studies, Covington double-majored in math and in Spanish.

“USAC is an amazing choice,” he said. “It was worth it, especially for double majors, as oftentimes college is the only time you get to experience something like that.”

However, he explained that he wanted to return and experience true cultural exchange and immersion.

“I lived there as a student, but I wanted to really live out there and see what life is like on the other side of the ocean.”

The Fulbright program was the ideal next step to achieve that connection.

“It was a no-brainer,” he said.

During his time in Galicia, Covington will not only be teaching English to students but will also be involved in a music-related community project. 

“My background in music is definitely less common there,” he said.

Covington plays the fiddle and describes his music as having a bluegrass influence. He hopes to bring this unique background to the community project.

“I look at the music project as a bridge between cultures; a delicate balance between finding who you are and where you stand, and where everyone else is,” Covington said.

“Gabe has so many varied interests,” Jenna Altherr Flores, Ph.D., director of the Office of Undergraduate Fellowships, said. “He has a lot to share and plenty to learn. We are looking forward to hearing about his experiences and seeing what he brings back to Reno from Spain.”

If you have any questions or want to inquire about applying to a Fulbright program, please email ouf@unr.edu.