Luther student awarded an Austrian Teaching Assistantship

Joshua Hartl ’23, U.S. Teaching Assistant (USTA) in Austria for the 2023-24 academic year.

The Austrian-American Educational Commission has selected Luther College senior Joshua Hartl of Oskaloosa, Iowa, as a U.S. Teaching Assistant (USTA) in Austria for the 2023-24 academic year.

Administered by the Fulbright Commission, the AAEC has sent more than 3,000 college graduates to teach in Austria since 1962. Teaching assistants act as cultural ambassadors and promote mutual understanding across national borders. The program is funded primarily by direct contributions from the governments of the United States and Austria.

Hartl is graduating from Luther in May 2023 with majors in communication studies, international studies and German, as well as a minor in theater. He has previously studied in Germany. He will serve as an English teaching assistant in Leoben, about an hour north of Graz.

“I wanted to do the USTA program to get experience living and working outside of the United States,” said Hartl. “I also believe education to be an invaluable opportunity to create a better future and want to do so by sharing my skills, unique perspectives and knowledge to the youth of Austria.”

He added, “I chose Austria because I am an adventurer at heart. Its beautiful landscape of mountains, rivers and snow are perfect for all of my outdoor interests.” In his free time, he plans to enjoy the many opportunities for outdoor sports that the region offers.

After his USTA position ends, Hartl hopes to seek further employment in Europe. “I want to find more places to call home and ways to make a positive impact wherever I am,” Hartl said. “I believe this assistantship will help me better understand what I am passionate about and how to use my talents to benefit those around me.”

“Ultimately, I hope it helps me find and narrow my choices for a more focused career after the assistantship,” Hartl added. “I also think working as a teacher with students abroad will teach me valuable lessons and skills applicable to whatever the future holds for me.”

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.