Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA)
More details :
The Fulbright FLTA Program offers a unique nine-month experience for English teachers or professionals in related fields to enhance their skills and deepen their understanding of American society and culture. During the program, participants will serve as teaching assistants for their native language at a college or university in the United States, allowing them to refine their teaching skills, improve their English proficiency, and strengthen foreign language instruction. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, Fulbright FLTA participants will engage with their host communities through conversation groups, extracurricular activities, and community outreach projects.
Eligibility :
To be eligible for the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Nominations: Applicants must be nominated by a U.S. Embassy or a Fulbright Commission; independent applicants do not qualify.
Residence: Applicants must reside in the country of nomination at the time of application.
Education: Applicants must possess the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor's degree with a good academic record. Master's degrees are highly desirable at many institutions.
Professional Background: Applicants must be an early career teacher of English or training to become a teacher of English, or be an early career educator in a related field. Prior teaching experience is preferred.
English Language Proficiency: Applicants must be fluent in English, as demonstrated by a recent score of no less than 550 (Paper Based TOEFL), 79-80 (Internet Based TOEFL - IBT), or 6.0 (Overall Score International English Language Testing System - IELTS). Test scores must be submitted to IIE by indicating the institutional code 2326 on the day of the test.
Teamwork: Applicants must be able to work creatively and be self-reliant while being willing to work cooperatively as part of a team with faculty, staff, and students.
Adaptability: Applicants must be flexible and have a willingness to learn, and be adaptable to living in rural or urban areas.
Personal Qualities: Applicants must clearly demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity, and professionalism.
Citizenship: Applicants who hold U.S. citizenship or are dual citizens are not eligible for the program.
These requirements ensure that only well-qualified individuals who are dedicated to teaching and sharing their language and culture are selected to participate in the Fulbright FLTA program.
Required documents :
Application: Submit a web-based Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program application at https://apply.iie.org/flta2024.
Letters of Reference: Provide a minimum of three professional references from instructors, professors, or work supervisors.
Academic Transcripts: Submit official, certified copies of your academic records from all post-secondary institutions, with a translation if not in English.
Resume/CV: A compilation of work experience, education, skills, and other activities.
Diploma: Provide a copy of your diploma(s), with a translation if not in English.
English Proficiency Exam: Submit a valid English proficiency exam with a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT. Other exams may be reviewed but the TOEFL may be requested if selected for the program.
Teaching Methodologies Short Answer: Write a 300-500 word response on teaching methodologies and techniques to be used to teach your native language to U.S. students.
Cultural Ambassador Short Answer: Write a 300-500 word response on being a cultural ambassador in one of three scenarios.
Objectives and Motivations Statement: Write a 700-word essay on your background, qualifications, formative experiences, reasons for applying, and long-term career goals.
Biodata page of your passport: A page of your passport required by IIE to issue the DS-2019 form for the U.S. J-1 visa, with validity beyond 11/2025.
Fulbright Medical History Form: A form to be completed by you and your doctor, with deadlines determined by the Fulbright Office.
How to apply :
To apply for the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) program, interested individuals should follow the steps below:
Find a sponsor: Identify a U.S. Embassy or a Fulbright Commission in your home country and contact them to inquire about the application process.
Review the eligibility requirements: Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements for the program as outlined on the Fulbright FLTA program website or by the sponsoring U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission.
Prepare your application: Complete the application form and submit it along with the required supporting documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
Submit the application: Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission that is sponsoring your application.
Wait for the decision: After submitting your application, you will have to wait for the decision from the Fulbright FLTA program. Successful applicants will be notified by the sponsoring U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission.
Note: The application process for the Fulbright FLTA program can vary depending on the sponsoring U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission, so it is important to follow the instructions provided by the sponsor in your home country.
The Scholarship Benefits:
The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) program provides the following benefits to selected participants:
Financial support: Participants receive a stipend that covers living expenses, including room and board, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Health insurance: Participants receive comprehensive health insurance coverage for the duration of the program.
Cultural activities: Participants have the opportunity to participate in a variety of cultural activities, including conversation groups, extracurricular activities, and community outreach projects.
Professional development: Participants have the opportunity to refine their teaching skills, increase their English language proficiency, and extend their knowledge of U.S. society and culture while serving as teaching assistants.
Networking opportunities: Participants have the opportunity to meet and network with other educators and professionals from around the world.
J-1 visa sponsorship: Participants receive J-1 visa sponsorship for the duration of the program.
Travel support: Participants receive round-trip airfare to the host institution.
The benefits of the Fulbright FLTA program provide participants with a unique opportunity to develop their professional skills, immerse themselves in a new culture, and make meaningful contributions to their host institutions and communities.