Application Deadline: Varying by Country
The Fulbright FLTA Program is sponsored by the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). As part of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, the Fulbright FLTA Program is designed to develop Americans’ knowledge of foreign cultures and languages by supporting teaching assistantships in over 30 languages at hundreds of U.S. institutions of higher education. The program offers educators from over 50 countries the opportunity to develop their professional skills and gain first-hand knowledge of the U.S., its culture and its people.
U.S. campuses enhance their teaching of languages and expose students to a true understanding of people of different nations. Like the more than 1,800 Foreign Fulbright Fellows that enter U.S. academic programs each year, Fulbright FLTAs apply to the program through the Fulbright Commission/Foundation or U.S. Embassy in their home countries. The Institute of International Education (IIE) arranges academic placement for most Fulbright FLTA nominees and supervise participants during their stay in the United States.
The Role of the U.S. Host Institutions
U.S. host institutions devise the FLTAs’ assistanceships in the United States. The needs of each host institution differ. Thus, each FLTA’s program is tailored to the needs of the institution and qualifications of the selected TA. In general, however, the host institution appoints a Supervisor who:
- tailors the FLTA’s program to meet the department’s unique needs.
- acts as a mentor to the FLTA.
- assists the FLTA to adjust to the U.S. and to solve any issues/problems that may arise.
- serves as IIE’s main contact.
The FLTA’s Program
- Will be up to 20 hours per week in various educational activities designated by the Supervisor.
- Will include the opportunity to take two courses per semester on an audit or credit basis, that is beneficial to their teaching career, as determined in consultation with the Supervisor.
- One course taken during the year must be in U.S. studies.
- Africa
Kenya • Mauritania • Nigeria • Senegal • South Africa • Tanzania
North Africa
Algeria • Egypt • Libya • Morocco • Tunisia
Requirements
All Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) program applicants must be nominated by a U.S. Embassy or a Fulbright Commission; independent applicants do not qualify. You are eligible to participate in the Fulbright FLTA program if you:
- Reside in the country of nomination at the time of application
- Possess the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor’s degree with a good academic record; Master’s degrees are highly desirable at many institutions
- Are an early career teacher of English or training to become a teacher of English, or are an early career educator in a related field; prior teaching experience is preferred
- Have a sincere interest in teaching your native language and culture to students in the U.S.
- Are 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 can be submitted to IIE by indicating the institutional code 2326 on the day of the test
- Are able to work creatively and be self-reliant while being willing to work cooperatively as part of a team with faculty, staff and students
- Are flexible and have a willingness to learn
- Are adaptable to living in rural or urban areas
- Clearly demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity and professionalism
- Do not hold U.S. citizenship; dual citizens are not eligible for the program participation
Benefit:
The grant covers the grantee’s round trip airfare to the U.S., a settling-in allowance, monthly stipend, housing allowance, health insurance, and tuition scholarship for their coursework. Provisions will be made for participants to attend a Fulbright FLTA Summer Orientation in the United States prior to beginning their program.
During the FLTA program, fellows are also invited to participate in special Fulbright enrichment seminar and conference for professional development and networking opportunity.
How to Apply
The Fulbright Program for Foreign Students and Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTAs) is administered by binational Fulbright Commissions/Foundations or U.S. Embassies. All Foreign Student and FLTA Program applications are processed by these offices.
Program eligibility and selection procedures vary widely by country. Please use the drop-down menu below to find information about the Fulbright Program in your home country, including eligibility requirements and application guideline.
- Kenya
- Mauritania
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Tanzania
For More Information: