Foreign Language Teaching Assistant

Program Description

The FLTA program is a nine-month, non-degree program aimed at strengthening foreign language instruction at U.S. colleges and universities, and some high schools, while providing future teachers of English with the opportunity to refine their skills, increase their English language proficiency and extend their knowledge of U.S. society and culture. FLTA fellows also interact with their host communities in conversation groups, extracurricular activities and community outreach projects. FLTA fellows must return to their home countries upon completion of the program.

FLTA fellows may assist in or teach up to two language classes and are required to enroll in at least two courses per semester, one of which must be in U.S. Studies. The remaining course work should relate to their careers in English language teaching. FLTA fellows will also be expected to facilitate cultural events, language clubs and language tables.

FLTA fellows will be required to attend an orientation in the summer of 2009 before arriving at their host institutions. FLTA fellows will also be required to attend a mid-year enrichment workshop to share and discuss foreign language teaching best practices and their current teaching experiences with other FLTA fellows.

Background

Beginning in July 2001, the FLTA program, for decades an integral part of the Fulbright Student Program, expanded to place more emphasis on the critical languages of the Near East, South Asia, Africa, East Asia, and Europe/Eurasia and the Western Hemisphere. In 2008, we expect to place approximately 400 FLTA fellows in all languages.

Action: We are now soliciting nominations from Brazil for candidates to participate in the 2009 Fulbright FLTA program. The deadline for receipt of applications is November 15, 2008.

Eligibility: applicants must be teachers of English or in training to become teachers of English. Preference will be given to candidates who possess a MA degree in the area. Candidates who holds the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor's degree before December 2008, may also be accepted.

Fluency in English is mandatory, demonstrated by a score of no less than 550 (Paper Based TOEFL); 213 (Computer Based TOEFL - CBT); 79-80 (internet based TOEFL - IBT) or 6.0 (overall score International English Language Testing System - IELTS).

Applicants must demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity and professionalism. Applicants must be residing in their home country throughout the nomination and selection process.

Applicants must be between 21 and 29 years old at the time of application.

FLTA fellows are required to return to their home countries upon completion of the nine-month program.

No extension requests for fellows will be supported.

Dependents are not allowed to accompany fellows on this program.

Nomination and Selection: Selection will be based on the candidates’ leadership skills, ability to motivate students to learn, and interest in teaching their native language and culture to U.S. students.

Ideal candidates for the FLTA program have a desire to meet people and become a part of their host community by participating in community events and campus activities. FLTA fellows should also be creative and self-reliant team players, who are able to maintain excellent relationships with faculty, staff and students.

Preference will be given to those candidates who have little or no prior experience living in the United States.

Fellows must be flexible with placements at smaller or more ethnically diverse academic institutions in order to meet the goal of the FLTA program to place fellows in all 50 States and at diverse institutions.

Any applicant who is seeking a U.S. degree should not be considered for the FLTA program.

Application Procedures: Each candidate will be required to submit an on-line application via the on-line at https://apply.embark.com/student/fulbright/flta.

Application Package: A complete application package includes:

• the on-line application
• academic transcripts
• letters of reference
• TOEFL or IELTS score report, which should be forwarded to the Commission no later than January 15, 2009

Successful candidates will be notified of their awards by May 2009.

Benefits: All FLTA fellows receive a monthly stipend, accident and sickness coverage, roundtrip ticket, travel support. U.S. host institutions may provide tuition waivers to support the required coursework.

Additional information: rejania@fulbright.org.br http://www.fulbright.org.br