Each academic year, Fulbright offers English teaching assistantships to recent college graduates, young professionals, and graduate students who wish to engage in language and cultural exchange with English language learners abroad. Awards are for one academic year with assistantships available in primary schools, secondary schools, or universities, depending on the assignment. Those selected for assistantships enjoy free round-trip transportation to the host country, free room, board, and incidentals while in the host country, as well as accident and sickness health benefits. Applicants choose to apply for the opportunity that most closely aligns with their language interests and professional goals and choose from a wide variety of host countries; there are currently 69 countries offering grants for the 2016-2017 cycle.

Application materials consist of: biographical data, statement of grant purpose, foreign language evaluation (if applicable), references, personal statement, and transcripts.  Applicants are required to submit application materials to their universities first for institutional review consisting of a campus interview and feedback from the institution’s Fulbright Program Adviser and the campus interview committee. Materials are then forwarded to Fulbright for national screening committee review, and, lastly, finalists are sent to an in-country committee for final recommendations.

Any student who anticipates having an undergraduate degree conferred by the grant start date and a desire to learn about other cultures and assist language learners is eligible to apply, regardless of major. The application deadline of October 13^th for AY 2016-2017 assistantships is fast-approaching, though online applications for the 2017-2018 academic year will be open in late March, 2016. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to expand horizons, gain professional experience, or begin a career in ESL. If you are currently a student or involved in higher education and work with undergraduates, recent graduates, or graduate students who are interested in pursuing opportunities abroad, please visit the Fulbright website for comprehensive program information and application instructions at: http://us.fulbrightonline.org/applicants/getting-started.

Experienced and well-qualified higher education ESL instructors and administrators interested in serving on the 2017-2018 national screening committee should contact Jennifer Rockafellow (Jennifer.rockafellow@purduecal.edu) for more information.