The US embassy Vientiane is pleased to announce the FY 2022 competition for the academic year 2022-2023 Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) program. The Fulbright FLTA Program has been an integral part of the Fulbright Foreign Student Program since 1968. In FY 2022, we expect approximately 400 participants from all world areas to participate in the Fulbright FLTA program, depending upon the availability of funds and any changes to the program necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Program Description
The Fulbright FLTA Program is a nine-month, non-degree program for early career (not more than seven years of teaching experience) English teachers or professionals in related fields to teach their native language in an American college or university. Candidates who are teachers in the fields of American Studies, Journalism and Media, American/English Literature, and teachers of their own language as a foreign language will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
In preparation for their return to careers in their home countries at the conclusion of the program, participants have the opportunity to refine their teaching skills, increase their English language proficiency, and extend their knowledge of the society and culture of the United States while serving as teaching assistants for their native language to U.S. students and strengthening foreign language instruction at U.S. colleges and universities. Fulbright FLTA participants also interact with their host communities in conversation groups, extracurricular activities, and community outreach projects.
Fulbright FLTA participants will assist in up to twenty hours of language classes a week and are required to enroll in at least two courses per semester, one of which must be in U.S. Studies. Coursework is offered on either an audit or credit basis. Fulbright FLTA participants will also be expected to facilitate in-person or virtual cultural events, language clubs, and language tables.
Fulbright FLTA participants will be required to attend two activities, which are sponsored by ECA and coordinated by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the program implementing partner. Upon arrival in the United States, attendance at a U.S.-based orientation during summer 2022, prior to arrival at host institutions in August, is required of all Fulbright FLTAs. Additionally, Fulbright FLTA participants will be required to attend a mid-year enrichment conference in the United States (December 2022) to receive additional training on teaching techniques and pedagogy and share information about their current teaching experiences with other Fulbright FLTA participants.
Prospective FLTAs should be aware that they will need to be flexible in terms of program activities due to possible COVID-19-related adjustments to the 2022-23 academic year. Program adjustments may include the requirement to teach remotely, assist with teaching responsibilities online, or attend virtual sponsored activities such as orientations or the mid-year conference.
Fulbright FLTA participants are required to return to their home countries upon completion of the nine-month program. The Fulbright FLTA program does not support dependents or family members. Candidates may not have any dependents accompany them for any length of time during the program, although family and friends may visit program participants during holiday periods. As an extension of this policy, pregnant candidates may not participate in the program if the birth is expected during the program period.
Fulbright FLTA Program awards provide:
A monthly stipend
Accident and illness coverage
Travel support
Waiver of tuition fees for the required coursework
Eligibility Requirements:
Hold Lao citizenship
Reside in Laos (throughout the application & selection process)
Have at least one undergraduate degree
Currently be a teacher of English or a professional of related fields
A valid minimum TOEFL iBT score of 79 or IELTS 6.0
HOW to apply?
All applicants must APPLY ONLINE at: https://apply.iie.org/FLTA2022
A complete online application package must include:
An online application
Original Transcripts with certified English translations
Original bachelor degrees with certified English translations
Three letters of recommendation
A valid TOEFL or IELTS score report.
A CV or resume (maximum 2 pages)
The Instructions for FLTA Online Application is available for download here (PDF).
Deadline for application submission: August 20, 2021
Individuals in the following circumstances are not eligible for the Fulbright Program:
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the United States;
- Individuals currently studying, residing, or working outside of Laos;
- Local employees who work for the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). These U.S. government employees are also ineligible to apply for one year following the termination of employment;
- Immediate family members (i.e. spouses and dependent children) of U.S. Department of State and USAID employees. These family members are also ineligible to apply for one year following the termination of employment.
SELECTION CRITERIA
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. Candidates should have a desire to meet people and become a part of their host community by participating in community events and campus activities. Candidates should also be creative and self-reliant team players, who are able to maintain excellent relationships with faculty, staff, and students.
FLTA applicants should be energetic, early career educators capable of succeeding in the dual role of teaching assistant and student. They must be open to living with their U.S. student peers in undergraduate or graduate level campus housing. They must also be open to engaging with faculty and staff with maturity and professionalism.
Preference is given to those candidates who have little or have no prior experience living in the United States. Participants will have no input with regard to placement at U.S. institutions, and should know that one goal of the Fulbright FLTA program is to place participants in all 50 states, at institutions representing the diversity of American education.
Applicants must demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity, and professionalism. Material misrepresentation (e.g., plagiarism) at any time during the application or grant period is grounds for selection withdrawal or grant termination, as well as ineligibility for future participation.
Timeline
June – August 2021: program announcement
August 2021: Application deadline & Application review
September 2021: Interviews & Nominations
March – May 2022: U.S. university placement
August – September 2022: Visa application & departure
For more information of contact:
Email: USGscholarshipslaos@state.gov
