The U.S. Embassy Dushanbe Public Diplomacy Section is pleased to announce the 2021-2022 competition for the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), the Fulbright FLTA Program is a nine-month non-degree program aimed at strengthening foreign language instruction at U.S. colleges and universities, while providing current or 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. Fulbright FLTA participants also interact with their host communities in conversation groups, extracurricular activities, and community outreach projects. Fulbright FLTA participants must return to their home countries upon completion of the program.
Fulbright FLTA participants may 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 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). There is both an orientation after participants’ arrivals in the United States and prior to their arrivals at U.S. host institutions as well as a mid-year conference. Upon arrival in the United States, attendance at a U.S.-based orientation during summer 2021, 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 2021) 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 flexibility will be required due to possible COVID-19-related adjustments to the 2021-22 academic year, including the requirement to teach remotely and assist with online teaching responsibilities.
Applicants are typically teachers of English or in training to become teachers of English, and at minimum must possess the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor’s degree by June 1, 2021 to allow time to submit an official transcript prior to the start of the Fulbright FLTA Program. 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). Satisfactory TOEFL or IELTS scores should be obtained from candidates prior to the interview stage, if possible. TOEFL vouchers can be requested from IIE if needed. Vouchers should be requested prior to nominations. If TOEFL or IELTS scores are delayed upon announcement of nominees, an English language proficiency report should be submitted. However, TOEFL or IELTS scores for final nominees should subsequently be submitted to IIE by February 15, 2021.
Applicants must demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity, and professionalism. 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 and also engaging with faculty and staff with maturity and professionalism.
Applicants must be residing in their home countries throughout the nomination and selection process and must intend to return to their home countries immediately following the nine-month FLTA program. ECA will not support any extension requests for FLTAs. Participants must fulfill the two year home residency requirement required by exchange participants’ J-1 visas, in which they pledge to demonstrate their commitment to enhancing mutual understanding by returning to their home countries and sharing the skills and knowledge that they have gained as program participants. Applicants with active applications for permanent residency or the green card lottery will not be considered. Posts and Commissions are discouraged from nominating candidates who have a history of repeatedly attempting to immigrate to the United States, as they will not be considered for the program or required J-1 visa.
Recently, plagiarism in applications has become a major issue and candidates should be made aware that plagiarism in applications will not be tolerated.
Application Procedures: Each candidate will be required to submit an online application via the online management system administered by IIE. Once the applications have been submitted, the PAS and Fulbright Commissions will review and nominate candidates. Approved applications will then be forwarded to both IIE and ECA for review and FFSB approval.
Candidates will access the online application at https://apply.iie.org/FLTA2021
Application Package: A complete application package includes the online application, original academic transcripts with certified English translations, diploma (if already graduated), three letters of reference, and TOEFL or IELTS score report. Please note that a valid passport with an expiration date of no earlier than December 31, 2022, will be required. None of the application documents should be emailed. Successful candidates will be notified of their awards from early March until late May 2021.
Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Grant Provisions: All Fulbright FLTA participants receive a monthly stipend, accident and sickness coverage, and travel support. Monthly stipends are meant for necessities only and are non-negotiable. U.S. host institutions provide tuition waivers to support the required coursework.
Should you have any questions about the program or application process, please contact:
Tahmina Niyazova
U.S. Embassy Dushanbe, Public Diplomacy Section
109 A Ismoili Somoni Avenue
Tel: (992) 37-229-2316; 229-2000
E-mail: EnglishProgramsDushanbe@state.gov
The deadline for submission of the application package is July 20, 2020.
Late applications will not be considered.
