The U.S. Embassy Dushanbe Public Affairs Section is pleased to announce that the application for the 2023-2024 Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program is now open.

Program Description:  Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), the Fulbright FLTA Program is a nine-month, funded, 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 must return to their home countries upon completion of the program.

Application Procedures:
Each candidate will be required to submit an online application via the online management system no later than June 25, 2022 at https://apply.iie.org/flta2023.

Please refer to the FLTA 2023-2024 Online Application Instructions and FLTA Checklist for further details.

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.

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 2023-24 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.

Eligibility and Ineligibility Factors:  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, 2023, 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).

Applicants must demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity, flexibility, 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 reside 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 diversity visa lottery, as well as those who have a history of attempting to immigrate to the United States, will not be considered for the program or required J-1 visa.  Past diversity visa lottery applications are considered a demonstration of intent to immigrate and will result in candidates being deemed ineligible.

The Fulbright FLTA program does not support dependents or family members.  Candidates may not have any dependents accompany them for any time during the program.  Family and friends may visit program participants during holiday periods only. 

Note on Plagiarism: Plagiarism in applications has become a major issue and candidates should be made aware that plagiarism in applications will not be tolerated.

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, 2024 will be required.  None of the application documents should be emailed. Successful candidates will be notified of their awards between early March and late May 2023. 

Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Grant Provisions:  All Fulbright FLTA participants receive a monthly stipend, accident and sickness health benefit 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 Sitora Kasimova at EnglishProgramsDushanbe@state.gov.