Cambodia
6 English Teaching Assistant Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program places ETAs in classrooms abroad to provide assistance to the local English teachers. ETAs help teach English language while serving as grassroots cultural ambassadors of the United States.
Prior teaching experience is not required but beneficial. It’s important to note that ETAs are not professors or full-time teachers. The program is a professional development opportunity to advance ETA teaching skills and for cross-cultural exchange. Additional responsibilities may include developing and implementing a variety of programs at the U.S. Embassy American Centers and working with Cambodian students learning English under the English Access Scholarship Program.
Grant Length
Grant Period
All grantees are required to begin their 10-month grants in early October 2025 in order to attend a two-week in-person in-country orientation in Cambodia, depending on fund availability. Public schools are expected to start in early November 2025. The Ministry of Education Youth Sport will announce official school start date on/about September 2025.
English Teaching Assistants will be placed at their host institutions from mid-October 2025 through August 2026.
Orientation
ETAs are required to fully participate in the Pre-Departure Orientation organized by ECA and IIE before their arrival in the country and upon arrival in-person orientation (pending funding availability).
Candidate Profile
Self-motivation, creativity, adaptability, and professionalism and are keys to a successful experience as a Fulbright ETA. ETAs are expected to problem-solve and operate independently to the extent that they can. ETAs are also expected to be cultural ambassadors and promote mutual understanding between people of the United States and Cambodia. ETAs must be willing to learn, respect, and adapt to a new culture.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
ETA will work their Cambodian counterpart teacher(s) to plan and teach the lessons. Weekly teaching hours range from 12-16 hours. In addition to teaching at school, ETA could work with their students or teachers to establish an English club, a sport or cultural class that will enhance student's English proficiency level, confidence, or knowledge in areas of their needs. Additionally, ETA could volunteer to work with a local NGO (3-4 hours/week) whose mission/work is aligned with ETA's interest and future endeavors. In Cambodia, things could happen spontaneously, such as getting invited to a wedding or a dinner with colleagues. Things are slow in Cambodia and are less structured. Flexibility, patience and understanding are extremely essential to ETA’s positive experience in the host country.
Eligibility
9 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Special Application Instructions
Semi-finalists may be contacted for a virtual interview.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Placement Type
- Secondary School
- Vocational/Technical School
- Teacher Training
- University/Post-Secondary Institution
The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh will arrange placement of ETAs at public secondary schools, universities, and vocational training colleges. Host institutions will have basic facilities such as chalkboard/whiteboard, tables/chairs. There is a possibility the host institution will not have air-conditioning, fans or electricity, or computers or other technology.
Placement Locations
- Capital City
- Regional City
ETAs will be placed at public secondary schools, universities, and vocational training colleges in Phnom Penh and in various provinces such as Kampong Cham, Battambang, Sihanoukville, Koh Kong, Kampot, or others.
Although the official language is Khmer, Cambodian youth are thirsty for knowledge and see English as the language of opportunity for success in higher education and future employment. Cambodians are friendly and welcoming and eager to share their traditions, culture and food with visitors. With 65% of the population below the age of 35, there will be many opportunities to exchange ideas on American values and other topics, including environmental issues, human rights, and gender equality.
Supplementary Project
No research or independent study is required. English Teaching Assistantships are not study/research awards and teaching will take most of the grantees' time. In applying, the Statement of Grant Purpose should focus on why the applicant wishes to teach English in Cambodia, what they bring to the classroom, and how to make it a memorable cultural experience.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
- English language teaching preparatory course
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Housing - $250 - $400 per month
Foods - $350 per month
Utilities - $50 - $150 per month
Transportation - $300 per month
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
PDS at the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia will work with the host institutions to provide information on housing. Housing situations will vary from one location to another but will meet the basic needs. Air-conditioning and refrigerators may be available. In most places, there are no modern grocery stores, gym, or modern medical facilities. Driving motorbikes in Cambodia is extremely dangerous and therefore not recommended.