Cambodia
6 English Teaching Assistant Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh offers up to six Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) awards to Cambodia. ETAs are an important part of programming for the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the Embassy, whose goals are to advance people-to-people ties between the United States and Cambodia, enhance English language skills, and promote core U.S. values.
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 an ETA’s 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 2027 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 2027.
English Teaching Assistants will be placed at their host institutions from late-October 2027 through August 2028.
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, responsibility, and professionalism 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?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
ETAs will work their Cambodian counterpart teacher(s) to plan and teach the lessons. Weekly direct teaching hours range from 14-16 hours. In addition to teaching at school, ETAs 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. ETAs are also expected to work at the American Corner/Center as well the English Access Scholarship Program at their local community to enhance student’s English skills, improve their understanding of the United States, organize an English or debate club, health clinic, study in the U.S., or talk about their favorite sports. Additionally, ETAs could volunteer to work with a local NGO (3-4 hours/week) whose mission/work is aligned with an 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 an ETA’s positive experience in the host country.
ETAs will be provided with a cumulative of 14 days of international travels during the grant.
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 Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Placement Type
- Middle School
- 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 technologies.
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, Kampot, Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey, or other cities. Placement will be based on ETA’s profiles, experiences, and needs.
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.
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.
One-Time Allowances
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.
- Excess baggage fees
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
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.
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
Food - $350 per month
Utilities - $50 - $150 per month
Transportation - $300 per month
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
PDS at the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia may assist in providing housing information in the host cities. ETAs are strongly encouraged to work with their host institution to learn about the city and housing options/availability prior to their arrival in Cambodia. 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.