Latvia
4 English Teaching Assistant Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant program in Latvia helps to improve the teaching of the English language and American studies in Latvian schools and promotes education and cultural relationships between the United States and Latvia.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The grant period will be September to June.
Orientation
All grantees are required to attend a Fulbright pre-departure orientation in June or July as a condition of their grant, as well as an in-country orientation in September. The virtual pre-departure orientation is organized by IIE.
Candidate Profile
Well-rounded articulate candidates at all degree levels, including doctoral up to dissertation level, with an interest in international education and the initiative to assist the classroom teacher with conversational English at all levels will be considered. Undergraduate degrees in the humanities and social sciences, with a focus on English, American studies, or education, are preferred.
Teaching assistant activities may include:
- Serving as a resource person in conversation groups
- Providing small group tutorials
- Assisting students with reading and written English
- Giving presentations related to American studies in English classes or school/civic organizations
- Assisting the classroom teacher by preparing classroom materials
- Starting English language clubs
Previous experience in teaching, assisting with teaching, tutoring, or leading conversation groups is preferred. Applicants must be fluent English speakers. In addition to regular teaching duties, the ETA program in Latvia offers opportunities for research and/or community service.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
The Fulbright program in Latvia offers a unique opportunity for English Teaching Assistants to hone their teaching skills and engage with Latvian communities. Latvia is known for its rich cultural heritage and Fulbright fellows can immerse themselves in its diversity. From traditional festivals to modern art exhibitions, there's always something happening. Besides their primary duties at the host institutions, Fulbright ETAs build connections and friendships by volunteering in their communities. Latvia boasts stunning natural landscapes, including pristine forests, picturesque lakes, and sandy beaches along the Baltic Sea. Fulbrighters enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping during their free time. Overall, life for Fulbrighters in Latvia offers a balance of professional duties, cultural immersion, and memorable experiences that combine for fulfilling experience.
Eligibility
12 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Additional Information: Local language proficiency is not required. However, there is a possibility that U.S. Students will be provided with a stipend to study the local language while in-country.
Placement Type
- Middle School
- Secondary School
- Vocational/Technical School
- University/Post-Secondary Institution
- Other Educational/Community Institution
Grantees may be placed in universities, schools or other venues where English language instruction is needed. Applicants may indicate a host institution preference, but the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy will seek the most appropriate placements. Applicants will likely be placed outside of the capital city in smaller communities.
Grantees will assist an experienced English instructor and will serve as a resource for conversation, vocabulary, and reading and writing courses. Grantees may also be involved with some educational advising and outreach. Grantee hours and responsibilities will be discussed with the PDS and finalized prior to arrival in Latvia.
Placement Locations
- Regional City
Applicants will likely be placed outside of the capital city in smaller communities.
Supplementary Project
Grantees are expected to engage in social or community activities related to their academic and personal interests. Applicants should keep in mind that these activities may be flexible with respect to geographic location and local partner organizations since the activities will depend on the placement. Grantees will also be asked to run English Language Clubs and other activities at the American Spaces in Latvia.
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.
- Language training allowance
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
The one-time allowances total includes allowances for round trip international airfare, settling in expenses, research, and language training.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Students can use the following website as a resource to research the estimated cost of living in various parts of Latvia: https://studyinlatvia.lv/latvia/live#
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Grantees will be responsible for finding their own housing in the country. The U.S. Embassy and host institution will provide helpful tips on how to find suitable housing.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
Ministry of Education and Science: http://izm.gov.lv/en/education