Turkey (Türkiye)
15 English Teaching Assistant Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The English Teaching Assistant Award (ETA) Program in Türkiye is administered by the Turkish Fulbright Commission and partners with developing state universities. Grantees will be placed in a variety of cities across Türkiye. ETAs are expected to assist language teaching programs. The exact responsibilities and duties assigned to the ETAs will vary from university to university.
Following the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all applications will be evaluated without prejudice toward individuals with disabilities.
Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the Turkish Fulbright Commission's YouTube channel where they can find videos with former grantee testimonials and other informational videos.
Candidates who are interested in applying to the ETA Program in Türkiye are always welcome to contact the Turkish Fulbright Commission for further information.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The ETA Program begins in mid-September and ends in mid-June. A series of webinar sessions are organized by the Turkish Fulbright Commission prior to grantee arrival, covering various administrative and logistical topics.
Orientation
ETAs will be required to attend a week-long in-country Orientation Meeting Program in mid-September. The meeting will consist of a variety of activities, including sessions on Türkiye, Turkish culture, English language teaching (ELT) methods, rules and regulations of the ETA Program, and cultural activities.
ETAs are also required to attend the Mid-Year Evaluation Meeting in late February to evaluate their progress and to discuss their views and suggestions for the future of the program. The Mid-Year Evaluation Meeting is a great opportunity for the Commission to learn how grantees have benefited from their academic and cultural exchange in Türkiye.
The Final Evaluation Meeting is held towards the end of the academic year to allow grantees to share their academic and cultural experiences in Türkiye and to evaluate their overall Fulbright experience. The meeting is held jointly with the U.S. Scholars and U.S. Student Study/Research Programs grantees.
The costs of attending these mandatory meetings are covered by the Turkish Fulbright Commission.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should be open-minded, committed, flexible and able to take initiative. Additionally, it is important to be self-sufficient and able to think and act independently. Selected candidates will be working as full time assistants/teachers at their host universities, therefore they should be able to lead classes with minimal guidance and serve as cultural ambassadors of the United States for their Turkish students and colleagues. They should be committed to teaching and learning about different cultures and be ready to cope with the challenges thereof.
The purpose of the Fulbright ETA Program in Türkiye is to facilitate cultural and educational exchange, especially within communities that have not historically been exposed to American culture or native English speakers. The program is designed to help build up the English language programs at developing state universities across Türkiye. Therefore, grantees should be prepared to serve in any city across Türkiye; this could include smaller cities in various regions with low levels of English speakers.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Türkiye, a transcontinental country with a rich historical and cultural heritage, is a geopolitically significant regional power and among the 20 largest economies in the world. Türkiye is a NATO ally, a founding member of the OECD and one of the most important strategic partners of the European Union.
One of the earliest permanently settled regions in the world, Türkiye, positioned uniquely across both Europe and Asia, has been home to many civilizations. Türkiye is celebrated for its rich cultural legacy, with a plethora of historical sites, a significant number of which have earned prestigious placement on the UNESCO World Heritage List. There are more than 500 museums presenting more than 3 million pieces, and numerous historical sites in Türkiye, located in different cities around the country. In this context, Türkiye presents a splendid opportunity for embarking on a historical voyage, appealing not only to scholars and researchers but to all those fascinated by delving into the depths of human history. In addition, Türkiye is popular for its diverse natural attractions and delectable cuisine, further enhancing its allure.
Turkish is designated as a 'Critical Language' by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Being an ETA in Türkiye as a Fulbright grantee presents an unparalleled opportunity to deepen the understanding of Turkish language and culture. Not only will Fulbright grantees enhance their language skills, but they will also gain invaluable insights into Türkiye's pivotal role as a key player in its region.
The country offers quality higher education and research opportunities on modern campuses. With more than 200 universities, throughout the country, Türkiye features a large diversity of programs. The academic year in Türkiye consists of two semesters: usually from September to January and from February to June. For further information about the Turkish education system please visit the website of the Turkish Fulbright Commission.
Candidates who are interested in applying for a grant in Türkiye are welcome to contact American Programs at the Turkish Fulbright Commission, at amprog@fulbright.org.tr for further information.
Eligibility
12 Months
Candidates with dual U.S.-Turkish citizenship are eligible to apply. However, dual citizens are not eligible if either of the following applies:
- The candidate received a degree from a university in Türkiye
- The candidate resided in Türkiye for more than a consecutive year within the past five years.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Special Application Instructions
Candidates at the Bachelor's and Master's level are eligible to apply. Candidates with one of the following teaching qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in TESOL, English, English Literature, Education, Linguistics.
- Two or more years of teaching experience
- An English teaching certificate (i.e. TESOL, TEFL, CELTA, DELTA).
The Turkish Fulbright Commission reserves the right to interview finalists via an online platform or by telephone.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Knowledge of Turkish will be helpful.
Applicants must be native speakers of English or possess native level of proficiency.
An introductory Turkish language course may be provided before or during the Orientation Meeting Program. In addition, ETAs may have the opportunity to attend Turkish language courses during their grant period.
Placement Type
- University/Post-Secondary Institution
ETAs will be placed through a process of random selection after they have been accepted to the Program. ETAs will teach English at state universities, usually in English Language Preparatory Schools, where they will typically focus on speaking and listening skills. Aside from their teaching responsibilities, ETAs are expected to assist with extra-curricular activities, attend departmental meetings and help with other activities at the university including development of lesson plans. These duties and hours will vary, depending on the university's needs.
Placement Locations
- Regional City
ETAs can expect to be placed in developing state universities in regional cities throughout Türkiye.
Supplementary Project
Research proposals are not required; however, applicants may propose small research projects as long as they do not conflict with assigned classroom responsibilities.
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.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Turkish Fulbright Commission reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
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
- Housing allowance (separate from living stipend)
- Registration/Permitting fees
This amount does not include permit fees, which are paid by the Commission and are subject to change each year.
Final allowances will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Turkish Fulbright Commission reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards, and allowances.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Mid-year seminar
Depending on the timing during the academic year and the teaching and research responsibilities of the grantee, grantees may have the opportunity to attend conferences, seminars, or other events organized by other Fulbright Commissions.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Estimated cost of living in Türkiye varies by location. Expenses, especially rents in large metropolitan areas are usually comparable to other major cities in the world. Candidates are strongly encouraged to conduct market research before arriving in Türkiye to understand the expenses associated with accommodation, daily necessities, transportation, and for effective budgeting.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
ETAs will make their own housing arrangements. Some universities may offer housing to grantees on their campuses.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Visa Requirements
All grantees are required to obtain a Work Visa (Çalışma Vizesi) from a Turkish Embassy/Consulate in the United States prior to their arrival in Türkiye. Furthermore, a work permit or work permit exemption is necessary to work and reside legally in Türkiye. ETAs are responsible for applying and providing all the necessary documentation for the permit.
Grantees are required to pay their own work visa application fees. Work permit application and/or work permit exemption fees will be covered by the Turkish Fulbright Commission.
Dependents
ETAs may bring their dependents, but the program does not provide them with any financial or logistical support (visas, permits, etc.).