The 2025-2026 application is now closed. The 2026-2027 competition will open in Spring 2025.

US Fulbright Logo

Current U.S. Student

United States citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs are eligible to apply.If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you will apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there. Find the Fulbright Program Adviser on your campus.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, will hold a bachelor’s degree by the award start date, and do not have a Ph.D. degree, then you are eligible to apply. Non-enrolled applicants should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Candidates with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The Getting Started page will provide information on eligibility and next steps.

Artist

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program welcomes applications in the creative and performing arts. Arts candidates for the U.S. Student Program should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Artists with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Creative & Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.

FPA

U.S. Professor/Administrator

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor or administrator at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award, you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

To support your students in applying for a U.S. Student Program award, please connect with the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are a non-U.S. citizen interested in applying for a Fulbright Award to the United States, you will need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Botswana


English Teaching Assistant Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
Grant Period
January Start
Grant Length
9 Months
Award Type
English Teaching Assistant
Award Profile

The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program in Botswana aims to strengthen educational and cultural relationships between the United States and Botswana. More specifically, it serves to strengthen English learning and teaching in Botswana's primary and secondary schools, which operate under the guidance of the Ministry of Basic Education.

ETAs will be assigned to and supervised by the heads of the English departments at their host schools, and will work alongside English teachers. They will be placed in peri-urban and rural schools where English speaking and writing are a challenge. (English is an official language of Botswana, but is overwhelmingly spoken as a second language.) ETAs will also have the opportunity to exchange ideas on pedagogy with colleagues, participate in community and volunteer activities, and collaborate with public libraries on public outreach efforts.

Grant Length
9 Months
Grant Period
January Start

The academic calendar for public schools in Botswana runs in three quarter terms: January to April, May to August, and August to December with short breaks in between.

ETAs should plan to arrive in early January 2026, to allow time to settle in before classes start. This is also when class enrollment schedules are determined.

Orientation
Pre-Departure and In-Country Orientation

As a condition of the grant, all grantees may be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation during the summer of 2025.

A mandatory in-country group orientation will also be provided by the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone.

Candidate Profile

Master's-level candidates are preferred. However, Bachelor's-level candidates considering careers in education, who have a degree in English, education or TEFL/applied linguistics and have experience teaching or tutoring will be considered. Candidates with degrees in other fields will be considered if they have experience: working with first-generation college students, teaching youth in a rural environment, teaching English as a second language, and teaching experience and/or coursework in pedagogy.

Candidates with the ability to incorporate or organize extra-curricular activities – such as music, art, dance, English Clubs, Reading and Writing Clubs - are preferred. Candidates with an interest in African languages, culture, and history are also encouraged to apply. 

What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?

Botswana has consistently maintained a democratic government, responsibly managed its natural resources, and invested in its people and infrastructure. The bilateral relationship is strong and grounded in a shared commitment to democracy, good governance, and human rights.

Eligibility
Residency in host country permitted in year prior to grant
Dual citizens of this country are NOT eligible
Degree Level of Applicant
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
Foreign Language Proficiency
Recommended - Novice

Local language is not required, but some proficiency in Setswana is recommended.

Placement Type
  • Elementary School
  • Middle School
  • Secondary School
  • Vocational/Technical School

ETAs spend approximately 20 hours per week assisting and supporting vocational instructors and English teachers in primary and secondary schools, and working on additional projects. ETA roles may include giving presentations on topics related to the United States, preparing classroom activities, modeling interactive activities with partner teachers, and/or encouraging students to communicate in English. ETAs may assist in a variety of academic formats such as one-on-one tutoring or co-teaching large groups. ETAs are also encouraged to create their own projects with institutions or communities. These projects might involve a literacy celebration week, dance groups and athletic teams, job fairs, women's groups, journalism clubs, book clubs, cultural days, debate clubs, etc.  Involvement in EducationUSA activities would also be welcome.

Placement Locations
  • Rural

ETAs will be placed in peri-urban and rural schools.

Supplementary Project
Optional

A supplementary project (to be worked on when the grantee is not engaged in ETA-related duties) is encouraged.

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.

2,600 monthly stipend amount in
$ [US Dollar]
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.

2,550 in
$ [US Dollar]
  • Excess baggage fees
  • Research/Materials allowance
  • Settling in allowance
Estimated Cost of Living

Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.

The websites linked here and here have useful, up-to-date cost of living information.

Dependents
Dependent financial support is available
Housing Arrangements

The U.S. Embassy will secure temporary lodging for ETAs during the in-country orientation in Gaborone. The Embassy will also work with host schools to identify appropriate local, long-term housing for ETAs.  However, finding and securing housing is ultimately the responsibility of each ETA.

Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact