Mauritius
English Teaching Assistant Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodJanuary StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program in Mauritius aims to strengthen educational and cultural relationships between the United States and Mauritius. U.S. participants will be immersed in a diverse culture and meet students from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
The Island of Mauritius is volcanic in origin and lies in the southwest Indian Ocean. As at July 1 2023, the population of Mauritius stood at 1,261,041. Mauritius is one of the world's most densely populated countries. The Government of Mauritius provides free primary and secondary education, which is compulsory until the age of 16.
Many Mauritians are fluent in at least 4 languages: English, French, an Asian language (these three being included in the school curriculum) and Creole, the mother tongue.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The academic year for Mauritian secondary schools will begin in January 2026 and end in November 2026.
Orientation
As a condition of their grants, all grantees may be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation during the summer of 2025.
A mandatory in-country group orientation will be provided by the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis around the second week of January 2026.
Candidate Profile
Graduating seniors or graduate students with an undergraduate degree in English or education who are considering careers in English, education, or TEFL/applied linguistics and who have experience teaching or tutoring are preferred. Other fields will be considered if combined with teaching experience and/or coursework in pedagogy. Candidates with an interest in African languages, culture, and history are also encouraged to apply. Above all, applicants should have a positive and adaptable attitude.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Located off the southeast coast of Africa, neighboring the French island of La Reunion, Mauritius is an island state of 1.2 million inhabitants spanning 1,865 square kilometers. The country’s political and economic situation has been stable since its independence in 1968. Mauritius also performs well in “ease of doing business” rankings, particularly when compared with other African countries. In fact, the 2020 World Bank report ranked Mauritius best in Africa for ease of doing business.
Mauritius has a maritime climate with slight differences between tropical summer and subtropical winter. Humidity is high, and annual rainfall along the central plateau's western slopes totals nearly 200 inches. In Floreal, the area where some Embassy residences are located, the winter low can drop to 50°F with high winds and rains, making it seem much colder. The summer daytime high is in the 80s with nighttime temperatures about 10°F cooler. Temperatures in Port Louis and at the beach are about 10°F higher than elsewhere on the island. Rainy and dry seasons are not well defined, and vegetation remains green all year. Mildew is a year-round problem and cyclones threaten the island between November and April.
The Government of Mauritius (GOM) does not require a visa for U.S. citizens. However, ETAs must have certain documents to facilitate their entry into Mauritius. Grantees are encouraged to be prepared to present a valid passport, onward/return ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and the Fulbright acceptance letter which itemizes the amount of the grant upon arrival.
Applicants are encouraged to reach to out to the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy for guidance at portlouis_pas@state.gov.
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
English is the language of business and government in Mauritius, but a working knowledge of French is useful, nevertheless. Learning a few words and phrases of Mauritian Creole is also helpful.
Placement Type
- Secondary School
ETAs spend approximately 20 hours per week assisting and supporting English secondary school teachers 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. Projects may include but are not limited to: environmental clubs, job fairs, girls’ groups, reading and writing clubs, English clubs, cultural days, debate clubs, etc.
Placement Locations
- Regional City
- Rural
Supplementary Project
Recommended
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
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Fulbrighters should expect to pay $600 per month for their basic monthly expenses (housing not included).
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
The U.S. Embassy will work with host institutions to assist ETAs in identifying possible homestays or other lodging. However, finding and securing housing is ultimately the responsibility of each ETA. The Embassy recommends ETAs book temporary accommodation for the first ten days (hotel, B&B) and include this address on their visa application to Mauritius.