Uganda
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 Uganda aims to strengthen educational and cultural relationships between the United States and Uganda. It also provides a professional development opportunity for Americans to advance their teaching skills while living in Uganda.
Uganda is a vibrant country in East Africa composed of more than 50 different ethnic groups. While not the first language of most Ugandans, English is nevertheless widely taught from a young age and considered the standard official language of communication. ETAs will be placed in public universities or with the American Center in Kampala and work with learners on topics such as academic writing; and professional use of English Language for resume writing, interviewing skills and grant writing.
Grant Length
Grant Period
ETAs are expected to arrive in late August/early September 2025.
Uganda’s academic school year starts in February and finishes in December. For primary/secondary institutions, academic school terms run in three terms: the first term runs from February to April, the second term from May until early August, and the third term from September to December. Ugandan universities run two semesters each academic year.
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 with a security briefing will be provided by the U.S. Embassy in Kampala upon arrival.
Candidate Profile
Candidates who have a demonstrated interest in education/TEFL, cultural exchange and diplomacy, and/or African affairs, languages, culture and history are preferred. Experience in the classroom and/or with community organizations and leadership is also preferred. Candidates who are able to organize extra-curricular activities such as youth leadership sessions, English Clubs, Reading and Writing Clubs are encouraged to apply, as well.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
The Republic of Uganda, roughly the size of Oregon and with an estimated population of 41 million, lies along the equator and is located in the center of the African continent. The country is divided into three principal geographic areas: a fertile plateau, lowland swamps, and a semi-desert region. The capital is centrally located in Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria, which forms part of the southern border. English is the official language.
President Yoweri Museveni came to power in 1986, after decades of internal strife, and was most recently re-elected in 2021 to another five-year term. Under Museveni, Uganda has experienced relative political stability and economic growth. However, Uganda faces numerous challenges that could affect future stability, including explosive population growth, power and infrastructure constraints, corruption, underdeveloped democratic institutions, and an increase in human rights abuses.
The NRM government has increasingly restricted civil society activity, freedom of expression and association, political competition, and the media. Economic and political pressures on the government to create jobs and allow for fair political competition have led to violent political unrest in recent years. Uganda's exponential population growth and high poverty rates continue to strain government services, particularly in the education and health sectors.
Uganda is ethnically very diverse, with over fifty-six different ethnic groups and more than forty languages, most of which fall into three major language families - Bantu, Nilotic, and Central Sudanic.
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Foreign Language Proficiency
Local language knowledge may be helpful. However, it is not required since English is the official language of communication in Uganda.
Placement Type
- University/Post-Secondary Institution
ETAs will be placed at public Ugandan universities or/and the American Center.
Placement Locations
- Capital City
- Regional City
English Teaching Assistants will be placed in a local public university located within the vicinity of Kampala, or in another major Ugandan city.
Supplementary Project
N/A
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
Additional Grant Benefits
N/A
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Dependents
N/A
Housing Arrangements
The U.S. Embassy in Kampala will work with the host institution to assist ETAs in identifying possible fully furnished accommodation for the duration of their stay. Shared accommodation with other visiting scholars or students may also be an option.