Uruguay
5 English Teaching Assistant Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodMarch StartGrant Length8 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Program seeks to enhance the quality of English language instruction in Uruguay’s public education system. The program also fosters intensive cross-cultural exchange, encourages the sharing of innovative TESOL ideas, and builds strong connections among all participants.
ETA activities may include:
- Assisting with curriculum-based classes and courses
- Tutoring students outside the classroom
- Leading conversation clubs
- Facilitating writing workshops
- Organizing cultural exchange activities such as theater, dance, music, or film
- Participating in English immersion camps for students and/or teachers
- Attending seminars and workshops for teachers
Grant Length
Grant Period
The grant period is from March to November 2028, and starts with an in-country orientation organized by the Fulbright Commission.
Orientation
The Fulbright Commission will arrange two or more mandatory virtual pre-departure meetings with grantees, as well as a mandatory in-country orientation.
Candidate Profile
Applications are welcome from graduating seniors and graduate students. Candidates with degrees in English, applied linguistics or foreign languages, and/or certification or significant coursework in teacher education or TESOL, are strongly preferred. Other fields will be seriously considered if combined with teaching experience and/or coursework in pedagogy.
Applicants should have some experience working in an educational environment and, specifically, with classroom teaching.
Applicants should be open-minded and willing to build significant community relationships as a cultural ambassador for the United States.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
Uruguay is often called the hidden gem of South America. The country consistently ranks first in Latin America on international indexes measuring democracy, low corruption, respect for the rule of law, transparency, civil liberties, and social mobility. With a literacy rate of 97.9 percent, Uruguay was also the first country in the world to provide free laptops to every child and teacher in its public schools.
Uruguay is known for its open-minded society, where cultural activities, diverse cuisine, and an intercultural atmosphere are part of everyday life. Residents are friendly and welcoming, always eager to share a barbecue or mate, the country’s traditional infusion.
As one grantee shared:
“In Uruguay, I found it was much more productive to let things happen, to open myself up to new experiences and see where they led me. You never know what sort of new ideas and connections can come up—all while simply enjoying a mate and watching the sunset with a new friend.”
Eligibility
3 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
A Foreign Language Evaluation by a college level Spanish language instructor is required.
Foreign Language Proficiency Level by Grant Start
If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Required, applicants must have the following proficiency level by the start of the grant period. If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Recommended, applicants are encouraged but not required to have the following level by the start of the grant period.
Additional Information: The recommended Spanish language level for this award is Intermediate. Novice speakers will be considered provided they meet other qualifications. Higher level proficiency may be necessary depending on the requirements of the proposed project. Applicants should discuss plans for language study between the time of application and the commencement of the grant on with the Language Self-Evaluation.
Placement Type
- Elementary School
- Middle School
- Secondary School
- Vocational/Technical School
- Teacher Training
- University/Post-Secondary Institution
- Other Educational/Community Institution
To provide maximum exposure to Uruguayan culture and the educational environment, the ETA program in Uruguay takes place in two settings: the provinces and Montevideo, the capital city, offering both rural and urban experiences. In each location, ETAs are assigned to two or more placements, which may include elementary, middle, or high schools; vocational or technical schools; teacher training centers; universities; or other educational institutions. ETAs divide their week among these institutions, with a total time commitment of 20–25 hours per week.
Grantees are required to spend the remainder of their work week participating in professional development activities. Together, these responsibilities make up a full-time program.
Placement Locations
- Capital City
- Regional City
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.
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
- Local transportation allowance
- Research/Materials allowance: $150
- Settling in allowance: $500
- Local transportation allowance: $100
Additional Grant Benefits
- Mid-year seminar
Supplementary Project
English Teaching Assistants are encouraged to engage in other activities related to their personal, professional, and/or educational interests. Grantees may pursue a course of study, conduct research on topics related to Uruguay, engage in volunteer activities, or a combination of these.
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 below can help estimate the cost of living, meals, and incidentals in different capital cities. The cost of living in regional cities, where ETAs spend half of their program, is lower.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Housing in Montevideo:
The Commission does not arrange housing for grantees in Montevideo. However, upon request, the Commission can review housing options found on rental websites and provide feedback as needed.
Housing in the Provinces:
Grantees will receive assistance in finding housing in the provinces. If a grantee rents an apartment through a real estate agent, the Commission will review the lease agreement to help ensure the grantee’s rights as a tenant are protected.
During orientation, the Commission will book hotel accommodations for grantees, and these costs will be covered by the Commission.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
Instagram - Fulbright Commission Uruguay: https://www.instagram.com/comision_fulbright_uruguay/
Uruguay Natural: https://uruguaynatural.com/en/
State Department Travel Country Information - Uruguay: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Uruguay.html