I was really really excited to find out yesterday that I was awarded one of the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships to Brazil beginning in March 2013. I had applied last September and the application process was quite a bit of work (thanks Kristin, Terrell and Rob for writing letters of recommendation!) I didn't think I would get one since I am married, not a current student and will be 31 when I do the program (which is aimed more at recent graduates and graduate students) but I am happy that these factors apparently didn't make a difference.
I will get to spend about 10 months working with Brazilian university teachers to improve their English language courses. I will also be able to study Portuguese and work on an additional independent volunteer project in the community. The grant covers round-trip transportation, health insurance and a monthly stipend for the academic school year. Sean gets to go too though none of his expenses are covered. We are still trying to figure out what he will want to do while he is there (any suggestions?). We are hoping to stay in New Zealand to work/travel until mid-December when we will return to the States for the holidays. We will have the months of January and February at home before leaving for South America (that's the tentative plan anyway).
Here's some of the specific information about the grant. If you are at all interested in cultural exchange and teaching English, I'd encourage you to apply. I can share some tips in the application process that were passed along to me from previous Fulbright fellows.
General Program Information:
A U.S. Student Fulbright Grant
- Allows for individually designed study/research projects or an English Teaching Assistantship You can propose a project and/or study plan that will take place during one academic year in a country outside the U.S.
- Provides support for study/research/teaching in a single country You can meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences.
- Facilitates cultural exchange Through direct interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home, and in daily tasks, you can gain an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things, and the way they think.
- Promotes mutual understanding Through engagement in the community, you can interact with your hosts on a one-to-one basis in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity, and intellectual freedom.
English Teaching Assistantships are offered in many countries worldwide. Each ETA Program is designed by the host country, and individual elements may vary by country.
In most cases, ETAs:
- Are placed in schools or universities outside of capital cities
- Are assigned various activities designed to improve their students' language abilities and knowledge of the United States
- Are fully integrated into the host community, increasing their own language skills and knowledge of the host country
- May pursue individual study/research plans in addition to ETA responsibilities
Specific ETA Brazil Program Information (There were 30 ETA grants given to Brazil):
Language Proficiency (the equivalent of two year's college- level study) in spoken and written components of any Romance language is required. In addition, basic knowledge of Portuguese is strongly recommended.
Grant period 9 months. Grant dates will correspond to the academic year in Brazil, February/early-March to November/early December 2013. The grant period starts with an orientation organized by the Fulbright Commission. Attendance at the orientation is mandatory.
Candidate profile Applications are welcome from recent graduates and graduate students with experience working in an educational environment and, specifically, classroom teaching. Candidates with degrees in English, applied linguistics or foreign languages, AND certification/significant coursework in teacher education or TESOL, are strongly preferred. Some full-time ESL teaching experience and TESOL certification may substitute for a relevant degree.
Nature of assignment In advance of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, the U.S. Embassy and the Fulbright Commission are implementing a comprehensive plan to increase the quality and quantity of English teaching in Brazil. To this end, the majority of the grantees will be placed with Teacher's Colleges at public universities throughout Brazil, where in order to graduate as English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers, students attend four-year undergraduate programs.
ETAs will be assigned as language-learning assistants working up to 20-25 hours per week, but they will not be responsible for teaching entire courses. They will develop and lead language learning activities and classes under the supervision of faculty, and promote U.S. culture through cultural and social programs. The Fulbright Commission will match the grantee with the appropriate host institution. Details of assignments will be subject to communication between the Fulbright Commission and the host institution and based on the profile of the selected candidate and the host institution's needs. Placement can be in any Brazilian city.
Supplementary project Because teaching assistant responsibilities will be up to 20-25 hours per week, grantees are expected to engage in other activities related to their personal, career, and/or educational interests. Applicants should consider a project that they intend to pursue if awarded the grant and, since they will not know where they will be placed, keep in mind that these activities should be flexible respective to geographic location. For example, grantees may pursue a course of study, conduct research into topics or issues relative to Brazil, engage in specific volunteer activities, or a combination of these. Grantees may not necessarily be placed at an institution or in a location where they can effectively carry out the goals of their supplementary project. In these cases, the Fulbright Commission will discuss project alternatives with the grantee when the placement is made.
I am hoping to take advantage of the large Brazilian population in Queenstown to help me get a jump start on Portuguese. After being around so many Latin Americans at work, it has made me miss South America a lot - It will be fun to go back and see a different part of the continent and this time with Sean along for the adventure.
Congratulations Sarah, that is really exciting!
Congrats! That is Awesome!
Congratulations! Sounds like a great opportunity!!
CONGRATS!! How exciting for you guys!
This is so awesome! What part of Brazil? Ross & I loved it there!