Cyprus
2 English Teaching Assistant Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright ETA program in Cyprus places recent university graduates and young professionals to serve as native English speakers in public primary, secondary, or private universities in Cyprus. Since 2011, the Fulbright ETA program has supported American students to Cyprus to be placed in schools across Cyprus, including regional cities like Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, and Nicosia as well as more mountainous, rural areas.
Fulbright ETAs spend one academic year at one or more host institutions where they serve as language-learning assistants to English teachers. Depending on the institution and the ETA's background and experience, some ETAs may be responsible for teaching entire courses. In most cases, Fulbright ETAs will assist in a variety of academic formats -- from one-on-one tutoring to co-teaching large groups -- in order to improve English speaking, reading, and writing skills of students in Cyprus. In addition to serving as a native English speaker, Fulbright ETAs also provide first-hand cultural knowledge of the United States. Grantees are expected to give presentations on topics related to the United States (culture, history, and society). ETA's in Cyprus are encouraged to explore volunteer activities that compliment their interests and help grantees engage in the host community.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The grant dates will correspond to the academic year, beginning in mid-September 2025 through mid-June 2026.
There will be a mandatory in-country orientation at the beginning of the grant period.
Grant Length: 9 months.
Orientation
All grantees are required to attend a pre-departure orientation in June or July as a condition of their grant. The event is organized by IIE, virtual or in-person. This is an excellent opportunity to meet fellow Fulbright grantees who will be in country with you during your grant period. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet recent Fulbright ETA alumni.
The In-Country Orientation takes place mid-September when grantees are expected to arrive in country to begin their grant period. This 3-4 day orientation takes place in the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia and will include briefings by Consular, Regional Security, a Political officer, and Public Affairs. The orientation also includes Embassy-supported assistance in applying for the residence visa required for American citizens who stay over 90 days in country.
Candidate Profile
Graduating seniors and recent graduates with the initiative and flexibility needed to assistant-teach are encouraged to apply. Students seeking a cultural experience who have a positive attitude to cultural differences, and who are able to work and live in an environment different from their own, will be considered. Candidates must have the initiative and aptitude needed to explore new places and to involve themselves in the community. Ideal candidates are independent, able to handle challenges, adaptable, and flexible. Teaching experience is an advantage, but not required. Candidates should demonstrate leadership and mentoring ability. This program is not meant for applicants with several years of teaching experience. Successful candidates must be articulate, fluent English speakers. Applicants willing to live outside the capital city are encouraged.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Cyprus, an island in the eastern Mediterranean with an area of 3,572 square miles, is half the size of New Jersey, and twice the size of Rhode Island. It lies only 40 miles from Turkey at the nearest point, 500 miles southeast of mainland Greece, and 100 miles west of Syria. With a culturally rich and historically complicated heritage spanning over 8,000 years, Cyprus is a fascinating country to live in and explore both its history as well as modern life.
At the present time, Cyprus is divided into two areas. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus (ROC) contols the southern two-thirds of the island, which is populated largely by the Greek Cypriot community. The ROC does not excercise effective control over the northern one-third of the island, which is administered by the Turkish Cypriots. Between the two areas is a buffer zone, also called the "Green Line," which is patrolled by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and is a restricted travel area. The Green Line runds through the center of Cyprus' capital, Nicosia, and is the only divided capital city in Europe. However, despite the political division, the island is generally very peaceful and is often referred to as a point of stability in a sea of regional turmoil. As of May 1, 2004, Cyprus became an official member state of the European Union. Cypriot-led, UN-facilitated efforts to reunify the island continue and are supported by the United States.
Despite its location, Cyprus is in many ways oriented towards the West. It has been a crossroads of diverse civilizations and cultures throughout its history, and as a member of the EU on its easternmost border, continues to be so. Cypriots generally speak excellent English, are used to meeting people from other countries, and take interest and pleasure in associating with them. Cyprus enjoys sunshine virtually year round. Given the particular conditions that exist in Cyprus, applicants to the program should demonstrate basic knowledge of the complicated contemporary political situation on the island.
Eligibility
12 Months
American citizens who are dual nationals of other countries are eligible to apply.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Foreign Language Proficiency
Additional Information: Proficiency in Greek or Turkish is not required. However some study of Greek or Turkish prior to arrival is encouraged in order to promote deeper engagement with the host community and proficiency in either language will be considered an advantage. Some knowledge of Greek may be helpful in settling in and integrating into the community. Although English is widely spoken on the island, basic knowledge of Greek would help in daily life as ETAs are often placed outside the capital city. Willingness to learn and use even basic Greek is often appreciated by local people. Please be aware that the Cypriot dialect is quite different from mainland Greek and Turkish.
Placement Type
- Elementary School
- Middle School
- Secondary School
- University/Post-Secondary Institution
Grantees are placed mainly at either public primary or secondary schools, but placement in a local college or university is also possible. ETAs are mainly expected to teach English, but may be asked to help students in other subjects according to the educational background and interest of the ETA and the needs of the school. ETAs must be willing to be flexible in their duties. The role of an ETA is to be an assistant-teacher, and therefore they will not replace permanent teaching staff. ETAs are also expected to offer presentations and information regarding U.S. culture, traditions, and national holidays to Cypriot students.
Grantees are expected to involve themselves in other community activities or research projects in which they may be interested. It is advisable to wait until the placement in a school has been secured before plans for other activities are made. The activities of the school take priority as sometimes students are asked to participate in events outside of school hours. Teaching hours, however, will not exceed 25 hours per week. Grantees may also be asked to participate in Embassy related outreach on U.S. culture and society to the wider Cypriot public. Grantees may also be requested to represent their alma maters at the annual U.S. university fair or assist the U.S. Embassy in other cultural/educational programs. Grantees may also be invited to attend other U.S. Embassy social events.
Placement Locations
- Capital City
- Regional City
- Rural
Grantees should be flexible in their willingness to be placed outside the capital city. ETA's to Cyprus have served in other regional cities across the island, as well as in rural or more remote mountain areas.
Supplementary Project
Successful applicants usually have planned supplementary projects that they would like to pursue beyond their ETA engagement. Classroom hours do not exceed 25 hours per week, so there is ample time to pursue independent projects of the applicants interest.
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.
$1,800 monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
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
- Registration/Permitting fees
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
- Local transportation allowance
Base allowance (Travel/Transit/Excess Baggage/Settling-in): $3,570
Research allowance: $500
Other (visa, entry permits, testing, etc.): $500
Additional Grant Benefits
In-country support is provided through Post in Cyprus.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Cost of living dependent upon city.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
All Fulbright grantees will need to secure their own housing in Cyprus. Previous U.S. Fulbright students to Cyprus may be the best resource for suggestions and advice on how to find living accommodations according to the grantees needs. More information on finding housing in Cyprus will be provided to the grantee shortly after their award.