Estonia
4 English Teaching Assistant Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Program goal: to strengthen educational and cultural relationships between the United States and Estonia.
Teaching role: ETA positions may be stand-alone teaching assignments or as assistants to English-language teachers. ETAs will be responsible for developing their own lesson plans and managing their own classrooms and schedules.
General benefits: ETAs benefit from cross-cultural interactions, research and personal interest possibilities, volunteering opportunities in their placement communities, and connection with a small community of other ETAs throughout the country.
Applicants are placed in classrooms at host institutions to provide assistance to the local English teachers. ETAs also serve as cultural ambassadors. ETAs are not full-fledged professors; the program is an entry-level professional development opportunity for them to advance their teaching skills and have a positive experience in the host country. ETA activities may include: 1) serving as a resource person in conversation groups; 2) providing small group tutorials; 3) assisting students with reading and writing English; 4) giving presentations related to American studies in English classes and to school/civic organizations; 5) preparing and organizing American culture-related activities, including movie nights and holiday celebrations; 6) starting and running English language clubs; 7) developing and facilitating educational community activities in cooperation with the Embassy; and 8) other tasks developed in cooperation with the Embassy and/or the host institution.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The grant period is from September 2024 to June 2025.
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.
An in-country orientation is arranged by the Embassy for all grantees upon arrival to Estonia.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate would be someone self-driven with a strong commitment to community service. Well-qualified candidates who possess a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline will be considered. Anyone with experience in mentoring, teaching, or working with youth will be strongly considered. Previous teaching experience and/or TESL/TESOL certification is not required but is helpful. Applicants must be fluent English speakers.
The ETA program in Estonia has a community service component, and close collaboration with U.S. Embassy-run programs and initiatives is expected.
Eligibility
3 Months
Accepted Degree Levels
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Additional Information: Language proficiency is not required, but is encouraged.
Russian is spoken in certain regions.
Placement Type
- Middle School
- Secondary School
- Vocational/Technical School
- University/Post-Secondary Institution
- Other Educational/Community Institution
Grantees may be placed in universities, schools, or other venues where English language instruction is needed. Applicants may indicate a host institution preference but the Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy will seek the most appropriate placements. Grantees will likely be placed outside the capital.
Grantees will assist an experienced English language instructor and will serve as a resource for conversation, vocabulary, and reading and writing courses. Grantees may also be involved with some educational advising and outreach. Grantee hours and responsibilities will be discussed with the PDS and finalized prior to or upon arrival to Estonia.
Placement Locations
- Regional City
- Rural
Supplementary Project
As English Teaching Assistant responsibilities will not exceed 20 hours per week, grantees are expected to engage in projects or other activities related to their personal, professional, and/or academic interests during the grant period. Grantees may pursue a course of study, conduct research on topics related to Estonia, engage in specific volunteer work, or a combination of these. Applicants should be flexible when considering their supplementary project.
Housing Arrangements
Candidates are expected to arrange their own housing with the help of host institutions. Limited assistance is available by PDS staff.
Dependents
Visa Requirements
To obtain legal residency in Estonia, all candidates need to be ready to secure a D-type visa through the Estonian Embassy prior to embarking on the program in Estonia. The application needs to be coordinated with the Embassy and the host institution in Estonia to obtain necessary paperwork on behalf of the hosts.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
US Embassy Twitter: https://twitter.com/USEmbTallinn
US Embassy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/estonia.usembassy
US Embassy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usembassytallinn/?hl=en