US Fulbright Logo

Current U.S. Student

United States citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree programs are eligible to apply.If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a U.S. college or university, you will apply through that institution, even if you are not currently a resident there. Find the Fulbright Program Adviser on your campus.

U.S. Citizen but not a Student

If you are a U.S. citizen, will hold a bachelor’s degree by the award start date, and do not have a Ph.D. degree, then you are eligible to apply. Non-enrolled applicants should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Candidates with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

The Getting Started page will provide information on eligibility and next steps.

Artist

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program welcomes applications in the creative and performing arts. Arts candidates for the U.S. Student Program should have relatively limited professional experience in the fields (typically 7 years or less) in which they are applying. Artists with more experience should consider applying for the Fulbright Scholar Program.

Creative & Performing Arts projects fall under the Study/Research grant category and are available in all countries where Study/Research grants are offered.

FPA

U.S. Professor/Administrator

If you are a U.S. citizen and a professor or administrator at a U.S. institution and are interested in applying for a Fulbright Scholar Award, you will need to apply through fulbrightscholars.org.

To support your students in applying for a U.S. Student Program award, please connect with the Fulbright Program Adviser at your institution.

Non U.S. Citizens

If you are a non-U.S. citizen interested in applying for a Fulbright Award to the United States, you will need to apply through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country. Find out more information on the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program or Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Latvia

4 English Teaching Assistant Award

Accepted Degree Levels
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Grant Period
September Start
Grant Length
9 Months
Award Type
English Teaching Assistant
Award Profile

The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant program in Latvia helps to improve the teaching of the English language and American studies in Latvian schools and promotes education and cultural relationships between the United States and Latvia.

Grant Length
9 Months
Grant Period
September Start

The grant period will be September to June.

Orientation
Pre-Departure and In-Country Orientation

All grantees are required to attend a Fulbright pre-departure orientation in June or July as a condition of their grant, as well as an in-country orientation in September. The virtual pre-departure orientation is organized by IIE.

 

Candidate Profile

Well-rounded articulate candidates at all degree levels, including doctoral up to dissertation level, with an interest in international education and the initiative to assist the classroom teacher with conversational English at all levels will be considered. Undergraduate degrees in the humanities and social sciences, with a focus on English, American studies, or education, are preferred. 

Teaching assistant activities may include:

  1. Serving as a resource person in conversation groups
  2. Providing small group tutorials
  3. Assisting students with reading and written English
  4. Giving presentations related to American studies in English classes or school/civic organizations
  5. Assisting the classroom teacher by preparing classroom materials
  6. Starting English language clubs

Previous experience in teaching, assisting with teaching, tutoring, or leading conversation groups is preferred. Applicants must be fluent English speakers. In addition to regular teaching duties, the ETA program in Latvia offers opportunities for research and/or community service.

What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?

The Fulbright program in Latvia offers a unique opportunity for English Teaching Assistants to hone their teaching skills and engage with Latvian communities. Latvia is known for its rich cultural heritage and Fulbright fellows can immerse themselves in its diversity. From traditional festivals to modern art exhibitions, there's always something happening. Besides their primary duties at the host institutions, Fulbright ETAs build connections and friendships by volunteering in their communities. Latvia boasts stunning natural landscapes, including pristine forests, picturesque lakes, and sandy beaches along the Baltic Sea. Fulbrighters enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping during their free time. Overall, life for Fulbrighters in Latvia offers a balance of professional duties, cultural immersion, and memorable experiences that combine for fulfilling experience.

Eligibility
Residency in host country NOT permitted in year prior to grant
Indicate how many months is considered residency:
12 Months
Dual citizens of this country are eligible
Degree Level of Applicant
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's
  • Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Not Required

Additional Information: Local language proficiency is not required. However, there is a possibility that U.S. Students will be provided with a stipend to study the local language while in-country.

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. Applicants will likely be placed outside of the capital city in smaller communities.

Grantees will assist an experienced English 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 arrival in Latvia.

Placement Locations
  • Regional City

Applicants will likely be placed outside of the capital city in smaller communities.

Supplementary Project
Required

Grantees are expected to engage in social or community activities related to their academic and personal interests. Applicants should keep in mind that these activities may be flexible with respect to geographic location and local partner organizations since the activities will depend on the placement. Grantees will also be asked to run English Language Clubs and other activities at the American Spaces in Latvia.

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.

1,650 monthly stipend amount in
$ [US Dollar]
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.

4,570 in
$ [US Dollar]
  • Language training allowance
  • Research/Materials allowance
  • Settling in allowance

The one-time allowances total includes allowances for round trip international airfare, settling in expenses, research, and language training.

Estimated Cost of Living

Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.

Students can use the following website as a resource to research the estimated cost of living in various parts of Latvia: https://studyinlatvia.lv/latvia/live#

Dependents
Dependent financial support is NOT available
Housing Arrangements

Grantees will be responsible for finding their own housing in the country. The U.S. Embassy and host institution will provide helpful tips on how to find suitable housing. 

Fulbright Program Management Contact
FBstudent.EUR@iie.org
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
https://lv.usembassy.gov/
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Ingrida Bodniece, Public Diplomacy Specialist: BodnieceI@state.gov
Additional Online Resources
General information about Latvia: http://www.latvia.eu/
Ministry of Education and Science: http://izm.gov.lv/en/education