Montenegro
2 English Teaching Assistant Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright ETA program in Montenegro provides invaluable first-hand exposure to fluent English speakers, significantly helping to improve English language learning while also providing an avenue for cultural exchange. ETAs are usually placed at the University of Montenegro in Niksic and a leading high school in the capital of Podgorica. At the university, ETAs provide support for English language teaching instruction to English language majors studying to become English language teachers and interpreters. This placement includes independent teaching of communication and academic writing workshops. At the high school level, ETAs help Montenegrin teachers teach their subjects (specifically: mathematics, biology, physics, history) in English, as part of specialized bilingual programs (co-teaching assignment). During certain years, depending on funding, we have also had a third ETA placed at the two private universities, the University of Donja Gorica and Mediteran, half-time at each, providing support for English language majors. This placement includes independent teaching of communication and academic writing workshops.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The grant period is 10 months, or two semesters.
The school year may vary, but candidates should expect to begin teaching in end of August/beginning of September and to conclude the exam period at the end of June/beginning of July.
Orientation
All grantees are required to attend a virtual pre-departure orientation in June or July as a condition of their grant.
The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica will provide in-country orientation upon arrival (assistance with in-country registration, security brief, etc).
Candidate Profile
Well-rounded, articulate, self-driven candidates at all degree levels with an interest in international education and the initiative to teach conversational English at secondary school and university levels will be considered. Undergraduate and master degrees in the humanities and social sciences, with a focus on English, American Studies and Education, are preferred. Also, degrees in mathematics, physics, biology, or history, with an interest in teaching these subjects in English to high school students, are welcome. Successful candidates will not just be teaching English, but also sharing about the United States culture and explaining the United States educational system to local citizens who have little contextual understanding of the United States. Previous teaching experience is highly appreciated. Applicants must be fluent English-speakers.
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.
In general, you will find that Montenegrins are very welcoming. You are likely to encounter some curiosity and receive questions about your work and about American life. Fulbright grantees occupy a unique position in Montenegro, somewhere between the status of an official visitor and a private citizen. While you will be subject to the same customs procedures, temporary registration formalities, and Montenegrin laws that apply to all private visitors to Montenegro, you will still be seen as representatives of the United States. In many situations, you will be called upon to represent the United States. Be conscientious of the fact that your actions and behavior will inform the way Montenegrins think about Americans.
The climate in the capital of Podgorica is Mediterranean, with hot summers, mild and rainy winters, and continental in Niksic with somewhat colder weather and some snow.
The culture is Mediterranean and laid back as well, with people enjoying their coffee culture and free time. The university educational system is based on the European Bologna framework, but the organization is less structured than in the United States, especially at the university level and does require flexibility and adjustment in the beginning to succeed in the academically different environment. Students are generally motivated and dedicated to their studies, and fellow teachers usually overwhelmed with the number of lessons and commitments, but generally kind and welcoming.
Eligibility
3 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
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.
Montenegrin language proficiency is not required but can be helpful. Some study of Montenegrin prior to arrival is encouraged to promote deeper engagement with the host community.
Placement Type
- Secondary School
- University/Post-Secondary Institution
Grantees will be based at either universities or high schools. Grantees will either teach independently or in coordination with an experienced English instructor, and will serve as a resource for classes and units focusing on conversation, vocabulary, reading, writing, academic writing and culture in the United States. Candidates must be prepared to take the initiative to develop and implement a curriculum with little to no guidance. Grantees will be expected to be able to work both independently and co-teach, depending on their placement. Course prep time and classroom may vary depending on placement type, but ETAs should expect to be engaged in ETA grant responsibilities for approximately 20 hours per week.
Placement Locations
- Capital City
- Regional City
- Podgorica (capital)
- Niksic (regional)
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.
- Language training allowance
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
The one-time allowances total includes allowances for round-trip international airfare, settling in expenses, teaching materials, and language training.
Supplementary Project
Grantees are expected to engage in supplementary projects related to their personal, career, and/or educational interests for 2-3 hours per week. This may be an independent study/research project or other activity that will not conflict with assigned teaching and advising responsibilities. Applicants should include a brief description of their supplementary projects in their Statements of Grant Purpose. Grantees are also asked to design and/or participate in activities at the three American Corners in Montenegro (For more information, visit: https://me.usembassy.gov/education-culture/american-corners/ .
Grantees are strongly encouraged to become involved with educational advising and outreach conducted through the EducationUSA Center, which is housed within the American Corner in Podgorica (For more information, visit: https://educationusa.state.gov/centers/educationusa-montenegro).
Grantees are also encouraged to become involved in initiatives organized by the State Department’s Regional English Language Office, based in Belgrade (https://www.facebook.com/RELOBelgrade/), in addition to activities of the English Language Teachers Association of Montenegro which are carried out with State Department support (http://www.eltam.me/).
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 Montenegro: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Montenegro
The Statistical Office of Montenegro regularly publishes the minimal consumer basket costs (https://www.monstat.org/eng/ ), which you can review to get a sense of basic living costs in addition to accommodation and travel.
Here you can find an overview of the inflation rates for Montenegro: https://www.focus-economics.com/country-indicator/montenegro/inflation/.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Grantees will be expected to arrange their own accommodation, as the Embassy is unable to provide assistance.