Botswana
English Teaching Assistant Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodJanuary StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program in Botswana aims to strengthen educational and cultural relationships between the United States and Botswana. More specifically, it serves to strengthen English learning and teaching in Botswana's primary and secondary schools, which operate under the guidance of the Ministry of Basic Education.
ETAs will be assigned to and supervised by the heads of the English departments at their host schools, and will work alongside English teachers. They will be placed in peri-urban and rural schools where English speaking and writing are a challenge. (English is an official language of Botswana, but is overwhelmingly spoken as a second language.) ETAs will also have the opportunity to exchange ideas on pedagogy with colleagues, participate in community and volunteer activities, and collaborate with public libraries on public outreach efforts.
Grant Length
Grant Period
The academic calendar for public schools in Botswana runs in three quarter terms: January to April, May to August, and August to December with short breaks in between.
ETAs should plan to arrive in early January 2026, to allow time to settle in before classes start. This is also when class enrollment schedules are determined.
Orientation
As a condition of the grant, all grantees may be required to participate in a Pre-Departure Orientation during the summer of 2025.
A mandatory in-country group orientation will also be provided by the U.S. Embassy in Gaborone.
Candidate Profile
Master's-level candidates are preferred. However, Bachelor's-level candidates considering careers in education, who have a degree in English, education or TEFL/applied linguistics and have experience teaching or tutoring will be considered. Candidates with degrees in other fields will be considered if they have experience: working with first-generation college students, teaching youth in a rural environment, teaching English as a second language, and teaching experience and/or coursework in pedagogy.
Candidates with the ability to incorporate or organize extra-curricular activities – such as music, art, dance, English Clubs, Reading and Writing Clubs - are preferred. Candidates with an interest in African languages, culture, and history are also encouraged to apply.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Botswana has consistently maintained a democratic government, responsibly managed its natural resources, and invested in its people and infrastructure. The bilateral relationship is strong and grounded in a shared commitment to democracy, good governance, and human rights.
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
Foreign Language Proficiency
Local language is not required, but some proficiency in Setswana is recommended.
Placement Type
- Elementary School
- Middle School
- Secondary School
- Vocational/Technical School
ETAs spend approximately 20 hours per week assisting and supporting vocational instructors and English teachers in primary and secondary schools, and working on additional projects. ETA roles may include giving presentations on topics related to the United States, preparing classroom activities, modeling interactive activities with partner teachers, and/or encouraging students to communicate in English. ETAs may assist in a variety of academic formats such as one-on-one tutoring or co-teaching large groups. ETAs are also encouraged to create their own projects with institutions or communities. These projects might involve a literacy celebration week, dance groups and athletic teams, job fairs, women's groups, journalism clubs, book clubs, cultural days, debate clubs, etc. Involvement in EducationUSA activities would also be welcome.
Placement Locations
- Rural
ETAs will be placed in peri-urban and rural schools.
Supplementary Project
A supplementary project (to be worked on when the grantee is not engaged in ETA-related duties) is encouraged.
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.
- Excess baggage fees
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
The U.S. Embassy will secure temporary lodging for ETAs during the in-country orientation in Gaborone. The Embassy will also work with host schools to identify appropriate local, long-term housing for ETAs. However, finding and securing housing is ultimately the responsibility of each ETA.