Uruguay
5 English Teaching Assistant Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodMarch StartGrant Length8 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Program aims to improve the quality of the English language instruction provided in Uruguayan public education while providing an opportunity for intensive cross-cultural interaction, sharing innovative ideas in TESOL and creating strong linkages between all participants.
ETA activities may include but are not limited to:
- Assisting with classes and courses that are part of the curriculum
- Tutor students outside of the classroom
- Conduct conversation clubs
- Conduct writing workshops
- Conduct activities to promote cultural exchange (theatre, dance, music, film)
- Participate in English Immersion Camps for students and/or teachers
- Participate in seminars and or workshops for teachers
Grant Length
Grant Period
The grant period is from March to November, and starts with an in-country orientation organized by the Fulbright Commission.
Orientation
The Fulbright Commission will arrange two or more mandatory virtual pre-departure meetings with grantees, as well as a mandatory in-country orientation.
Candidate Profile
Applications are welcome from graduating seniors and graduate students. Candidates with degrees in English, applied linguistics or foreign languages, and/or certification or significant coursework in teacher education or TESOL, are strongly preferred. Other fields will be seriously considered if combined with teaching experience and/or coursework in pedagogy.
Applicants should have some experience working in an educational environment and, specifically, with classroom teaching.
Applicants should be open-minded and willing to build significant community relationships as a cultural ambassador for the United States.
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.
Uruguay is often referred to as the hidden gem of South America. It is a country that consistently ranks #1 in Latin America in all international indexes referring to Democracy, Low Corruption, Respect for Rules, Transparency, Civil Freedoms and Social Mobility. With a literacy rate of 97.9 percent, Uruguay was the first country in the world to provide free laptops for every child and teacher of public schools.
Uruguay is an open-minded society where cultural activities, culinary experiences and an intercultural ambience is part of daily life. The country’s residents are known for being friendly and warm, always willing to share a barbecue and mate, our typical infusion.
As a grantee said, “...in Uruguay, I found it was much more productive to let things happen, to open myself up to new experiences and see where they led me. You never know what sort of new ideas and connections can come up all while simply enjoying a mate and watching the sunset with a new friend...".
Eligibility
3 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
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.
Additional Information: The recommended Spanish language level for this award is Intermediate. Novice speakers will be considered provided they meet other qualifications. Higher level proficiency may be necessary depending on the requirements of the proposed project. Applicants should discuss plans for language study between the time of application and the commencement of the grant on with the Language Self-Evaluation. A Foreign Language Evaluation by a college level Spanish language instructor is required.
Foreign Language Proficiency Level by Grant Start
If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Required, applicants must have the following proficiency level by the start of the grant period. If a Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is Recommended, applicants are encouraged but not required to have the following level by the start of the grant period.
Placement Type
- Elementary School
- Middle School
- Secondary School
- Vocational/Technical School
- Teacher Training
- University/Post-Secondary Institution
- Other Educational/Community Institution
To allow for maximum exposure to the Uruguayan culture and the education environment, the ETA program in Uruguay takes place in two locations: the provinces and Montevideo (the capital city), for an urban experience. In each location, ETAs have two or more placements. These can be at elementary, middle or high schools, Vocational/Technical Schools, Teacher Training Centers, Universities or other educational institutions. The week is divided among the Institutions where ETAs are placed with a maximum time commitment of 20-25 hours per week.
Grantees devote the remaining time to collaborate in professional development activities that are considered mandatory by the Commission Board. These activities combined with the TA responsibilities, comprise a full-time program.
Placement Locations
- Capital City
- Regional City
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.
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
- Local transportation allowance
- Research/Materials allowance: $150
- Settling in allowance: $500
- Local transporttaion allowance: $100
Additional Grant Benefits
- Mid-year seminar
Supplementary Project
English Teaching Assistants are encouraged to engage in other activities related to their personal, professional, and/or educational interests. Grantees may pursue a course of study, conduct research on topics related to Uruguay, engage in volunteer activities, or a combination of these.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
The websites below can help estimate the cost of living, meals, and incidentals in different capital cities. The cost of living in regional cities, where ETAs spend half of their program, is lower.
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Housing in Montevideo: The Commission is not responsible for making housing arrangements for the grantees. However, at the grantee's request, the Commission will go over their housing options (links to rental websites) and provide feedback when applicable.
Housing in the provinces: Grantees will have assistance in finding housing in the provinces. If grantees rent an apartment through a real estate agent, the Commission will read the lease agreement to make sure their rights as tenants are preserved.
The Commission will book grantees in a hotel during the orientation. This will be covered by the Commission.