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In 2006, the Fulbright Commission with generous support from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs established the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistantship (FLTA) Program for Irish language teaching assistants at US colleges and universities. The Program offers FLTAs and US students the unique opportunity to learn about each others' culture and to build mutual understanding between the US and other countries.
The FLTA Program is a ten-month, non-degree program aimed at strengthening foreign language instruction at US colleges and universities, and some secondary schools. The FLTA Program provides current or future teachers with the opportunity to refine their teaching skills and extend their knowledge of US society and culture that they can draw upon when they return to Ireland.
FLTA fellows may assist in or teach up to two Irish language classes and are required to enroll in at least two courses per semester, one of which must be in US studies. The remaining coursework must relate to their careers in teaching.
FLTA fellows will also be expected to facilitate cultural events, language clubs, and language tables. FLTA fellows also interact with their host communities in conversation groups, extracurricular activities, and community outreach projects.
Successful FLTAs:
- will receive travel expenses, a monthly stipend to cover living expenses and or room and board from the host college. The level of the stipend will vary from location to location depending on the local cost of living
- are granted free tuition for two courses per semester provided by the host college. The range of disciplines on offer may be limited and some courses may not offer credits
- are provided with accident and emergency insurance while in the United States
- must be willing to accept a placement at the US institution offered. If a candidate turns down an offer at a particular college s/he is not eligible for further offers
- can participate on an Orientation Program organised by the Irish Fulbright Commission which provides FLTAs with training in teaching Irish to adult learners
- be invited to a range of cultural and professional programs in the United States
- must apply for and be granted a J-1 visa for the United States which will remain their status until the completion of their approved academic program
- are subject to the 2-year home rule. They will not be eligible for a US residency or work visa until they have fulfilled the two-year home residency requirement of the J-1 visa
- must take up their award within the academic year for which the award is granted. All Fulbright awards are for one academic year only. If an awardee is unable to take up the award within that period, s/he will be asked to reapply the following year
- must submit progress reports during the course of their award.
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