Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program – India

The Fulbright FLTA Program, an integral part of the Fulbright Student Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, is a nine-month, non-degree program for early career English teachers teaching at college level or professionals in related fields. The program invites applications from early career English teachers teaching at college level or training to become a teacher of English, or a young professional in related fields (e.g., American Studies, American/English Literature, etc.). Selected FLTAs from India will teach Hindi at select U.S. campuses during their nine-month grant beginning August/September 2025.

Fulbright FLTA participants have the opportunity to refine their teaching skills, increase their English language proficiency and extend their knowledge of the society and culture of the United States, while being teaching assistants for their native language to U.S. students and strengthening foreign language instruction at U.S. colleges and universities. The participants also interact with their host communities in conversation groups, extracurricular activities, and community outreach projects. India is one of the countries participating in the 2025 competition.

The FLTA program promotes cross-cultural understanding in the U.S. and in the home countries of the FLTA fellows. U.S. universities benefit from the presence of a native speaker on their campuses. FLTA fellows provide teaching assistance, by serving in various capacities, which may include teaching up to two classes per semester, and typically facilitate cultural events, language clubs and language tables. FLTA fellows are required to enroll in at least two courses per semester, one of which must be in U.S. Studies. As a result of the program, FLTA alumni return with a high proficiency in English and can speak with authenticity and authority about the United States, its values and its people.

Grant Benefits

• All FLTA fellows receive a monthly stipend, health insurance and travel support. U.S. host institutions provide tuition awards to support the required coursework. The FLTA program does not provide J-2 visas for spouses or dependents.

Eligibility Criteria

• FLTA Applicant Profile

• FLTA candidates should be energetic, early career educators capable of succeeding in the dual role of teaching assistant and student. They must have a sincere interest in teaching their native language and culture to U.S. students. They should have leadership skills and the ability to motivate students to learn. FLTAs should have a desire to meet people and become a part of the community by participating in community events and campus activities. They should be creative and self-reliant team players, who are able to maintain excellent relationships with faculty, staff, and students. They must be open to living with their U.S. student peers in undergraduate or graduate level campus housing and engaging with faculty and staff with maturity and professionalism.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have little or no prior experience living in the United States. Fellows must be flexible with placements at smaller or more ethnically diverse U.S. academic institutions. At the conclusion of the program, Indian fellows will be expected to return to India, making an immediate impact by utilizing the skills gained and sharing the experiences gleaned from their time in the U.S.

• General Prerequisites
  • The applicant:
    • must be a responsible Indian citizen who can contribute to a full and fair picture of the culture and civilization of India, and thereby help to promote understanding and friendship between the peoples of the United States of America and India;
    • must not be residing in U.S. during the recruitment and placement cycle (February 2024-July 2025);
    • Indian citizens with active permanent resident status in foreign countries are not eligible to apply;
    • must have a high level of academic/professional achievement;
    • must demonstrate proficiency in the English language to undertake the proposed project/program and adjust to life in the U.S.;
    • must inform USIEF well in advance if the applicant needs to travel abroad (e.g., conference, fellowship etc.) during the application cycle Feb 2024 – July 2025;
    • must be eligible for leave, if employed;
    • must not be applying for or holding permanent residence (green card) in the United States; and
    • must give an undertaking to return to India on the completion of the fellowship.
  • Note: Preference will be given to candidates who have not had extensive recent U.S. experience. Some fellowship programs may have prerequisites and guidelines in addition to those described above. Please review the eligibility criteria for specific fellowships carefully.
• In addition to the General Prerequisites, the applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • Be citizens of India. Applicants must be residing in India throughout the application, nomination, and selection process.
  • Must clearly demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity, and professionalism.
  • Fluency in English is mandatory. A score of no less than 79-80 on the internet based TOEFL is required. TOEFL scores are not required at the time of application. Candidates recommended by the selection committee will have to appear for the TOEFL in November 2024. USIEF will provide fee vouchers towards the TOEFL exam.
  • Indian applicants must have at least a master’s degree by June 2025 with a good academic record. The master’s degree should be in fields such as English language, English/American Literature, American Studies, Linguistics, Comparative Literature, and related areas.
  • A young teacher of English at the college level or training to become a teacher of English or is a young professional in a related field.
  • Prior teaching experience is preferred.
• Important: The FLTA Program is a non-degree and non-renewable program and those wishing to pursue degree studies in the United States should not apply. All FLTA fellows must return to their home countries upon completion of the nine-month program. No extension requests will be supported. No dependents are allowed to accompany fellows on this program.
• Material misinterpretation (e.g., plagiarism) at any time during the application or grant period is grounds for selection withdrawal or grant termination, as well as ineligibility for future participation.

For more information, visit USIEF.