2028 Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program (Palestine)

Deadline: 20-Sep-2026

The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program offers early-career English teachers and professionals in related fields from Jerusalem and the West Bank the opportunity to teach Arabic at U.S. colleges and universities. The nine-month, non-degree program provides teaching experience, academic coursework, cultural exchange, housing, travel, health insurance, and a living stipend. The Fulbright FLTA Program is a U.S. Department of State-funded nine-month fellowship for eligible early-career English teachers and related professionals residing in Jerusalem or the West Bank. Selected fellows teach Arabic at U.S. higher education institutions, complete academic coursework, participate in cultural activities, and receive financial and logistical support.

About the Fulbright FLTA Program

The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program is designed to strengthen teaching skills, English proficiency, and cross-cultural understanding among early-career educators and professionals. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and locally administered by the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem. Participants spend nine months at U.S. colleges or universities, where they contribute to Arabic language instruction while also taking part in academic and cultural activities. What Does the Fulbright FLTA Program Offer? Selected fellows receive comprehensive support during their nine-month program, including: - International and domestic travel - Housing - Health insurance - Living stipend - Pre-departure orientation - Mid-year enrichment conference in the United States - Virtual enrichment opportunities - Opportunities for academic and professional development - Cultural exchange and networking opportunities The program is conducted on an unaccompanied basis, meaning dependents cannot accompany fellows. What Will Fulbright FLTA Fellows Do?

Participants have both teaching and academic responsibilities during the fellowship

Their activities include:

- Assisting with up to 20 hours of Arabic language classes per week. - Enrolling in at least two academic courses per semester. - Taking at least one course related to U.S. Studies. - Organizing or supporting cultural events. - Participating in language clubs and language tables. - Engaging with students, faculty, and the wider university community. - Developing their teaching abilities and English-language proficiency. - Learning more about U.S. society, culture, and higher education. The program combines classroom teaching with academic study and cultural exchange rather than functioning as a traditional degree program. Who Is Eligible for the Fulbright FLTA Program? Applicants must meet the program’s eligibility requirements, including: - Be a resident of Jerusalem or the West Bank throughout the nomination and selection process. - Be an early-career English teacher or professional in a related field. - Hold at least a U.S. Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification by June 1, 2027. - Demonstrate English-language proficiency through the required standardized test scores. - Meet the applicable minimum TOEFL or IELTS requirements. - Be available to participate in the full nine-month program. - Be able to obtain the required J-1 visa. Preference is given to applicants who have not had significant recent experience in the United States or overseas. Who Is Not Eligible? The following individuals are not eligible for the Fulbright FLTA Program: - U.S. citizens. - U.S. lawful permanent residents or green card holders. - Employees of the U.S. Embassy and their immediate dependents. - Recent AMIDEAST employees. - Applicants who do not meet the required educational or English-language qualifications. Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility requirements before submitting an application. What Is the Purpose of the Fulbright FLTA Program? The program is intended to create academic and cultural exchange between participants and U.S. communities. Through teaching Arabic and participating in university life, fellows can: - Gain international teaching experience. - Strengthen English communication skills. - Develop classroom and instructional skills. - Experience U.S. higher education. - Build professional and academic networks. - Share their language and cultural knowledge with U.S. students. - Develop a deeper understanding of U.S. society and culture. How Does the Fulbright FLTA Program Work? The fellowship follows a combination of teaching, academic study, and cultural engagement.

Key components include:

- Teaching: Fellows assist with Arabic language instruction for up to 20 hours per week.

- Academic study: Fellows take at least two courses per semester, including one U.S. Studies course.

- Cultural exchange: Fellows participate in cultural events, language clubs, and language tables.

- Professional development: Participants receive opportunities to improve teaching and communication skills.

- Enrichment: The program includes pre-departure orientation, a mid-year enrichment conference, and virtual activities.

- Return requirement: Participants must return to their home countries after completing the program.

Important Requirements for Applicants Applicants should pay attention to several important conditions: - Residency in Jerusalem or the West Bank is required throughout the nomination and selection process. - The required degree or equivalent must be completed by June 1, 2027. - Applicants must meet the required English-language proficiency standards. - Participation requires obtaining a J-1 visa. - The fellowship is unaccompanied, so dependents cannot participate. - Fellows are required to return to their home countries after completing the program. - Applicants should disclose any relevant previous U.S. or overseas experience as required by the program. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants can strengthen their preparation by focusing on the f