For young teachers of English to teach Thai and, at the same time, to take courses in American universities – 9 months
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
FLTA Program provides an opportunity for young Thai teachers of English to refine their teaching skills, increase their English language proficiency while extend their knowledge of the cultures and customs of the United States while strengthening the instructions of the Thai language at U.S. higher education institutions for nine months.
FLTA Program has a tremendous multiplier effect in the U.S. and in the home countries of the FLTA fellows. U.S. universities benefit from the presence of a native foreign language speaker on their campuses. FLTA fellows may teach up to two classes and are required to enroll in at least two courses per semester, one of which must be in U.S. studies. The remaining coursework must relate to their careers in English language teaching. FLTA fellows will also be expected to facilitate cultural events, language clubs and language tables.
Selection will be based on the candidates’ leadership skills, ability to motivate students to learn, and interest in teaching their native language and culture to U.S. students. Ideal candidates for the FLTA Program have a desire to meet people and become a part of their host community by participating in community events and campus activities. FLTA fellows should also be creative and self-reliant team players, who are able to maintain excellent relationships with faculty, staff and students. FLTA Program is demand-driven and final selection is dependent on the ability to match the requests of U.S. host institutions with the language skills of the applicant pool.
All FLTA fellows receive a monthly stipend, health insurance and travel support. U.S. host institutions provide tuition waivers to support the required coursework.
DEGREE
Non-degree
FIELD
English Teaching
NO. OF GRANT
5-7 grants annually
PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT
March-June
ELIGIBILITY
- Be a Thai citizen in good health
- Be a teacher of English at Thai university or public secondary school
- Be no more than 35-year of age by August 1 of the application year
- Have a TOEFL score of at least 79-80 (IBT)/ 6.0 IELTS, taken within 2 years and valid until August 1 of the application year
- Received bachelor’s degree or higher at Thai University
- Must return to Thailand upon completion of the nine-month program. The Program will NOT support any extension requests for applicants
- Demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity, and professionalism
CONTACT
Email: flta@fulbrightthai.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long is the program, and when does the grant usually begin for selected participants?
A: The program lasts about nine months, usually beginning from August to May of the following year of application.
Q. What do FLTA participants do in the United States?
A: Participants in the FLTA Program usually assist in teaching Thai language classes, lead Thai cultural activities, help organize cultural events on campus, and take courses to improve their teaching skills. FLTA participants normally work up to 20 hours per week as teaching assistants.
Q: What benefits does the program provide?
A: The program typically provides round-trip international airfare, a monthly stipend, health insurance, tuition for required academic courses, and visa sponsorship.
Q: Can contract lecturers at universities or teaching assistants at public secondary schools apply for the FLTA Program?
A: Yes, they may apply if teaching is their main job (at least 60% of their workload). Applicants must hold a regular teaching position and not teach only occasionally or by invitation.
Q: I am an English teacher from a vocational college. Can I apply for the FLTA Program?
A: The program does not accept applications from teachers at vocational colleges. Applications are open to English teachers at public secondary schools under OBEC and demonstration schools (Secondary education level), as well as English Lecturers from Thai universities, including both public and private institutions.
Q: Can freelance teachers without an institutional affiliation apply for the FLTA Program?
A: No. Applicants must be currently employed by an institution as specified in application eligibility. As the Program aims to strengthen institutions in Thailand by enabling participants to share the knowledge, teaching methods, and experiences they gain in the United States with their home institutions after completing the program. For this reason, applicants must have a clear institutional affiliation to which they can return and contribute after the grant.
Q: Can Duolingo test scores be used to apply for the FLTA Program?
A: Yes. Applicants may use a Duolingo English Test score of at least 115 when applying. However, if they pass the interview, they will need to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score for the next stage of the selection process.
Q: Do I need prior experience teaching the Thai language?
A: It is not required. However, if you do, it would be an advantage, as it demonstrates your ability to support language instruction effectively in the classroom.
Q: Can I choose the university where I will be placed?
A: No. Placement is arranged by the program. Participants are matched with a U.S. host university based on program needs and their background.
Q: Can I apply if I have previously studied in the United States?
A: Applicants must have completed their bachelor’s degree from a university in Thailand. Applicants who have earned a graduate degree from a university in the United States are not eligible to apply. However, applicants who obtained their graduate degree from other countries are eligible. Those who previously studied in the United States for a short period of six months or less (for example, in an exchange or training program) may still apply.
Q: Can I bring family members with me?
A: No. The FLTA Program does not allow dependents to accompany participants during the grant period.
Q: Can I stay in the United States after the program ends?
A: Participants are expected to return to Thailand after the program to share their experiences and contribute to their communities. However, Fulbright grantees travel to the United States on a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa. After the grant ends, they may stay in the U.S. for a grace period of up to 30 days to prepare for departure.
In addition, J-1 visa holders are generally subject to a two-year home residency requirement, meaning they must return to their home country for a total of two years before they are eligible to apply for certain U.S. visas (such as H, L, or permanent residency). Short visits to the U.S. on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) during this period may still be possible.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Applications must be submitted through the online application system listed in the program announcement on the Thailand–United States Educational Foundation website.
Q: How can I contact Fulbright Thailand if I have questions?
A: For inquiries, please email flta@fulbrightthai.org No telephone inquiries will be accepted. Email inquiries will close two weeks before the application deadline.
