The English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program gives U.S. college graduates at Bachelor level or higher an opportunity to apply for a scholarship – to assist with teaching the English language at Slovak secondary schools for one academic year (10 months). Typical fields of study of applicants are: Teaching English as a Second Language, American Studies, American Literature, History, Arts, English, Political Science and International Education. Slovak language proficiency is not required.
The English Teaching Assistant´s role is to assist with the teaching of English to designated teachers for a maximum of 15 to 18 hours per week. ETAs can start teaching on their own after mutual agreement with the host school and only after they become fully accustomed to the classroom environment. ETAs are not allowed to teach or co-teach other subjects but English.
In addition to serving as linguistic models in a classroom of English instruction, U.S. Teaching Assistants are also valuable resources for first-hand information about American culture, traditions and society, and are informal representatives of the United States. In this capacity, they contribute substantially to the promotion of mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States of America and Slovakia.
Travel allowance
One-time allowance covering expenses to obtain national visa
Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges covering basic healthcare (supplemental private insurance highly recommended)
the Commission can offer a partial stipend for accredited summer schools in Slovakia.
Mandatory academic and cultural 4-day orientation program upon arrival to Slovakia, mandatory mid-year conference, participation in enrichment activities, such as the Berlin seminar hosted by the German Fulbright Commission, and on-going support during the grant period
The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program is administered on the U.S. side by the Institute of International Education (IIE), which oversees the application process and pre-screens applicants.
Candidates must complete and submit an online application. Please visit the global Fulbright website to learn more. For specific application instructions and deadlines, candidates are strongly recommended to contact an on-campus Fulbright Program Adviser at their institution. Click here to find your Fulbright Program Advisor.
Application must include: CV, Statement of Grant Purpose, Personal Statement and 3 Letters of references.
Fulbright U.S. Student Application FormThe application period is open from spring to fall. Applicants should bear in mind that they need to submit the application approximately one year prior to the start date of their grant period. The national application deadline for the 2023/202 academic year is October 11, 2022 at 5 pm Eastern Time. Candidates applying through U.S. institutions are required to meet the campus deadline set by Fulbright Program Advisers at respective universities.
Application cycle is open.
Deadline for submission of the application. If you apply through a U.S. university, please check the deadline with your university´s Fulbright Program Advisor. If you apply At-Large, please check the deadline with the IIE.
National Screening Committees convened by IIE to review applications and recommend candidates for final consideration to the Commission.
Candidates are notified by IIE as to whether or not their applications are recommended for final consideration. The Commission is responsible for the final selection of candidates.
Selected candidates are notified of the official approval by the Commission and by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
Grant documents are issued. Administrative steps to process visa applications and departure for Slovakia are taken.
Visa interviews are conducted with grantees departing for Slovakia.
Please visit the global Fulbright website. If you have any specific questions, please contact our office at: office@fulbright.sk.
Program, year, host institution:
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, 2017-18, Stredná Odborná Škola v Handlovek (Secondary Vocational School in Handlová)
Current position:
Ph.D. Student at Rutgers University, New Brunswick
Testimonial:
“Being an ETA in the Slovak Republic was one of the most memorable and beautiful times of my life. I met so many wonderful people that not only pushed me to constantly challenge myself, but who would also go on to become some of my closest friends. I connected with a community who took me in and taught me about the various beautiful facets that made up Slovak culture. And, finally, I took away experiences that would ultimately help me in my graduate school career. I truly feel as though I have left a part of myself back in the Slovak Republic, and I grow ever thankful with each passing day for being blessed with such an experience.”
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, 2018-19
Program, year, host institution:
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, 2018-19, Gymnázium Karola Štúra v Modre (Secondary School)
Current position:
Academic Advisor for the University of Akron
Testimonial:
“Simply put, my Fulbright experience in Slovakia was the most incredible time in my life! From working with and teaching intelligent, caring students, to learning about and experiencing Slovak culture firsthand, Slovakia is the hidden gem of Europe. During my time in Slovakia, I was able to meet lifelong friends who inspired me to pursue my dreams, including my current boyfriend. Slovakia has so much to offer, including gorgeous landscape, wonderful food, and the kindest people you will ever meet. (And I am from the Midwest so I would know!) My Fulbright experience in Slovakia allowed me to exponentially grow as an individual, pushing me outside of my comfort zone and allowing me to become the person I am today. I will forever be grateful to Fulbright for showing me Slovakia, as now it has become a second home.”
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, 2018-19
Program, year, host institution:
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, 2012-2013, Gymnázium J.B. Magina, Vrbové (Secondary School)
Current position:
Legislative Policy Analyst, Denver City Council
Testimonial:
“My year serving as a Fulbright ETA was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. My time in Slovakia allowed me to connect with my students and colleagues, and explore the unique history and culture of central Europe. It was incredible to watch the progress my students made throughout the year. My experience challenged me in ways that I never thought I'd experience, but empowered me to take risks in life and know I will thrive.”
Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, 2012-2013