English Teaching Assistant
2026-2027 Competition Deadline: Tuesday October 7, 2025 at 5 pm Eastern Time
Program Description
The Fulbright US Student: English Teaching Assistant (ETA) program places Fulbright grantees in classrooms abroad to assist the local English teachers. ETAs help teach the English language while serving as cultural ambassadors for the US. In Indonesia, the program offers a unique opportunity for recent bachelor’s or master’s degree holders to supplement English language instruction in selected Indonesian high schools by providing a native-speaker presence.
Since its inception in 2004, the ETA program In Indonesia has grown from only five ETAs per year to 35 ETAs currently helping English teachers in various public and private high schools and religious high schools throughout the archipelago.
The goals of the ETA program are to:
- Promote mutual understanding and goodwill between Indonesians and Americans and foster positive binational relations
- Assist local English teachers and engage students in communication and extracurricular activities in English
- Foster a classroom environment that encourages students to use conversational English to help improve their English language skills.
- Provide a native-speaking model to enhance students’ listening and speaking skills
- Give students (and teachers) the opportunity to actively practice their English skills
- Encourage grantee involvement in the local communities
Eligibility
An applicant must be:
- A US citizen (permanent residency status does not qualify)
- A recent graduate from a bachelor’s or master’s program
- Of sound physical and mental health
- Native-English speakers
- Culturally sensitive
- Able to exhibit a high level of professionalism
Applicants residing in Indonesia (or those living there during the relevant academic year) will not be considered.
Selection Criteria
Candidates must be mature, articulate, resourceful, flexible, have relevant teaching experience, and be committed to working in an instructional setting with Indonesian high school students. Applicants with degrees in education, English, and TESOL are given preference, but candidates from all majors are welcome to apply. As cultural ambassadors, ETAs are expected to exhibit high professionalism and share and explain aspects of American culture with their schools.
The selection of ETA candidates aims to achieve geographic, ethnic, gender, and disciplinary diversity. AMINEF can usually admit between 30 and 40 grantees per year.
Selection is first made by American academic selection panels. The nominated candidates are then decided in a final review by a binational Educational Exchange Committee of AMINEF in Indonesia. Candidates recommended for final review by AMINEF may be contacted via video conference or phone for interviews. Finally, candidates nominated by AMINEF are approved by the presidentially appointed J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board in Washington.
Note: It is the policy of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board that reasons for the non-recommendation of candidates should not be given.
Indonesian Language Study
While proficiency in Indonesian is not required, some study of the language before arrival is recommended to ease the transition to school and community life. The following websites for self-study may be useful:
ETAs will be provided basic language instruction in Indonesian as part of the in-country orientation, and one-on-one tutors will be provided at their target site if requested. ETAs are not eligible for the Critical Language Enhancement Award (CLEA).
Orientation
An orientation and training opportunities are provided to the ETAs to help them acclimate and immerse themselves in the local language and culture. All grantees must attend a pre-departure orientation in Washington, DC, in the summer as a condition of their grants. In addition, after a week at the target site, all grantees will come together for a two-week orientation in Indonesia that includes theoretical and practical training on how to teach English and assist local teachers, modules on local culture and the reality of teaching English in Indonesian schools, and intensive basic Indonesian instruction.
Placement and Housing
ETAs typically work with Indonesian high school teachers to teach conversational English to students at selected public and private schools, including Islamic boarding schools, throughout Indonesia, some of which are in remote areas. Approximately 25 hours per week of classroom teaching alongside local English teachers, plus requisite class preparation time and school-related activities, will be required. ETAs are also expected to engage in activities in the communities where they live, for which small amounts of funding will also be available.
School placements are based on decisions made by the Indonesian Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and AMINEF’s Board of Managers.
Housing arrangements are made by the schools where ETAs will be placed, subject to approval by AMINEF. Some ETA sites in rural areas tend to be more conservative, and ETAs need to be prepared to adapt to local customs, conditions, and norms. Housing situations vary greatly from site to site. Many placements lack conveniences such as air conditioning, hot water, gyms, and Western groceries. Internet connectivity speeds will vary by location. This requires a high degree of flexibility and adaptability on the part of the ETAs.
Outside Classroom Work
The primary activity of this program is assisting in teaching English as a foreign language. Because of visa and permit restrictions, ETAs in Indonesia are not allowed to undertake independent research or work with non-governmental organizations. However, ETAs are encouraged to seek opportunities for cultural enrichment, including community service, to enhance their overall Fulbright experience as cultural ambassadors.
Grant Period
Nine months, from August to May the following year. English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) generally depart for Indonesia at the end of August.
For the 2026-2027 competition, the grant is planned to begin in August 2026, and will end in May 2027.
How to Apply?
AMINEF does not directly receive applications for this program. Applicants must apply to the Institute of International Education (IIE), responsible for handling this program’s applications. Please visit US Student Awards for detailed information.
To start an application, click here.
Before applying for this program, applicants are strongly encouraged to read Information to consider. The ETA Guidebook gives background on the program based on previous ETAs’ experiences.
Applicants are advised to consult IIE’s website for further information. For additional questions, contact FBstudent.EAP@iie.org.
Grant Benefits
ETAs are provided a round-trip, international ticket from the grantee’s home to the site placement. ETAs also receive a monthly stipend, two relocation allowances (i.e., moving to Indonesia from the US and returning to the US from Indonesia), and health/accident benefits.
Dependents
Dependent support is not available, and dependents cannot accompany ETAs.
Last Updated: Apr 14, 2025 @ 10:49 pm
