University of Burgos - Spanish Language Assistantships-Western Michigan University + the study of a Master

What you get

You will be offered a paid position as a teaching assistant at Western Michigan University (WMU) in Kalamazoo, USA, as well as a place on the Master’s programme in ‘Hispanic Studies’. The post comes with a scholarship (a fixed living allowance) which, according to WMU, generally covers your tuition fees, accommodation and meals, health insurance, travel costs and administrative fees. No exact amount is specified on the official website; the value therefore lies more in the fact that these costs are covered than in a specific monthly sum. As a teaching assistant, you will teach three Spanish courses over the course of the academic year and undertake at least six credit hours per semester on the Master’s programme. The Master’s programme comprises 30 credit hours, and full-time students usually complete it in two years. The post is for a fixed term of one academic year (autumn and spring semesters) and may be renewed once, bringing the total duration to a maximum of two years. The University of Burgos (UBU) in Spain and WMU run the programme jointly; this partnership has been in place since 1999.

Who can apply

• Your degree: You are a graduate or a final-year undergraduate student at the University of Burgos on one of the following degree programmes: ‘Spanish: Language and Literature’, ‘History and Heritage’ or ‘Audiovisual Communication’, or a student on the online Master’s programme in ‘Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language’.
• Field: Spanish language, literature and culture, or a related subject in the humanities.
• Where you go: You study and teach in the USA at Western Michigan University.
• English: You have a level C1 in English. Applications from candidates at level B2 will also be considered.
• Grades: You must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 during your studies. A grade point average of 3.25 or higher in your Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.

How to apply

First, apply online for the Master’s programme in ‘Hispanic Studies’ at WMU, submitting a covering letter, a CV, your academic transcript and two letters of recommendation from university lecturers. You should then send the separate application for the teaching assistantship to the Director of Postgraduate Studies. The application deadline for the autumn intake is 1 February. Each applicant will attend an interview in English at WMU. The UBU will then put forward candidates, and WMU will make the final decision.

How realistic are your chances?

The selection criteria are very strict: as a rule, there is only one place available each year, which is primarily open to students from Burgos studying a handful of specific degree programmes, with good grades and a solid command of English. This means that the pool of eligible applicants remains small. So, if you clearly fit the criteria for these degree programmes and pass the English-language interview, you have a genuine chance. As only one place is available, success depends on good grades and a convincing interview, and it is advantageous to submit your application well in advance of 1 February.