Fulbright Commission France - Grants for French Language Assistants

Fulbright French Language Assistant grant (FLTA)

You will spend one academic year (9 months) at a US university, where you will teach French language and culture. The core scholarship amounts to approximately 1,450 EUR, and most of your other expenses will also be covered. The scholarship covers your travel costs and exempts you from the visa fee for the J-1 visa. Your host university will provide you with accommodation and meals. This will either be a room on campus with a meal plan and a monthly stipend (a regular cash payment), or a monthly stipend sufficient to rent your own flat. The Commission Franco-Américaine Fulbright may award a grant depending on local prices, and the US Department of State will cover your health insurance. You will also take two university courses free of charge. One of these must focus on US history, literature or culture. You should budget for around 1,000 to 2,000 EUR from your own savings to cover your initial costs. The stay runs from around August/September to May/June and cannot be extended. Every year, 20 to 25 scholarships are awarded. The programme is run by the Fulbright Commission in France in collaboration with the Institute of International Education.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a French national and live in France. You are not currently permitted to be in the USA, and individuals with dual French-American citizenship are not eligible to apply.
• Degree: You must have obtained at least a Licence degree (equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree). Students in their third year (L3) of the English Studies programme (LLCE anglais) may also apply.
• Recent graduate: It has been no more than 5 years since you graduated. You must no longer be enrolled as a student.
• Field of study: Priority is given to trainee teachers and to the following disciplines: English Studies, French as a Foreign Language (FLE) and Modern Literature. The following subjects will also be considered: anthropology, cultural and regional studies, art history, communication studies, educational studies, humanities and social sciences, foreign languages (excluding English and FLE), literary studies and sociology.
• Languages: A good command of English (TOEFL iBT 79–80, IELTS 6.5 or levels B2–C1) and a clear and precise command of French.
• Travelling alone: You are travelling alone. No visa will be issued for partners or children.
• Age: No lower limit and no upper limit.
• Grades: Top marks are not essential. Extensive teaching experience, a good command of English and fresh ideas for promoting French culture can make up for average marks.

How to apply

You should submit your application documents via the Fulbright online platform and provide the details of three referees. The application deadline for the next cycle is 1 December (23:59 Paris time). Shortlisted candidates will attend a selection interview at the end of January, usually via Zoom. Finalists will then be matched with 5 to 8 partner universities before a placement is confirmed.

How realistic are your chances?

Each year, there are only 20 to 25 places available, and the admission criteria are strict: French nationals with a recent university degree, a sound command of English and a concrete plan for promoting French culture. If you fit this profile – particularly if you wish to teach and can demonstrate teaching experience – your prospects are good. Good grades alone are not decisive, and in the multi-stage selection process, a clear sense of motivation counts for more than a flawless academic record.