THINKING OF APPLYING - GENERAL INFORMATION

Some Characteristics of Assistants/Assistantships

Assistants:

1. Have formal academic training or professional experience in teaching and must have a sincere interest in teaching their native language and culture to students in the U.S. 
• Those funded directly by ECA MUST be teachers of English or be training to become teachers of English
2. Have an in-depth knowledge of their culture and current events in their country
3. Have leadership skills and the ability to motivate students in an emphatic manner
4. Have the ability to engage students informally
5. Should be able to work creatively and be self-reliant, while being willing to work cooperatively as part of a team with faculty, staff and students
6. Preferably have good organizational and computer skills
7. Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to learn
8. Have interest in such activities as sports, music, cooking, poetry, dance, etc.
9. Should be adaptable to living in rural or urban areas.

Assistantships:

1. Are in diverse locations, including small, suburban communities or rural areas which may have limited access to good public transportation
2. Involve diverse duties at the host institution and many may not be limited to working exclusively in a formal classroom setting
3. Frequently involve participation in extracurricular activities such as leading conversation groups, participating in community social events/lectures, working in language laboratories, etc.
4. Frequently involve living in residence halls or language houses and interacting with students outside the classroom on a daily basis
5. Frequently involve "animating" language clubs - making language learning interesting and personal
6. Involve initiating activities for students and the university/college community using the language being taught in a friendly, outgoing and flexible manner
7. Involve being a cultural ambassador
8. May or may not be considered faculty positions. If they are, they carry faculty responsibilities, including the responsibility of helping students individually at all times and keeping regular office hours
9. Must not carry a workload that exceeds 20 hours per week
10. Must be carried out solely at the institution specified on visa documentation.