Thailand - English Teaching Assistant Award

Full Job Description

The 2027-2028 Competition is now open. The National Deadline is October 6, 2026 at 5pm Eastern Time. Start an application.

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20 English Teaching Assistant Award

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Accepted Degree Levels

• Bachelor's
• Master's

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Grant Period

Fall Start

Grant Length

12 Months

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• Bachelor's
• Master's

The English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program places American graduates or ETAs in Thai public schools and vocational colleges nationwide including urban, suburban and rural for two semesters. The ETAs teach English conversation for up to 18 hours per week, excluding preparation and other school activities, and serve as cultural ambassadors of the United States.

The ETAs are required to begin their grants in late September/early October each year to attend the in-country orientation. They then join the schools starting from the second semester (October – March) of the academic year in Thailand, with a summer break from early March to early May, and continue teaching in the first semester (May – September).

During the summer break, ETAs are required to do an internship for at least six weeks, with the remaining time being vacation. The internship allows ETAs to explore academic or professional interests through meaningful engagement while promoting educational and cultural understanding through on-the-job training.

Generally, two renewal grants are available for interested ETAs to apply to stay for one additional year. These grants are awarded based on satisfactory cultural adjustment, adaptability and contribution to community, and teaching performance.

Fall Start from late September / early October for one year

The three-week intensive, in-country orientation program covers several topics, including Thailand education system, safety and well-being, teaching techniques, practical teaching, basic Thai language, and Thai culture.

Candidates must be fluent English speakers. They are expected to demonstrate initiative in teaching conversational English at primary, secondary, and/or technical/vocational levels, with an average class size of 40 students. Additionally, candidates must possess a growth mindset and a high degree of flexibility as students’ learning capabilities are differ from one another and their English competencies are varied depending on grade level and region. Moreover, candidates must adapt and thrive within Thai cultural environments and the Thai education system, including teaching up to 50-minutes per class period, living in less comfortable, resource-constrained settings.

Candidates need to be self-motivated, open-minded, adventurous, resilience, flexible, and independent. Candidates from all majors are welcome, but those with Education or English majors and prior teaching experience are preferred. As cultural ambassadors, Candidates are expected to exhibit a high level of professionalism, demonstrate respect for Thai culture and traditions, follow rules and regulations of commission and schools, and share aspects of American culture with their schools.

Candidates cannot be accompanied by dependents.

Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.

Thailand, known as the "Land of Smiles," is a vibrant country located in Southeast Asia. It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Thailand has a deep cultural history influenced by Buddhism, which is evident in its numerous temples and festivals. Key historical sites include the ancient cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Thai culture emphasizes respect, family values, and a strong sense of community.

Living in Thailand provides a unique experience with a blend of “Sabai Sabai” urban and rural lifestyles. Sabai Sabai is a Thai phrase that means “relaxed,” “comfortable,” or “easygoing.” It reflects and emphasizes a stress-free, laid-back, or “no-rush” lifestyle and is often used to describe a relaxing environment or a feeling of contentment. The cost of living is relatively low compared to the United States, and the local cuisine is world-famous for its flavors and variety. Public transportation is well-developed in major cities, and the country is known for its friendly locals.

Thailand has a tropical climate with three main seasons: hot, rainy, and cool. The weather varies by region, but generally, the best time in Thailand is during the cool season from November to February.

Thailand offers a rich and rewarding experience for ETAs. Its unique blend of tradition and modernity, coupled with its commitment to education and research, makes it an excellent destination for teaching and cultural exchange.

Residency in host country NOT permitted in year prior to the application deadline.

6 Months or more in the year prior to the application deadline is considered residing in country.

American citizens, including those with Thai-U.S. dual citizenship, are eligible to apply. Dual citizens must use their American passports to enter Thailand.

Americans who have spent more than 180 days in Thailand in the year prior to application deadline (e.g., October 8, 2025, to October 7, 2026, for the 2027-2028 program) are not eligible.

After the application deadline, applicants must not be associated with any Thai institutions, including conducting research or teaching in Thailand before they begin their grant. Leisure travels to Thailand are acceptable.

Applicants are expected to be in the U.S. and travel from the U.S. to begin their grant.

• Bachelor's
• Master's

If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.

Additional Information: While Thai language proficiency is not required, self-study of Thai prior to arrival is mandatory to promote deeper engagement with the host Thai community. During the orientation, basic Thai language instruction will be provided.

• Elementary School
• Middle School
• Secondary School
• Vocational/Technical School

Grantees will teach at either the elementary/middle or middle/high school/technical/vocational level, depending on the placement. ETAs will be assigned to public schools/technical/vocational colleges in cities and towns including urban, suburban, rural outside Bangkok.

• Regional City
• Rural

Extended opportunity, sub-district, district- and provincial-level schools

• A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
• International travel benefits
• Accident & sickness health benefits
• 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
• 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
• English language teaching preparatory course

This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.

Monthly stipend: 22,500 Baht (~700 USD using the exchange rate of 32 Baht) Housing will be provided by the host school, including utilities up to 2,000 Baht per month.

This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.

• Settling in allowance

• In-transit allowance: 4,500 Baht each way (the U.S. to Thailand and Thailand to the U.S.)

• Settling-in allowance: 10,000 Baht

English Teaching Assistantship grants are not study/research awards, and teaching takes up most of the grantee's time. In applying, the Statement of Grant Purpose should focus on the reasons why the applicant seeks the cultural experience of teaching English in Thailand and what the candidate will bring to the classrooms. This includes activities to support the ETA's teaching responsibilities, club activities to further focus on using English in the school and/or the community, etc.

Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.

The cost of living in Thailand varies based on an individual’s lifestyle. While Fulbright Thailand cannot match the stipend levels provided in the U.S., the stipend we offer ensures that our Scholars can live with all necessities covered.

Candidates cannot be accompanied by dependents.

Housing arrangements are made by the host schools with the approval of TUSEF. Housing situations vary from site to site, requiring a high degree of flexibility and adaptation on the part of the ETAs.

*Operating or traveling as a passenger on motorbikes in Thailand is not permitted during the grant period for safety reasons.

In compliance with the Thai government regulations regarding health and assignment in the school system, candidates must include any medical disclosures for the applicable medical conditions listed below in the medical examination forms provided by IIE and TUSEF after being selected as Fulbright finalists. Strict adherence to these regulations is mandatory, and your grant is contingent on the ability to secure a placement in Thailand. Any attempts to omit or falsify information are immediate grounds for revoking/terminating the grant.

Individuals with the following conditions cannot be placed in Thai classrooms:

• Visual impairments (conditions that cannot be corrected by glasses/contact lenses)

• Hearing impairments above 40dB

In addition, selectees must also disclose the following conditions:

• Conditions worsened by stress such as: epilepsy, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, schizophrenia, etc.

• Severe food allergies including, but not limited to: nuts, shellfish, beans

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