Bosnia & Herzegovina
2 English Teaching Assistant Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodOctober StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
The U.S. Embassy plans to approve a minimum of two English Teaching Assistant (ETA) grants to students for the 2025-2026 academic year. Fulbright ETAs serve as cultural ambassadors and native speakers in the classroom. Fulbright ETA responsibilities may include planning and conducting conversational classroom activities, giving presentations on different topics related to the United States (culture, society, and history), leading language labs and language table discussions, acting as a resource both at the host institution and in the community, coordinating extra-curricular activities, and conducting English conversation clubs at the host institution and respective American Corners.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grants will begin October 6, 2025.
Orientation
All grantees are required to attend a pre-departure orientation in June or July as a condition of their grant. The event is organized by IIE as a virtual or in-person session.
It is recommended that grantees plan to arrive a week prior to the start of the academic year (which starts on October 6, 2025). The Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina will hold a required virtual Embassy-led country session in August of 2025 and an in-country orientation for grantees (tentatively scheduled for September 30, 2025).
Candidate Profile
Applications are accepted from candidates at all degree levels, but preference is given to graduate students who are enrolled in, or have completed, a master’s degree program and who are interested in international education and educational advising. Preference will also be given to applicants in the fields of education and English, as well as the humanities and social sciences, with a particular focus in American studies. Previous teaching experience is strongly recommended. Applicants must be fluent English speakers.
The primary activity of Fulbright ETAs is to provide native language assistance to the local host institution. They help students develop English communication skills needed to participate in the global economy and introduce diverse perspectives on a broad variety of issues. The English Language Fellow in Bosnia and Herzegovina works closely with ETAs, providing them mentorship and guidance.
In addition to the 20 hours maximum per week in teaching responsibilities, Fulbright ETAs must be willing to meaningfully engage with their local communities. The types of activities vary, and Fulbright ETAs are encouraged to discuss options and restrictions with the U.S. Embassy and host institution.
Candidates are expected to be extremely adaptable and flexible. Living conditions and the infrastructure in Bosnia and Herzegovina are improving. However, grantees should recognize that the country is still undergoing significant change, and that medical care and other services are not up to U.S. or Western standards.
Candidates should be highly motivated and demonstrate excellence through their academic record, leadership potential, and qualifying educational and professional experience. They are expected to serve as responsible representatives of the United States, to successfully undertake the Fulbright ETA fellowship, and to adjust to life in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Candidates are encouraged to submit a thoughtful, well-written, concise, and compelling application that illustrates their qualifications, leadership, and preparedness for an English Teaching Assistantship in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the project's potential impact (both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the United States).
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a post-war country in transition. Society in Bosnia and Herzegovina is still very much in the midst of healing, reconciliation and reconstruction at all levels -- educational, political, social, psychological, economic, etc. There are opportunities to engage with citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the international community in country, and other interlocutors on issues of reconstruction, reconciliation, and recovery. The academic calendar varies from university to university, but in general, the academic year runs from the first week of October through June with semesters running from the first week of October through December and the last week of February through mid-June. Fulbright ETA awards are for the academic year.
Eligibility
12 Months
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Foreign Language Proficiency
Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian language proficiency is not required, but helpful. Some study of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian prior to arrival is encouraged in order to promote deeper engagement with the host community. Students may be provided with funding (as part of their grant) to cover language instruction during their grant period.
Placement Type
- Secondary School
- University/Post-Secondary Institution
Fulbright ETAs are advised to be flexible regarding the geographic location of their potential placement. All Fulbright ETA placements are secured by the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Placements are usually at the Faculty of Islamic Studies at the University of Sarajevo and the Faculty of Philology at the University of Banja Luka. All communication and feedback about Fulbright ETA placements in Bosnia and Herzegovina should be directed to the U.S. Embassy.
Placement Locations
- Capital City
- Regional City
Supplementary Project
Besides the expected 20 hours of teaching per week and additional community engagement, teaching assistants may choose to pursue a course of study, conduct research into topics or issues relevant to Bosnia and Herzegovina, engage in specific volunteer activities, or a combination of these.
Award Benefits
- 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
Stipend Amount
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.
One-Time Allowances
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.
- Excess baggage fees
- Language training allowance
- Registration/Permitting fees
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
- Local transportation allowance
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Apartment Rent: Rental costs in Bosnia and Herzegovina vary significantly based on location. In major cities like Sarajevo or Banja Luka, one-bedroom apartments typically range from $450 to $650 or more per month. Prices in smaller towns tend to be lower. It's important to ensure that a rental agency operates in compliance with local laws and regulations.
Transportation: Public transportation is affordable, with a single bus or tram ticket priced around $2. Monthly passes are available for regular commuters. Taxis are also reasonably priced compared to Western Europe.
Groceries: The cost of groceries is generally lower than in many Western European countries. Basic groceries for a single person may range from $300 to $400 per month, depending on eating habits.
Eating Out: Eating out at restaurants and cafes is often quite affordable, with prices varying based on cuisine and location. Generally, they are lower compared to those in Western Europe.
Utilities: Utility costs, including electricity, water, heating, and internet, can vary based on apartment size and usage habits. Monthly utility expenses amount to about $250.
These estimates serve as general guidelines; however, actual prices may fluctuate based on factors such as specific location, lifestyle preferences, and prevailing economic conditions.
Dependents
Dependent financial support is NOT available.
While dependents are allowed to accompany applicants on the grants, the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina does not provide financial support for dependents accompanying the grantees.
Housing Arrangements
Housing arrangements are not provided. Host institutions generally designate a point of contact to assist Fulbright ETAs with logistics, including identifying housing arrangements.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Visa Requirements
Grantees, as well as all accompanying dependents, regardless of age, must register with the local police within 24 hours of receiving an entry stamp at a border crossing or airport, and must apply for temporary residency status within three to four weeks of arrival in Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Please note: most hotels will automatically complete the initial police registration process, but grantees should verify this with their hotel prior to their arrival.) The Embassy will provide additional guidance on the residency visa process and the host institution will directly assist grantees with their residency visa applications.