Poland
9 English Teaching Assistant Award
Accepted Degree Levels
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Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Apply for a Fulbright grant to Poland - a modern country with a centuries-old cultural heritage and scholarly tradition, ample research and teaching opportunities, rich geographical diversity, and unique location in the heart of Europe! Poland is the 9th largest country in Europe and the 6th most populous member of the European Union. The country shares borders with Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia.
With its picturesque old towns, wild forests and powdery-sand beaches, humming city life and imaginative culinary scene, Poland is a country that is as captivating as it is surprising. Come and see for yourself!
Poland boasts nearly 400 diverse higher education institutions. These include universities, technical, agricultural, theological and pedagogical higher education institutions, medical universities, academies of physical education as well as higher education institutions of economics, arts and maritime studies. Poland follows the Bologna framework of higher education, with a goal to facilitate comparability of qualifications and, as a result, student and academic mobility to and from other European countries. The quality of education offered at Polish higher education institutions is widely recognized and reflected in a growing number of international students representing over 170 countries. Most universities offer courses in foreign languages in addition to standard foreign language teaching (source: ec.europa.eu/education)
Fulbright awards to Poland are granted through a competition open to students and alumni of U.S. higher education institutions to co-teach and teach practical English language classes in Polish higher education institutions. In most cases ETA positions include stand-alone teaching assignments and grantees are responsible for developing their own lesson plans and managing their own classrooms.
Prior to your Fulbright grant, Fulbright Poland will invite you to a two-day long methodology training and a three-day long Orientation in Warsaw, which typically covers topics such as the Polish culture and language, higher education, healthcare system and the specifics of your grant. Down the road you will have ample opportunities to bond and network with your fellow Fulbrighters and the Fulbright staff at events such as the Thanksgiving dinner, the November workshop, the Mid-Year meeting and the June Graduation. Throughout your grant period, you will have a dedicated Program Officer, who will oversee your stay in Poland.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grants are expected to start in October 2025 and end in June 2026. The grantee may apply for a renewal for the following academic year.
The fall semester (called winter semester in Poland) runs from the beginning of October through mid-February, with a Christmas holiday break of about ten days. The examination session typically takes place in January and February. The spring semester (called the summer semester in Poland) runs from mid-February through June, with a week-long Easter-break. The summer break takes place between July and September.
Orientation
The Fulbright Commission invites all U.S. grantees for the Orientation (end of September 2025), Thanksgiving and workshop (November 2025), Mid-Year meeting (February 2026) and End-of-Year (June 2026) meeting. Attendance at these events is mandatory as they provide excellent learning, networking and bonding opportunities for the grantee's cohort.
Candidate Profile
Applications are welcome from candidates in all fields and degree levels, however master and doctoral students will be given preference. Additionally, in line with the current EFL needs of Polish universities, we seek candidates who will teach general/practical English with focus on skills that the host institution’s students or staff members need.
Previous teaching experience is strongly recommended. Applicants should submit detailed descriptions of their experience and interest in teaching.
The Fulbright Commission encourages applicants to familiarize themselves with Poland and its contemporary situation, culture, as well as educational system before applying.
The Commission aims at advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, geographic location, represented institutions and disciplines, socio-economic status, and ability.
Note: Candidate's data will be processed by the Polish Commission in accordance with its Privacy Policy for Fulbright Poland grants.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Poland is a modern country with a centuries-old cultural heritage and scholarly tradition, ample research and teaching opportunities, rich geographical diversity, and unique location in the heart of Europe. Its central location makes it a perfect base from which to explore the region. While living standards are comparable with those in Western European countries, the cost of living in Poland, even in bigger cities, is significantly lower (more information here).
Eligibility
Polish citizens who are green card holders are not eligible to apply.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
Tips on how to strengthen your application:
- clearly describe your teaching experience as well as how you plan to engage with the local community
- describe what will be the impact of the grant on your future plans
Foreign Language Proficiency
Knowledge of the Polish language is not a formal requirement but some Polish language proficiency is recommended. Applicants are encouraged to study the Polish language prior to arrival in order to facilitate their deeper engagement with the host community during the grant period.
Placement Type
- University/Post-Secondary Institution
The Fulbright Commission will place grantees in various departments at Polish universities, matching their undergraduate or graduate fields to the needs of the host institutions.
Details of assignments will be subject to direct communication between the selected candidate and the designated university department. Positions combine part-time teaching and/or assisting between 10 and 14 hours per week and office hours of up to 4 hours per week (prep-time not included in these hours).
Expected host community engagement may include conducting English conversation clubs, proofreading, tutoring, participation in sports, language or drama clubs and volunteering at local organizations.
Additional grant activities:
In addition to their primary teaching activities, grantees are expected to support the Fulbright Commission and the mission of the Fulbright Program by delivering presentations, seminars, and workshops on U.S. higher education and culture. The grantee will also have the opportunity to apply for participation in seminars organized by other Fulbright Commissions in Europe (e.g. EU-NATO Seminar, EU-US Young Leaders Seminar).
Placement Locations
- Regional City
Host universities are located in big and small cities across Poland.
Supplementary Project
Research/independent study projects are not required. However, grantees may be involved in other activities related to their academic and personal interests if these projects do not conflict with the assigned ETA responsibilities. Applicants should briefly describe these additional activities in their Statement of Grant Purpose.
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.
Stipend rate planned for the 2025-26 academic year: $1,000 (please note the amount may be subject to change)
Grant benefits are disbursed in PLN based on the average USD/PLN exchange rate as specified in the grant documents. Amounts are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
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.
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
One-time payments include:
- Travel allowance: $1,500
- Research/Materials allowance: $500
- Settling in allowance: $800
Additional Grant Benefits
- Health insurance (in addition to ASPE)
- Housing placement
Additional benefits:
Psychological support
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Dependents
Dependent funding:
- Travel allowance: $1,500 (per dependent), a one-time payment for a dependent family member, provided that they accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the grant period and were listed as a dependent at the time of application.
- Dependent Allowance: $250 (per dependent), a monthly allowance for a dependent family member, provided that they accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the grant period and were listed as a dependent at the time of application
- In-country private Medical Care Package
Housing Arrangements
Housing is provided by the host institution. Grantees are accommodated in a student dormitory or university staff house/hotel, usually on the university campus. Accommodation includes an individual room with a bathroom and kitchen (or with easy access to the kitchen facilities). The cost of housing is covered by the host institution.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
Science in Poland:: https://scienceinpoland.pap.pl/en/universities
Interview with ETAs:: https://bit.ly/3ryg96i
Regulations for grants awarded to American citizens:: https://fulbright.edu.pl/documents
Fulbright Poland - Home Away From Home:: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oreKlCjf_MI&feature=emb_title
Privacy Policy for Fulbright Poland grants:: https://fulbright.edu.pl/privacy-policy/fulbright-program/