Fulbright 2026 Program for Teaching Arabic in the United States

Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program

vol job3 days ago

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has announced the opening of applications for the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program for 2026, a prestigious cultural and educational exchange program that opens new horizons for Lebanese teachers and professionals. This program represents an exceptional opportunity for participants to refine their teaching skills, deepen their understanding of American culture and society, while playing a vital role as cultural ambassadors for Lebanon through teaching Arabic at America’s finest universities and colleges. The application deadline is September 1, 2025.

A Comprehensive Experience: Teaching, Studying, and Cultural Exchange

The Fulbright FLTA Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is a nine-month intensive, non-degree program specifically designed for early-career teachers. Participants’ roles extend beyond teaching alone to encompass a rich academic and cultural experience.

Participants are expected to assist in teaching Arabic for up to twenty hours per week. Alongside teaching duties, participants are required to enroll in at least two courses each semester, one of which must be in American Studies, allowing them to gain deeper knowledge about the United States.

Participants also play a pivotal role in university life by facilitating and organizing various cultural events, both in-person and virtual, managing language clubs, and overseeing conversation tables to promote cultural exchange beyond the classroom.

Benefits That Extend Beyond the Program

The Fulbright FLTA Program offers a valuable package of benefits that ensures a comfortable and productive experience for participants. The U.S. Government covers, subject to availability of funds, all essential expenses, including:

Round-trip airfare
Accommodation and housing costs
Comprehensive health insurance
Monthly stipend to cover living expenses

In addition to financial support, participants gain advanced teaching skills, develop their English language fluency, and build a global professional network. Upon their return to Lebanon, they are expected to apply what they have learned and share their experiences, becoming influential leaders in their communities.

Eligibility Requirements: Who Is the Ideal Candidate?

To ensure the selection of the best candidates, the program has established a clear set of criteria. Applicants must:

Be Lebanese citizens or holders of Palestinian refugee travel documents
Be early-career teachers (no more than seven years of experience) or teachers-in-training
Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent by June 1, 2026
Demonstrate complete proficiency in both English and Modern Standard Arabic (speaking, writing, and teaching)
Have limited or no experience in the United States, with preference given to those who have not previously resided abroad for extended periods
Show enthusiasm and strong desire to serve as cultural ambassadors for Lebanon and to learn about American society
Be willing to live in shared university housing with American students
Commit to remaining in Lebanon throughout the selection and nomination process
Pledge to return to Lebanon immediately after the program concludes

Fulbright Program Application Steps

The application process is conducted entirely online, and interested candidates must complete their applications before the deadline of September 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM Beirut time.

Sign-up link: application

Competition for this program is merit-based, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. It is important to note that incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered, and only candidates selected for the shortlist will be contacted.