Panama English Teaching Assistant Award

The Panama English Teaching Assistant Award is a Fulbright program that provides opportunities for U.S. citizens to serve as English teaching assistants in Panama for 10 months. ETAs share their academic and professional knowledge with students and professors in host institutions for 25 hours per week, including classroom teaching support and organizing educational, cultural, and social activities. The program places ETAs in Panamanian universities, schools (middle and elementary), NGOs, and other educational/governmental institutions, with preference given to provinces in more rural settings rather than the capital city. In addition to their primary teaching responsibilities, ETAs design and dedicate 15 hours per week to a culturally-oriented supplementary project that contributes to mutual understanding and host community engagement. ETAs are not responsible for teaching entire courses but serve as language-learning assistants, supporting English teachers, designing projects to improve communicative skills, and preparing students for international English exams. The program seeks candidates with demonstrated interest in working in educational environments, particularly those with degrees in English, Literature, Education, or TEFL/applied linguistics. The award includes a monthly stipend, international travel benefits, health benefits, and an English language teaching preparatory course. Grantees receive orientation both pre-departure in the U.S. and upon arrival in Panama. Successful candidates demonstrate maturity, leadership skills, cultural sensitivity, flexibility, and a willingness to serve as cultural ambassadors in their communities. Intermediate Spanish language proficiency is required by the grant start date.