Basic Tips for FLTA Fellowship

As an FLTA, you should know basics of language and engaging foreign language teaching techniques.

 Basic Tips for FLTA Fellowship

Recently, I was approached by an FLTA aspirant for her basic queries in order to prepare herself better for the fellowship. Here is a list of useful suggestions.

Dear _______,

Thanks for reaching out to me. As I can sense you seem to be interested in the FLTA scholarship program.

If you are planning to teach Hindi language, here are a few pointers for you to keep in mind before you apply,

• As an FLTA, you are generally supposed to teach Hindi to Americans who were/ are never exposed to Hindi. 
• That means, you should know everything (basics of Hindi language) from scratch like Hindi alphabets, basics of Hindi grammar and also, engaging foreign language teaching techniques. 
• To clear the selection process, you are tested on these (above mentioned) parameters. 
• I remember, when I was evaluated by the interview panel, they made Hindi dictation to us (from a couple of Hindi newspaper articles), plus asked us some authentic Hindi words to pronounce and write. 
• Prepare authentic Hindi vocabulary and grammar by reading excerpts from Hindi writers like Prem Chand etc. 
• Start practicing translation exercises (from Hindi to English, and English to Hindi). Also work on developing some strong essays for Fulbright application.
• Long story short, you need not to be an expert but yes, you certainly need to brush up your basics quite a bit. 
  
  

As an FLTA, you must also take at least one course in American studies during the academic year.

Here are some additional pointers for your future reference,

(i) Relationship with Faculty Supervisor:

• Be super loyal to your supervisor.
• Ask your supervisor if you wish to add something to your syllabus.
• Report to your supervisor on regular basis.
• Update your supervisor for any major thing immediately.
• If in doubt, approach your supervisor.
• Don’t delay in responding to your supervisor's emails.
• Ask for his/ her suggestions campus-culture and class-management.
• For problem student (if any), discuss with your supervisor for guidance.
• Discuss with your supervisor how you should give grades to your students.

(ii) Engaging in Academic Study:

• Consult with your supervisor on ‘How to Find Courses of Your Interest’.
• Explore university website for ‘Course Search’.
• Take courses that interests you the most and suit your professional growth. 
• You are expected to be in full-time status at all times. 
• This means at least two courses per semester in addition to your duties as an FLTA (no more than 20 hours per week). 
• Coursework may be taken on either a credit or an audit basis. Online courses are not acceptable for coursework requirements. 
• You must also take at least one course in American studies (literature, politics, economics, history, etc.) during the academic year.

Following video might give you a little glimpse of my work as an FLTA,

Teaching Hindi as a Foreign Language to American Students

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