The Interview

There will always be an interview whether you pursue the Fulbright or a program. It could be over phone, video call, or in person. This post (based on research, because I haven't had an interview of my own) will cover the basic questions to expect in an interview to land a grant/job teaching English abroad and general tips.

Click the Apply Button

Here's a quick tip when you're researching programs, click the APPLY button even if you're not ready at the moment.

Instead of thoroughly reading the entire website, you can simply look at the application to get a sense of what they will ask of you come application time.

Chances are you wouldn't be able to fill out the application the first time. For example, they may ask for a headshot and you don't have a professional one. So look at the application and write down what you need to prepare in advance!

Personal Statement: The First Sentence

In writing any paper, the first sentence creates the first impression - it must be carefully constructed and engaging.

For the Fulbright ETA, and probably other programs or scholarships, you are required to write a personal statement and a statement of grant purpose.

In my Scholarship Funding course, we examined the sample essay below and extracted what and what not to do.

Sample courtesy to ieo.okstate.edu

Use Your Career Resource Center

If you're in college like me, chances are you have a Career Resource Center.

(Ours is called Tiger Jobs, because our mascot is the powercat!)

I first used this resource to only find an on-campus job, but I forgot how much more resourceful it was meant to be. My tip here is to take advantage of your career resource center during college and after.

Don't Get Overwhelmed... or Scammed

In my research, I realized how easy it is to get overwhelmed trying to accomplish this post-graduation goal.
Where do you start?  I only got my foot in the door by reaching out to 2 acquaintances that I found out had this teaching experience.
There's just such an abundance of resources online, some better than others (and some that will really deceive you).

 

Look at these captivating images advertising each respective blog's content; I found these on Pinterest and wanted to click on all of them! If you do, you'll find yourself wasting a lot of time...

Creating a Mentor/Mentee Relationship

Often times, scholarships or programs require references or recommendations. 

The Fulbright ETA that I'm applying for requires 3, meaning I have to really establish relationships with relatable professionals. 

I admit, I do have it a little easier attending a private university where professors actually know my name. 

Regardless, here are my tips at creating a mentor and mentee relationship:

1. Take initiative - schedule an appointment and communicate what you want to meet about.

Trying to create a mentoring relationship is quite a deeper talk than an exam question.  

2. Be able to present yourself and your goals and expectations clearly.

This will help you and will communicate to your possible mentor that you come prepared. This will also help be respectful of the mentor's time.

Make an Application Plan

Tip: Get organized!

An essential thing to make for yourself is an Application Plan (click to enlarge below!). Call it what you may, but any one place (be it handwritten or digital) that contains all the information regarding your application plans will be mighty handy.