SAMPLE REFERENCE FORM

This form shows the questions asked in the on-line recommendation system but is not to be used for submitting a recommendation. Please follow the link in the email message you received from IIE/Embark to complete an ETA recommendation for a Carleton applicant. If you wish to submit your recommendation for review by our draft deadline of 5pm Central Time on September 10, 2018, simply hit ‘save and next,’ then exit the system without hitting ‘submit.’ Once you have finalized your recommendation, you will need to hit ‘submit’ before the deadline of 5pm Eastern Time on October 9, 2018.

In responding to the following questions, please keep in mind that the candidate will be serving as a citizen representing the United States and that personal suitability, as well as academic excellence, is an important criterion to be considered.

Fulbright ETAs are not responsible for designing curricula or teaching full courses. Rather they serve, under supervision, at their assigned placements and will be expected to develop and carry out a variety of learning activities, make presentations on U.S. culture and society, and/or assist faculty in an English Language Department with their teaching responsibilities, as needed.

In addition, some countries request that applicants describe an academic project or activity that they would pursue concurrent with the ETA assignment. This is a secondary component of the grant and may provide insight to the applicant’s interest in the host country, academic or career interests, and/or suitability for the ETA program.

In formulating your responses to the following questions, consider the following general characteristics of Fulbright U.S. Student ETA Programs. Generally, ETA grantees:

  • Are placed in elementary or secondary schools or universities outside of capital cities, depending on the country. Please consult the individual country entry on thechartfor a description of the program in this applicant’s chosen country.
  • Are assigned various activities designed to improve host country students' abilities in English and knowledge of the United States.
  • Are fully integrated into the host community, increasing their own language skills and knowledge of the host country.
  • May pursue individual study/research plans in addition to ETA responsibilities.
  • Have some background or training in education and/or teaching/tutoring.

If you do not feel that you have adequate information or knowledge to respond to a specific question, place NA in the box. Please limit your responses to the word limit indicated. If space allows, feel free to give examples of the candidate’s experience relative to a specific criterion.

1. Based on your observation of or experience with the candidate, comment on his/her ability to express themselves competently and clearly in English, orally and in writing. (120 WORDS)

2. In your view, how has this candidate demonstrated qualities associated with teaching or mentoring. (70 WORDS)

3. Based on your observation, describe how the candidate works in unstructured or ambiguous situations. (70 WORDS)

4. Comment on how the candidate might interact with students, faculty and, community leaders, among others, in an unfamiliar situation or different cultural environment. What kind of impression, in your view, would the candidate make abroad as a representative of the United States? (70 WORDS)

5. Please comment on any other factors which you believe may have a bearing on the candidate's experience overseas or potential as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant? (70 WORDS)