Now in its 5th year in Georgia, the Junior Faculty Development Program provides training in curriculum development and teaching methodology to university instructors from Georgia. During a one-year fellowship in the United States, JFDP fellows work closely with faculty mentors from host universities in the United States to outline new courses in their fields of study, to gather new teaching materials, and to enlighten U.S. faculty and students on teaching practices in their home countries.

 

Throughout their stay in the United States, JFDP Fellows observe and listen to courses, attend academic conferences, and may be invited to teach classes at a U.S. university. In addition, each Fellow has the opportunity to participate in a practical internship for a period of two months after the completion of the academic program. Fellows do not earn academic degrees through the JFDP, and must return to Georgia after completing the program.

 

Each JFDP Fellow will spend a total of eleven months in the United States (9 months for the academic program, 2 months for the internship). American Councils is responsible for placing Fellows at U.S. host universities and for providing logistical support for the Fellows throughout their stay in the United States. In addition, ECA and American Councils sponsor events and activities for JFDP alumni after they return to Georgia.

 

Each year, American Councils selects 4-5 university instructors from Georgia to participate in the JFDP program.

 

Eligibility: Participants in the JFDP must: be a citizen of Georgia, be working in Georgia, must be currently teaching full-time at an institution of higher education and have at least two (2) years of professional experience as a university lecturer or administrator at the time of application; must be highly proficient in written and oral English; must return to Georgia after completing the program; must be able to receive and maintain a U.S. J-1 visa and abide by all JFDP program regulations.

 

Selection Process: Participants in the JFDP will be selected through an open, merit-based competition. A selection committee will evaluate all written applications. All applications and statements of purpose will be judged on the following criteria: clarity of thought and presentation; knowledge of the field of study and demonstrated commitment to teaching; potential for leadership and change at the applicant's home institution; potential for initiating contact and exchange between the applicant's home institution and a U.S. institution; interest in exploring different approaches to teaching and curriculum, and upgrading course content in a particular field of study.

 

Funding: The JFDP program is managed financed by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State.

 

For more information:

Contact person: Irma Barbakadze, Program Coordinator at American Councils

E-mail: teapie@amcouncils.ge.

 

 

Address: Chavchavadze Avenue 27/29

Tel.  (995-32) 29-21-06
        (995-32) 91-32-52
        (995-32) 91-32-72

Fax: (995-32) 25-21-07

http://www.americancouncils.ge/contact.php

E-mail: mailto:info@amcouncils.ge