Education in the United States: Useful Information->Financial Aid for Graduates #0

Assistantships: Teaching, Research and Administrative

TEACHING ASSISTANTSHIPS

Based on academic qualifications and preference is given to advanced students. In university departments with large numbers of undergraduates in introductory courses, teaching assistantships may be available, even for the first year of graduate study.

Teaching assistants work about 20 hours per week. They may supervise undergraduate laboratory classes, lead discussion groups or teach small classes. Students are usually paid a salary or stipend.

Increasingly, universities require that teaching assistants pass the Test of Spoken English (TSE) or show high results in the speaking section of iBT TOEFL before receiving a teaching assistantship. Often universities require teaching fellows to complete seminars, which prepare them to teach in the US educational milieu. If you are interested in applying for teaching fellowship, for some universities it is reasonable to mention any previous teaching experience you may have.

RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS

Based on academic qualifications and research interests are rarely given to first year students. A Research Assistant position involves performance of research services, about 20 hours per week, related to the field of study. The student is usually paid a salary or stipend.

Look for institutions that have grants in your field, and matches your interests. Professors who are the principal researcher for grants in your area will often single out your application for funding, especially if you have proven research experience.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTSHIPS

Based on need and academic qualifications. Some administrative offices of the university, such as the Foreign Student Advising Office, may offer administrative assistantships requiring work of 10-20 hours per week.

Apply for these through the Graduate Admissions Office rather than the department.

Useful Information: Financial Aid for Graduates