Teaching Assistantships

The Department of World Languages at the University of Arkansas offers graduate work leading to the M.A. degrees in French, German, Spanish and Comparative Literature, as well as supporting the M.F.A in Translation and the Ph.D. in Comparative Literature. An experienced and versatile faculty provide knowledgeable instruction and personal attention in small class settings, notably in advanced language skills, philology, pedagogy, in the literature and cultures of the language areas mentioned above. Teaching certification is also available.

Position Availability and Compensation

Teaching Assistantships are available for the academic year, that is, from late August to early May. The current  yearly stipend is currently $17,723 for 9-month graduate assistants, and $23,631 for 12-month graduate assistants at the Masters level. Tuition waivers are submitted each semester by the department on behalf of the 50% appointed graduate assistant and cover in-state graduate tuition for up to 15 hours in fall and spring semesters. If the student is appointed as a GA in the summer, the tuition waiver covers up to 6 hours for one five-week session, 9 hours for one ten-week session or two five–week sessions.

Candidates for the M.A. degrees in Modern Languages (French and German) and Spanish are given preference in the selection of Teaching Assistants, though candidates for the other advanced degrees are strongly encouraged to apply.

More information on cost and funding can be found on the GSIE website.

Expectations and Deadlines

Teaching Assistants teach two sections of elementary or intermediate language each semester while enrolled in one of the M.A. programs in the World Languages department or one of the graduate programs in Comparative Literature or Translation. Normally, Teaching Assistants are expected to enroll in three graduate courses (nine credit hours) each semester in their chosen field of study. 

In general, applications for assistantships should be submitted by February 1st. While applications will be accepted as long as vacancies exist, we strongly urge early application. Summer teaching assistantships are also often available but applicants should check with the appropriate graduate advisor. On-campus student housing and child day care are also options for interested graduate students.

International applicants seeking a teaching assistantship must demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency. Results of the TOEFL test must be received before admittance application to Graduate School can be considered. Note also that a TSE score of 50 is required in order to be granted a Teaching Assistantship.

Applying

To apply for a teaching assistantship, begin by applying for admittance through the Graduate School's website. After acceptance, a graduate assistantship can be applied for via Workday. 

Inquiries can be emailed to gradapp@uark.edu  and/or  gsiehelp@uark.edu.