Working at Bard

Expectations of a Candidate

FLET candidates should be enthusiastic about teaching, and should have a sincere interest in teaching their native language and culture to American students. They should demonstrate knowledge of their culture and current events in their home country. They should have leadership skills, the ability to motivate students, and the ability to relate to them in an emphatic manner. FLETs should have a desire to meet people and become a part of the community by participating in community events and campus activities. They should be able to work creatively and be self-reliant, but also be good team players who maintain excellent relationships with faculty, staff and students. 

Qualities of an Ideal Candidate

• Clearly demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity and professionalism;
• Be outgoing and dynamic individuals with a sense of humor.
• Demonstrate fluency in English;
• Possess the equivalent of a Bachelors degree (U.S.) with a good academic record (Masters degrees are highly desirable)
• Prior teaching experience is preferred

In addition, candidates should be aware of the following:

• Candidates are usually expected to teach beginning level or conversation courses.
• Tutors are expected to have 15-20 contact hours per week and to serve, depending on departmental needs, as resource person in conversation groups, cultural representatives, coordinators of extracurricular activities, or supervisors of clubs/language tables.
• Applicants usually are in their 20s. The FLET Program does not provide sponsorship for dependents.

Insurance and Medical Requirements

FLETs will be on the Bard College Student Health Plan that allows access to on-campus Health Service and enrollment in a basic insurance plan.

A medical exam is a condition of the appointment and the college will not release the stipend without one. In addition, the New York State Department of Health prohibits students from being on campus without a complete immunization record on file. Medical forms will be sent with appointment letters. Completed paperwork can be uploaded into the portal with log-in provided.

Copies of the medical documents will be forwarded to and screened by Health Services. All FLETs are given health insurance as a condition of their visas.

Visa and Tax Information

Visa Requirements
Visa Holders in J-1 status are responsible for learning, understanding, and complying with U.S. federal laws and regulations governing the J visa. Failure to do so will violate your legal status in the United States and will have serious consequences.

Tax Information
All tutors who come to the United States for less than 2 years on a J1 visa are exempt from having the following withheld from their pay:
Social Security
Medicare
If any of the tutors visited the US before coming to Bard, these exemptions might be effected.