Created by the U.S. Congress in 1946, the Fulbright Program seeks to promote mutual understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchanges. The English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program places around 1,200 Fulbrighters in classrooms abroad to provide assistance to the local English teachers. ETAs help teach English language while serving as cultural ambassadors for the U.S. The age and academic level of the students varies by country, ranging from kindergarten to university level. A full grant lasts for the length of the academic year in the host country, which is typically ~9 months.