2023 ETS Virtual Summer Institute

ETS is actively seeking candidates who can bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the item development work. The ETS Summer Institute workforce includes people from a variety of backgrounds, such as undergraduate students, graduate students, teachers, professors, department heads, professional writers and other working professionals.

To be eligible for this position, you’ll need to have completed some undergraduate work and have:

• excellent writing skills
• strong English speaking skills, and knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary
• analytical skills
• attention to detail
• receptiveness to other perspectives

You’ll need a very high degree of fluency in English, but you don’t need to be a native speaker. While not required, experience in a business setting (including remote settings), as well as a background in second-language learning is preferred.

Additionally, you should be able to:

• work well individually and collaboratively
• accept constructive feedback
• manage your time effectively to meet targets

U.S. work authorization visa

You’ll need to have appropriate authorization to work in the United States. If you don’t currently have U.S. work authorization, you may be able to apply for a CPT or an OPT work authorization visa if enrolled at a U.S. university; check with your university's international student services office or program coordinator for eligibility before applying to the ETS Summer Institute. CPT visas can usually be acquired quickly, while OPT visas typically take longer. If you need a CPT or OPT visa, you should apply for one immediately upon accepting our offer.

To apply to the ETS Summer Institute follow the steps below:

1. Complete a work sample

   Follow the instructions to create a work sample for TOEFL iBT Writing test.
   • TOEFL iBT Writing work sample (PDF)
   • TOEFL iBT Writing source material B (PDF)

2. Create or log in to your ETS application account

   If you don’t already have one, create an ETS application account. Then log in and fill out or update the required data.

3. Upload your cover letter, resume or CV, and 2023 work sample

   Your cover letter, resume and work sample should be in Word documents. Make sure you change the filenames of your documents per the instructions below before uploading them.
   • Cover letter filename: [First and last name] Cover 2023
   • Résumé or CV filename: [First and last name] CV 2023
     • Ignore the instructions to paste the contents of your résumé or CV into the résumé field — upload a copy instead.
   • Documents which are not properly named will not be reviewed. If the application system changes the name of your document, that is okay.

Upload each document only once. You won’t immediately be able to see that they were uploaded. Log out and log back in to check whether your documents were successfully uploaded.

If you submitted an application in the past, your old documents will still be attached to your account; you can’t remove them. Upload your most recent versions; we’ll only look at versions that contain "2023" in the title.

Be sure to complete the application process by January 30, 2023. We select applicants primarily on their performance on the work samples. Work samples will be evaluated in February and March, and you’ll be notified of your status by March 30, 2023.

Learn what previous summer associates think about the program.

I really enjoyed the flexibility of the Virtual Summer Institute since I was able to participate from the West coast. I think for the most part, the institute went really smoothly, and I appreciate the amount of thinking and planning that went into it.

Maria K., 2022

Great! I learned a lot and found the work intellectually stimulating and interesting. I appreciate all the guidance from the SI Team, Trainers, and Mentors.

Danielle S. 2022