Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (Fulbright TEA)
A program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX
2023 – 2024 PROGRAM OVERVIEW
FOR INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS
Program Overview
The Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (Fulbright TEA) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Fulbright program was established in 1946 under legislation introduced by former United States Senator William Fulbright of Arkansas. Fulbright grants are awarded to students, scholars, teachers and other professionals from the United States and to foreign nationals to study, teach, or conduct research. Since its inception in 1946, more than 400,000 “Fulbrighters” have participated in the Fulbright program.
Teachers are nominated to participate in the Fulbright TEA Program based on their educational and professional experience, academic training, and leadership. Final selection of Fulbright TEA Program teachers is made by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB). The FFSB is an independent, presidentially appointed board that has oversight responsibility for all Fulbright academic exchange programs.
Program Components
Teachers who are selected to participate in the Fulbright TEA Program will:
- Take part in tailored graduate-level seminars at a U.S. host university.
- Observe classes, co-teach, and share their expertise with U.S. colleagues in U.S. secondary schools.
- Engage in an online professional learning community with other participants to share best practices and other elements of host and home country educational systems; and
- Take part in other educational and cultural activities while on program in the United States.
Upon returning home, teachers will share the knowledge and experience gained on the program with teachers and students in their home schools and communities.
University Coursework:
Weekly Seminars: Teachers will participate in weekly seminars at their host university featuring presentations and discussions led by university staff, faculty members, and invited educational experts. The Fulbright TEA Program provides academic seminars focusing on new teaching
methodologies, student-centered learning, content-based instruction, lesson planning, and instructional technology training for teachers.
U.S. School Placements: The program will also include a practicum of at least 40 hours with a U.S. partner teacher in a secondary school near the host university to actively engage participants in the U.S. classroom environment. Cultural enrichment, mentoring, and support will be provided to participants throughout the program.
Online Professional Learning Community: Each Fulbright teacher will participate in a virtual community with other international educators to collaborate and share best practices about education and leadership in the participating countries.
How to Apply
Country Application deadline: March 6, 2023
The online application is available at: https://fulbright.irex.org/
Program Dates
Spring 2024
November-December 2023: Pre-Departure Orientation: Prior to arrival in the United States, the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission will conduct a Pre-Departure Orientation for Spring 2024 teachers.
Late January 2024: Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program Spring 2024 Cohort Fellows begin their six-week program in the United States.
Mid-March 2024: End of spring 2024 U.S. program.
Fall 2024
By February 15, 2024: Posts/Commissions send Fall 2024 Cohort completed participant medical forms.
June-July 2024: Posts/Commissions conduct visa interviews and PDOs for Fall 2024 Cohort (making sure to allow adequate time, depending on the country context).
September 2024: Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program Fall 2024 Cohort Fellows begin their six-week program in the United States.
Late October 2024: End of Fall 2024 U.S. program.
What the Program Covers / Logistical Information
Travel: IREX will make international travel arrangements and provide all teachers with an international airline ticket and a travel allowance to cover the cost of incidental expenses. Fulbright teachers will also be reimbursed for round-trip travel expenses between their home city and the
point of departure for the United States; however, participants (or U.S. Embassies and Fulbright Commissions) are responsible for making these domestic travel arrangements to and from the international airport.
You must arrive in the United States on the start date of the Fulbright TEA Program and return home at the conclusion of the Fellowship. Any personal travel during the program must be approved by IREX. You may not miss any program activities for personal travel or visits (including, but not limited to, courses, workshops, field experience, cultural and civic activities). You may not travel outside of the United States. If you do plan to travel within the United States, you are responsible for all related expenses and travel arrangements and must seek prior approval from IREX and your host university at least two weeks in advance by completing the U.S. Travel Authorization Form
Housing: Participants will live on or near the host university campus in housing in rooms arranged for them by the university. Dependents are not permitted to accompany the teachers on the program.
Maintenance Allowances: Each Fulbright teacher will receive a maintenance allowance during the program to cover expenses such as supplies for classes, household items, personal items, and cultural and other activities. Included in this total is a daily stipend to purchase groceries, meals at local restaurants, or food from on-campus dining services.
Additional Resources