How to Select the Fulbright Teacher Exchange That’s Best for You

Announcements

January 10, 2024

Interested in applying to Fulbright Teacher Exchanges, but unsure which program is right for you? Review our guide to help you choose!

1. Are you an educator in the United States?

U.S. educators: Follow the guidance below to pick a program that’s right for you.
Non-U.S. educators: Visit the program pages to review the list of participating countries and territories. If you reside in a participating location, please contact the local U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your country to confirm opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.

2. Are you a K-12 teacher or administrator?

U.S. K-12 teachers are eligible to participate in the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program, and the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Short-Term Program. Fulbright Teachers represent a wide range of disciplines. These include, but are not limited to: the humanities, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), English Language Arts, ESL/ESOL, library and media, the arts, special education, and guidance counseling.
U.S. K-12 administrators are eligible to participate in the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program. Eligible titles include, but are not limited to: principal, assistant principal, superintendent, assistant superintendent, dean, associate/assistant dean, head of school, and director.

3. Do you meet the full list of technical eligibility criteria?

Some eligibility requirements vary by program. Review the full set of criteria for the program you selected and confirm you are eligible to apply. Each applicant may only apply for one program per application cycle. In general, U.S. teachers must meet the following requirements:

Be a U.S citizen.
Reside in the U.S., a U.S. territory, or a school associated with the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Have a minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience in a U.S. K-12 educational institution.
Be currently employed full-time in a U.S. K-12 educational institution or school district with a minimum of 50% of contracted hours in a student-facing role.

4. What professional goals do you seek to fulfill?

Think about whether you would like to spend your time abroad observing classrooms in local communities, conducting your own research project, or consulting to fill specific needs of an educational institution. The Fulbright Teacher Exchanges suite offers a range of programs that cater to different professional goals. Reflect on what you seek to contribute, how you seek to grow, and how you will share your Fulbright experience with your community back home.

Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program: Participate in a year-long professional learning opportunity and short-term exchange focused on building teachers' capacity to develop their students' global competence.
Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program: Conduct educational research abroad and collaborate with host country colleagues.
Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Short-Term Program: Consult on a project abroad and share expertise with institutions globally.
Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program: Explore different strategies alongside other school and district administrators to prepare the next generation with the skills and understanding necessary to address global challenges and succeed in a global economy.

5. How long would you like to travel?

The Fulbright Teacher Exchanges suite offers programs spanning different travel lengths. Time spent abroad can vary from ten days to six months. Take your personal and professional commitments into consideration. Policies for granting leave vary by school and district. Typically, program travel lengths are as follows:

Fulbright Teacher Exchanges Programs for U.S. Educators

Additionally, the Fulbright experience goes beyond your time abroad. Some programs have additional online coursework and orientation sessions, so make sure to research the different program components and timelines.

6. Which type of international experience sounds most engaging?

Consider how you would prefer to travel. Some Fulbright experiences include connecting with fellow U.S. educators in a cohort-based travel model, such as the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program and the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program.

Other experiences abroad are more independent, such as pursuing your own research through the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program or consulting for an educational institution through the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Short-Term Program.

Ready to start your application? Check specific program pages on our website for details and deadlines.

Have questions about applying? Contact us at FulbrightTeach@irex.org.