Written by The United States Department of Education annually offers the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program to educators from the U.S. and around the world.
This fully sponsored program provides international secondary-level teachers with a six-week professional learning opportunity at a U.S. host university.
Program Summary
- Host Country: United States of America (USA)
- Category: Training | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
- Reward: Fully Funded
- Deadline: Varies by country
Program Details
The Fulbright TEA Program offers multiple opportunities for K–12 educators from participating countries and territories.
Participants:
- Attend academic seminars at a U.S. host university on topics such as new teaching methodologies, student-centered learning, instructional technology, and content-based instruction.
- Complete a minimum of 40 hours of field experience in a U.S. secondary school, working alongside a partner educator in the same or similar discipline.
- Engage in cultural activities to learn about the United States and host communities.
Applicants may choose the general program or apply for a cohort focused on gender, media literacy, or environmental education.
Eligibility Requirements
Requirements may vary by country, but in general, applicants must:
- Be a current full-time secondary school teacher serving a primarily local population
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Have five or more years of classroom experience in English, English as a Foreign Language (EFL), mathematics, science, social studies, or special education in these subjects
- Be proficient in written and spoken English (e.g., TOEFL score of 450 on the paper-based test or equivalent)
- Demonstrate a commitment to continue teaching after the program
- Submit a complete application
Note: Secondary-level teachers include middle and high school educators teaching students aged approximately 12–18 years. Teachers instructing additional grades must teach middle or high school students more than 50% of their time to qualify.
Benefits
The Fulbright TEA Program is fully funded, covering:
- J-1 visa sponsorship and program support
- Pre-departure orientation in your home country
- Round-trip airfare to and within the U.S.
- Full academic program fees at a U.S. host university
- Free housing and daily meals
- Health coverage for accidents and sickness
- Local transportation to your practicum school
- Daily allowance for personal incidentals
- Baggage allowance
- Welcome orientation and end-of-program workshops
- Eligibility for alumni small grants after completion
How to Apply
- Contact the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your country for application deadlines and country-specific details.
- Use the official Fulbright application portal to submit your application, ensuring you select the program that aligns with your qualifications and country of residence.