Fulbright Teacher Exchange

Each academic year, around 20 teachers from across the UK experience life in a US school through the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Programme.

Administered by the British Council, the UK’s international relations organisation, with the US Department of State, the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Programme offers outstanding teachers from across the UK the opportunity to trade places with an American teacher.  Teachers can opt to spend either, the autumn term or one full academic year (typically August to August) teaching in the United States.  Exchanges involve elementary and secondary schools (including kindergarten), and community colleges throughout the United States.

The deadline for applications for the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Programme is 15 November for exchanges which will take place during the following academic year.  Several criteria are considered in the selection process, but the primary factor is the ability of each applicant to fulfil the professional requirements of the host school. Other factors include the suitability of housing arrangements and applicants’ preferred locations.  Cost of transport for the exchange teacher is covered by the programme.

Applicants for the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Programme must be qualified teachers or equivalent, with 3 years full-time teaching experience in the UK.  Two of these years must be in the institution from which the exchange will take place.  UK teachers continue to be paid by their employer while on exchange.  All applicants take part in a selection procedure prior to their acceptance in the programme and will be notified of an appropriate 'match' in March/April prior to the start of the school year when the exchange will take place.

Interested teachers are encouraged to start the process as early as possible as Head teachers, Principals, Governors and others must approve applications before their submission to the British Council.

For more information please contact:

Fulbright UK/US Teacher Exchange Programme
British Council
Norwich Union House
7 Fountain Street
Belfast
BT1 5EG

Telephone local: 028 9024 8220
Telephone international: +44 (0)28 9024 8220

Fax local: 028 9023 7592
Fax international: +44 (0)28 9023 7592

email: fulbright@britishcouncil.org