Grant Details

Participating Countries

Country programs that are anticipated in 2007-2008 are listed in the Country Index. All country programs announced in this web site are subject to the availability of appropriated funds, and may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

Exchange Arrangements

The majority of teachers exchange positions directly with foreign teachers; a few go abroad for one-way assignments. U.S. teachers of foreign languages teach English overseas, while their exchange partners teach their native languages in the United States.

In general, housing arrangements are a private matter and are the grantees' responsibility. The exchange of accommodation is not required for participation in the program, but may be strongly recommended for particular countries. With the exception of a few countries, teachers are expected to locate appropriate housing for one another. In cases in which only one partner's housing is provided free of charge, he or she may be asked to share in the partner's housing costs.

Terms of Award

The terms of the award for teacher and administrator assignments vary from country to country and are described in detail in the 2007-2008 Country Index. In general, exchange teachers are granted a leave of absence with pay and benefits and use their regular salary to cover daily expenses while abroad. Foreign teachers are also generally paid by their home schools, and replace their U.S. counterparts at no additional cost to the hosting school. In the case of one-way assignments, teachers are required to obtain a leave of absence without pay, and a stipend is provided to cover living expenses while abroad.

Administrative exchanges are non-simultaneous and participants must obtain a leave of absence with or without pay prior to the exchange. Exchange dates are mutually decided and agreed upon by exchange partners. Participants typically "shadow" their partners for the duration of their exchanges while the host schools are in session, observing all facets of the host administrators' daily schedules. They are encouraged to plan their exchange in advance with their international partner and maintain contact with their partner over the course of one academic year.

Maintenance allowances, when provided, are normally paid in the currency of the host country and are based on the cost of living in that country, not on the amount of the grantee's U.S. salary. All teachers should investigate the cost of living for themselves and any accompanying family members in the proposed country of assignment. Teachers must make sure that they have sufficient funds available to support themselves while on the exchange and need to be aware of fluctuating exchange rates.

Many country programs provide full or partial transportation awards. Since all costs for dependents' travel are the participants' responsibility, teachers interested in taking their families abroad must investigate the cost of transportation for their dependents.

Orientation costs, including one-way travel to orientation for the exchange teacher only, and food and lodging for teachers and dependents during orientation, will be paid by the United States Department of State.

Modest supplemental health insurance coverage will be provided to teachers and administrators selected for an exchange. Please note that accompanying dependents are not included in this coverage. However, additional coverage for the grantee and/or accompanying dependents may be purchased through the United States Department of State. Passport and visa fees are also the responsibility of the applicant.

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