A man in the foreground is smiling, plaid shirt. Three women with white tops are behind him in the background at a table.

The World Is Your Classroom

English Language Programs places highly qualified U.S.-citizen educators in the field of TESOL on projects funded by the U.S. Department of State to assist U.S. Embassies in delivering English language programs and supporting public diplomacy and mutual understanding through cultural exchange.

English Language Programs

The Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator Programs offer virtual and in-country assignments around the world, of varied length and requiring a range of skills and experiences in English language teaching.

Fellows are experienced and dedicated English language educators with an MA in TESOL or related field. Fellows have 10-month, in-person assignments around the world. Projects include English language teaching, teacher training, and daily opportunities for cultural exchange.

Learn More About the Fellow Program

Specialists are top-tier TESOL experts who lead intensive, high-level English language projects around the world, including curriculum development, materials design, and ESP program implementation. Specialist projects vary in length from two weeks to three months, and may be in-country, virtual, or a combination.

Learn More About the Specialist Program

Virtual Educators are experienced and dedicated English language educators with an MA, preferably in TESOL or a related field. Virtual Educator projects range in length from a few weeks to a semester and beyond. Projects include online English language teaching, teacher training, and cultural exchange.

Learn More About the Virtual Educator Program

Program Comparison PDF

Why English Language Programs?

Every English Language Programs project is unique, based on the needs of host institutions and U.S. Embassies. The variety of experiences is endless.

Specialist at her workspace with teaching materials and flowers

Specialist virtual projects expand the reach of the program into more remote or less secure regions.

Indonesia workshop participants during a speaking activity

Fellows provide professional development for pre- and in-service teachers at teachers' association conferences.

Indonesia Fellow speaking about the impact the program has had in his professional development

Many alumni will tell you that being a Fellow was the best experience of their professional lives.

When a class or a workshop is over, in-country participants have time to explore their host culture up close.

Turkey Specialist engaging with audience during a workshop on academic writing

Two-week Specialist projects maximize impact with intensive schedules of workshops, conferences, and plenary presentations.

Specialist and workshop participants laughing during an activity

Teacher training is serious business, but that doesn't mean you have to be serious all the time!

Virtual Educator in front of her laptop, ready to engage

Virtual Educators often develop new skills while supporting the growth of their teacher trainees.

Virtual Educator in his workspace with laptop, extra monitor and materials

Being professional, prepared, and fully engaged is a must when Virtual Educators connect with participants 10 time zones away.

Tanzania Specialist wearing the Specialist t-shirt with workshop participants

There is always time for another photo with workshop participants at the end of a long day!

Our Impact By Region

English Language Programs participants travel – in-person and virtually – around the globe. Explore the map to find stories about Fellow, Specialist, and Virtual Educator projects.

Learn More

Visit the individual program pages for more information about benefits, eligibility, and the application, review, and selection process.