English Language Fellows receive a generous benefits package for the valuable role they play in U.S. Embassy programming and in achieving U.S. Department of State public diplomacy goals.

• The final benefits package is outlined in the agreement Fellows receive from the program. 
• Refer to the English Language Fellow Program Policy Handbook for more information on taxes and withholdings, and the benefits that are considered taxable income. Fellows are not employed by the U.S. government, the cooperating agency, or any agency or government of the country of assignment. Fellows are considered grantees and, for tax purposes, suppliers or independent contractors.

Fellows receive a stipend of $40,000 for their 10 month fellowship, deposited directly into their U.S. bank account, according to the payment schedule laid out in their agreement. 

Fellows receive a living allowance, which varies from country to country, to cover the cost of reasonable, safe, and comfortable housing (comparable to a moderate standard of living in the country of assignment) and utilities, and to offset the cost of food and local transportation to and from work for one person.

When possible, the mandatory Fellow orientation is held in-person in Washington, D.C. The program provides one round-trip economy class ticket and Fellows receive up to a $400 allowance to offset ground transportation costs, airline baggage fees, meals, and incidental expenses during orientation. The program also directly covers the cost of lodging during the orientation.

The program provides two one-way economy class tickets, to and from the fellowship host city. Additionally, Fellows receive a relocation allowance of $1,500 to offset expenses such as, but not limited to, visas, medical examinations, vaccinations, ground transportation to/from the airport, baggage fees, and settling-in costs for household items.

Funds are available for Fellows to supplement and enhance fellowship activities in the country of assignment such as attending the post arrival orientation; facilitating local conferences, workshops, seminars, lectures, etc.; traveling to attend or conduct academic programs, including mid-fellowship professional development events; sponsoring local EFL teachers to attend or conduct academic programs; and, purchasing materials.

The program enrolls Fellows in a supplementary health benefit plan, the Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE), for the duration of the fellowship, as well as international travel dates. ASPE only provides coverage while a Fellow is in the country of assignment.

For Fellows with one or more qualifying dependents, the program provides a monthly allowance of $500 for the first dependent and $250 for each additional dependent to offset their expenses.

A qualifying dependent is defined as a spouse, domestic partner, or relative (child, parent, or sibling) who spends between five and ten continuous months with the Fellow in the country of assignment. 

The English Language Fellow Program provides numerous professional benefits.

• All Fellows are provided a pre-departure orientation and are invited to take the U.S. Department of State Training of Trainers Course.
• Through their projects, Fellows often have opportunities to expand their professional skills, for example by designing and teaching an advanced methodology course or giving plenary presentations at national conferences.
• Fellows are members of the English Language Programs online Community of Practice, with access to resources, discussions, online webinar events including Specialist Master Classes, and numerous networking opportunities among current participants and alumni.