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The 2025-2026 English Language Fellow application is open. Learn More and Apply!

The 2024-2025 Virtual Educator application is open.

Apply today!
Three quarter shot of Muhammad Khan standing in front of a computer desk workstation

Virtual Educator 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. Projects include online English language teaching, teacher training, and cultural exchange.

What Do Virtual Educators Do?

Virtual Educator projects provide multiple opportunities for developing new approaches to teaching and online engagement as this carousel illustrates.
Virtual Educator on Zoom with teachers

Students in Turkey participated in a literary-themed scavenger hunt for an online English Book Club.

Virtual Educator at his computer working with teacher trainees

Coffee mugs often appear in Virtual Educators photos, with project hours occurring at all hours of the day.

Graphic advertising online event at Kazakhstan American Corner

A local Kazakh musician and high school student were speakers at a webinar for the Nur-Sultan American Corner.

Fellow working at her desk talking with teacher trainees on Zoom call

Virtual Educators set up their workspace at home or another personal space using their own equipment.

Virtual Educator in Zoom breakout room with teacher trainees

Online breakout rooms ensure that students have more opportunity to use their language skills.

Graphic promoting Virtual Educator conference sponsored by Regional English Language Officer

Virtual Educators often collaborate with their Regional English Language Office on online conferences.

Virtual Educator Program

Benefits

Virtual English Language Educators 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 Virtual Educators receive from the program. 

Refer to the Virtual English Language Educator Program Policy Handbook for more information on taxes and withholdings, and the benefits that are considered taxable income. Virtual Educators are not employed by the U.S. government, the cooperating agency, or any agency or government of the country(ies) of assignment. Virtual Educators are considered grantees and, for tax purposes, suppliers or independent contractors.

Virtual Educators receive an hourly stipend for contact hours of $35, deposited directly into their U.S. bank account, according to the payment schedule laid out in their agreement.

Virtual Educators receive funds to support their planning and preparation before and during the project period.

Funds are available for Virtual Educators to supplement and enhance project activities such as:

  • Attending pre-project orientation events
  • Implementing ad hoc, online cultural activities at the request of the local U.S. Embassy
  • Participating in regional events
  • Purchasing materials required for the project, such as new subscriptions to video/web conferencing services, specialized software, or computer peripherals necessary to deliver quality online instruction

The Virtual English Language Educator Program provides numerous professional benefits.

  • All Virtual Educators are provided a virtual pre-project orientation, with modules about facilitating teacher training online.
  • Through their projects, Virtual Educators 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.
  • Virtual Educators 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.
Virtual Educator sitting in front of a brick wall using a laptop with an English Language Programs water bottle placed for hydration

Learn More

The following page provides detailed information about eligibility and the application process.

Review Application Process

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This is a program of the U.S. Department of State, administered by Georgetown University, Center for Intercultural Education and Development.

All decisions related to participant terms (including candidate review, selection, funding, suspension, revocation, and termination) and all criteria related thereto are made and established by the U.S. Department of State.