The Educational Seminars grant is fully funded by the U.S. Department of State. This means that airfare, tuition (if applicable), room and board, and any miscellaneous costs for specific programs (such as visas, hosting activities, orientation and debriefs) are paid in full. Grantees pay no direct cost to participate.

How competitive is this program?

Educational Seminars is a selective fellowship program. The number of selected applicants changes yearly by program and could be anywhere from 1:3 to 1:15.

My spouse is also an educator. Is there an application for couples?

Couples must apply separately and will be treated as two separate applicants. There is no guarantee that both will be selected.

Can I bring family with me while I am on-program?

No. All program participants must participate in all program activities during the professional development exchange. Family and friends may travel with you before or after, but not during, your program.

In the two way exchanges (Argentina, Brazil, Thailand and Uruguay), what does ‘hosting’ entail?

Grantees are responsible for securing lodging in a homestay or hotel per program requirements and developing an agenda for their international partner(s). The grant funding covers the cost of lodging and provides funding for activities in your community. American Councils provides support and training for these responsibilities. The programs that include a hosting portion (two-way) are the Argentina, Brazil, Thailand, and Uruguay programs.

I would like to travel but am not able to host. Can I still apply for a two way program?

It is a requirement of the two way programs that you provide housing and spend time with your partner while she is in your host community. Housing does not need to be in your own home, but should be a homestay arrangement for Argentina, Thailand, and Uruguay programs.

What are some examples of past collaboration between partners?

Please see our www.americancouncils.org/es/alumni to see exciting projects of Educational Seminars alumni. You may also stay up to date with our program with pictures and videos at www.facebook.com/EducationalSeminars.

Can you apply for more than one program?

You may apply to as many programs as you would like to as long as you are eligible. There is no limit to the number of times you can apply.

What programs are available for elementary teachers?

Elementary school teachers may apply to the Uruguay (Spanish speakers only) and Thailand programs.

I am a full time teacher in a school through a language agency. Am I eligible for the teacher exchanges?

No. Eligible applicants must be full time employees of U.S. schools.

I am a guidance counselor/librarian/other school staff. Am I eligible as an administrator?

Educational Seminars administrator programs are for principals, assistant/vice principals, and superintendents. Specialized district-wide administrators may also be considered eligible (i.e. Special education, global education, etc.)

I am a certified teacher but not currently teaching. Am I eligible?

No. Educational Seminars teachers programs are specifically for teachers currently working full-time in a classroom.

I teach ESL. What programs am I eligible for?

We have two different programs for ESL teachers. If you are a Spanish speaker, you are eligible for the Uruguay program. If you are an ESL department head or teachers at the elementary level, you are eligible for our Thailand program. Please note: ESL teachers are not eligible for the India Summer Teacher program unless language arts is included in the curriculum.

I am a faculty member at a community college. What programs am I eligible for?

Community college faculty of the Classics, Ancient Studies, Greek, Latin, or Art History are only eligible for the Greece Summer Classics program.

I teach part time. What programs am I eligible for?

To participate in an Educational Seminars program, you must be a full time teacher in a U.S. school. Visit exchanges.state.gov for other State Department program for which you may be eligible.

I am a French teacher. What programs am I eligible for?

At this time Educational Seminars does not offer opportunities for French teachers. If you are a Spanish speaker, you are eligible for our Uruguay program.

Does student teaching or fellowship teaching count in the 3 years eligibility requirement?

No. To be eligible, you must have been employed by a U.S. school for three years and be in your fourth year of teaching at time of application.

I am a support teacher/reading specialist. Am I eligible to apply?

Support staff and teachers that pull students from their regular classes for specialized instruction are not eligible. You must be a full time classroom teacher for teacher exchanges.

I am a social studies teacher. What am I eligible for?

If you teach a unit on the Ancient World at the high school level, you are eligible for the Summer Classics program. If you also teach a class that is heavily combined with English and literature, you are eligible for the India Summer Teacher program.

I have participated in programs funded by State Department in the past. Am I still eligible?

Yes. Prior participation in other government programs does not disqualify you.

How do I access the online application?

All online applications can be found at ais.americancouncils.org under Educational Seminars. You must create an account with AIS to apply.

I am having trouble with the online application. Who do I speak with?

Please contact the Educational Seminars staff at 202-833-7522 or via email at edseminars@americancouncils.org for any application issues.

Do the visiting educators have a background check to participate in the program?

No. However, participants are approved educators abroad, are selected carefully by the U.S. Department of State program partners (Fulbright or the U.S. embassy in-country) and are screened by Homeland Security. The visiting educators participate on the program for professional development and job-shadowing for 2-3 weeks and should spend time in different schools. Therefore participants are usually not left alone with students. Your school or district may perform a background check on your partner if needed, but this is not covered by the grant.