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Teach in an American School
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Benefits of Teacher Exchange
How to Apply
Teachers' Experiences
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Teacher Exchange FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any queries that are not covered in these web pages, or if you wish to discuss any aspects of the exchange in more detail, then please contact us.
What is the Fulbright UK/US Teacher Exchange Programme?
The programme is an effective form of professional – and personal – development for both the UK and US participants. The first exchanges under this programme took place in 1924 and currently some 20 UK teachers exchange annually with US partners. It is administered in the UK by the British Council and in the United States by the US State Department.
Who is eligible?
The programme covers all levels from primary 1 to 6th form.  Applicants must be qualified teachers or equivalent and have had three years’ full-time teaching experience in the UK. By the time of the exchange they must also have worked for at least two years in the institution from which they propose to exchange, which must be in the UK or a SCEA school. US citizens are not eligible. Citizens of countries other than the UK or Ireland must contact the British Council before applying, in order to establish their eligibility.
How are participants selected?
Several criteria are considered in the selection process but the most important factor is that you must be able to fulfil the professional requirements of the host school.  All applicants have to take part in a selection procedure prior to acceptance on the programme. This will include attending a meeting in London, Edinburgh or Belfast. The selection meetings take place in January.
How long does the exchange last?
Teachers can opt to spend one term or a full academic year teaching in the United States although we strongly recommend a full year exchange to get the most of Fulbright opportunity.  Both the Academic year and the one term UK participants travel out to the US at the end of July.
When should I apply?
The opportunity to apply for an exchange in 2013 will be available from July 2012 and the deadline has now been extended to Thursday 20 December 2012. Please note that no application can be considered unless it is supported by the headteacher and the relevant employing authority.
Who pays my salary while I'm on exchange?
Teachers on exchange continue to receive their salary from their UK institution or authority and American teachers are paid by the US institution. If you receive a responsibility allowance you should check whether this would still be paid during the exchange.
Can I choose where in the US I am placed?
The location of the exchange depends entirely on the suitability of the professional match.
What advice and support will I get?
The Fulbright UK/US Teacher Exchange team located in the British Council Belfast office will provide advice and support before and during the exchange. In the US, IIE(administrators for the Fulbright Teacher Exchange programme in the US) and the US State Department will also provide you with assistance when you take up your post. Briefing meetings are held in the UK prior to departure for those exchanges starting in August/September. An orientation meeting is also held in Washington D.C in early August before you start teaching (attendance at the conference is mandatory). Detailed written information is also provided.
What about accommodation?
Exchange teachers agree with their partners either to exchange their accommodation or to help find accommodation for their partner in their own country. Guidance on accommodation arrangements is provided at briefing meetings. However, any agreements entered into are the sole responsibility of participants. Neither the British Council nor the US State Department can get involved in any dispute arising out of agreements made.
Will I have to take over my exchange partner's timetable?
Exchange teachers take over as much of their partner’s timetable as possible but some adjustments usually have to be made.
Will my American partner be able to take over all my current duties?
Where UK teachers have commitments in several subject areas it can be difficult to propose a replacement to take over an identical teaching programme and a degree of flexibility is therefore essential. It should be noted that US exchange teachers cannot be expected to take over management duties.
Will my spouse and children be able to come with me?
Yes, however spouses cannot apply for a work permit until after arrival in the US and there is no guarantee that a permit will be granted or work available. Unmarried partners are not eligible for a 12 month visa and will normally only be granted a tourist visa for relatively short periods. They are not eligible for a work permit.
Will I still have to pay tax, National Insurance, etc?
All exchange teachers continue to pay UK income tax, superannuation and National Insurance contributions. However, it may be possible for certain deductions against income tax to be made.
What costs will I incur?

Successful applicants will be given a travel grant to cover international airfares. The Fulbright programme will not pay for dependents' travel.

Costs likely to be incurred:

  • travel/medical insurance for the duration of the exchange
  • travel to selection and briefing meetings
  • travel to visa interview

The US Authorities require participants, spouses/partners and children aged 14 and above to be interviewed and fingerprinted as part of the visa application process. This can only be done at the US Embassy in London or the US Consulate in Belfast.

  • GPs will probably charge for the detailed medical examination that is required of all exchange teachers
  • communication with the proposed partner (email, telephone, snail mail)

Prospective exchange teachers are generally advised that they will be required to demonstrate that they are earning at least $21,000 pa. Teachers must also be aware that there are costs involved in moving to, living and working in the US.
My partner and I are both teachers - can we arrange a double exchange with two teachers in the US?
Every effort will be made to find matches for partners but success will obviously depend on identifying a suitable match of partners in the US. You should consider in advance whether you would still wish to go ahead with the exchange if it were only possible to match one person.
What is a Closed Circuit Exchange?
This occurs when a UK teacher has already identified a potential American exchange partner, and this person has applied to and been accepted by the Fulbright programme in the United States.  If you teach PE, MFL, IT or Science we strongly recommend that you follow this process as there are fewer American applicants for these subjects.  For further guidance contact us ....
When will I meet my exchange partner?
At the August Orientation Course for exchange teachers in Washington DC, which marks the official start of the exchange. Attendance at this event is mandatory. Travel will be paid for teachers involved in short term exchanges starting at other times during the year, who will have to travel to the US again to start their exchange.
Will I have to pay for my own travel?
Successful applicants will be given a travel grant to cover international airfares.  The Fulbright programme will not pay for dependents travel.
I'm interested - what should I do now?

Once you are satisfied that you have all the information you need, please complete the application forms and follow the instructions given on the how to apply page.

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