Over the years, we've heard from many Fulbright UK/US teacher exchange participants who praised the programme. Below are several testimonials written by participants after their exchange experience.

"I feel like I have grown as a teacher in maturity and understanding of how to teach.  I had to deal with a lot of new experiences this year and I have developed a great deal of adaptability which has been important.  It has also further cemented my passion for education and also opened my eyes to a range of possibilities within education, not just as a teacher."
Neil McEwan
UK teacher on exchange to Hall High School, Connecticut

"Personally, I formed a very strong affinity for America and the people.  It has triggered a thirst for travelling, living abroad and visiting new places...professionally, I have greater confidence in pursuing the unknown and learning to take everything in my stride even when I was feeling overwhelmed. I have also recognised that I have many strengths."
Mark Rodericks
UK teacher on exchange to Maple Valley, Washington

"I have changed greatly, hopefully for the better.  I am more independent and more of a risk taker.  I have done things I'd never have considered before and embraced every opportunity.  I have rediscovered my love for teaching and can't wait to share my ideas.  I have made new friends and family for life and hope to keep the link between our two lives active for many years to come."
Gillian Butler
UK Teacher on exchange to Oklahoma City

"Overall this year has been an absolutely fantastic experience - the challenges at work have more or less been overcome and I feel as though my very steep learning curve at the beginning soon levelled out. I would not swap this year for anything and have learnt a lot about my own capabilities and limitations."
Sophie Williams
UK teacher on exchange to West Hurst Elementary School, Texas

"I have had a wonderful year in England. Teaching was very demanding as the National Curriculum is so intense, but I did it! I have gained both as an educator and a person. It is an experience I'll never forget. It is a programme well worth all the effort that goes into making it available to teachers."
Karen Waterman
US teacher on exchange to Greythorn Primary School

"I have learned so much both professionally and personally, this experience has given me the space and time that I have needed to grow as a person and a teacher."
Julie Coles
Taught the fifth grade in Westbrook, Maine for a year

"I was looking for a change of scenery: participating in the exchange gave me the career boost I had been looking for. I had a complete turn around in the way I viewed my job... I will take home with me a whole host of new classroom techniques and ideas."
Lynne Mason
Exchanged with a pre-school in a culturally diverse suburb of Washington DC

"I have been in an open environment where the sharing of good practice is a continual process, this has enabled me to try out new ideas and develop new teaching and learning strategies, which I will be able to incorporate into my teaching when I return home….Personally, I have made numerous new friends and have had the privilege to 'live America'. My family and I have had the opportunity to see more of the USA as members of the community than we would have ever seen from just taking family holidays from the UK."
Simon Morris
UK teacher on exchange to Graham Middle School, North Carolina

In addition to these comments, read what UK institutions have to say about the experience and how the exchange made a positive difference.

“There is a growing awareness among staff of the differences in the two education systems. Staff and pupils are learning a great deal about the cultural differences.”
Mrs Sheila Williams
Headteacher, Whinfield Primary School

“I think it is a marvellous opportunity for the people (children, staff and parents). We have very much enjoyed the exchange… the challenge the teachers and their teams should never be underestimated.”
Ms Irene Conway
Headteacher, SS Philip and James’ C of E Primary School

"This has been a tremendously successful year. Both individuals and both schools/communities have benefited from the exchange. It has given us a global perspective on education and a link to the US which we will foster over the forthcoming years in many ways."
G R Lodge
Headteacher, Greythorn Primary School

"Our exchange teacher has given us a new outlook on some aspects of our curriculum, added to our range of teaching styles and generally been a positive and enthusiastic presence."
Mark Clutterbuck
Head of Department, Teddington High School

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