Workshadow Exchange FAQs - British Council

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Teach in or visit an American School

What is Workshadow Exchange?

Benefits of Workshadow Exchange

How to apply

	Workshadow Exchange FAQS

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 Workshadow Exchange Programme?

The programme is an effective form of professional – and personal – development for both the UK and US participants. Participants spend between 3 and 6 weeks living and working with their US partner for whom they in turn provide a varied UK based programme. Within these broad guidelines, there is much flexibility to enable the exchange partners to generate work shadow schemes which bring together the diversity and strengths of the local educational scene with the skills and interests of the visitor.

The programme has been running under the auspices of the Fulbright Commission since 1946 and currently some 60 UK teachers and headteachers exchange annually with US partners. The programme is managed and administered in the UK by the British Council and in the United States by the US State Department and the Graduate School of the US Department of Agriculture.

		Who is eligible?

	Headteachers/Principals, Assistant/Deputy Headteachers/Principals, members of the senior management team in schools from nursery to further education, senior managers and policy makers in education in local authorities/education and library boards who are UK/Irish citizens and currently employed in UK schools/local authorities/ELBs are eligible to apply to the programme.

		How are participants selected?

Potential participants should complete the appropriate application form and secure the support of their governors and, where relevant, their LEA/SLA/ELB. A professional reference is also required. In addition, applicants are asked to write a statement describing their professional aims and the potential benefits of the exchange for themselves, and for their institutions. Successful applicants are matched with colleagues in the US on the basis of compatibility of their areas of expertise and/or interest and the similarity of their institutions. Matching takes place usually in February/March.

		How long does the exchange last?

	Workshadow exchange visits last between 3 and 6 weeks. The timing of the Workshadow visits will be arranged by the participants at times during the school year that are mutually convenient. Workshadow exchanges involving school staff must take place when schools are in session.

		When should I apply?

	Completed applications must be received by 30 November for exchange visits taking place during the following academic year. Please note that no application can be considered unless it is supported by the Board of Governors and/or LEA/SLA/ELB in the case of school staff and by senior managers in the case of LEA/SLA/ELB staff.

		Can I choose where in the US I am placed?

	Applicants may express a preference but the most important factor is the professional match and it is unlikely that personal preferences can be accommodated.

		What advice and support will I get?

	The Fulbright UK/US Teacher Exchange and Administrator Work Shadow programme team in the British Council Belfast office will provide advice and support at all stages. In the US, the Graduate School of the US Department of Agriculture and the US State Department will also provide assistance.

		What about accommodation?

	Ideally, reciprocal homestay accommodation should be provided. This helps to limit the costs while enhancing the professional value of the time spent overseas and also ensures that a rich cultural dimension is part of the experience.

		What costs will I incur?

British Council will award a grant of £650 to each UK participant to help defray the cost of travel to and from the US. This may also cover some subsistence during your stay. You will have to meet any costs over and above this. You will need to take out travel and health insurance to cover the full period of the exchange, as well as any travel you undertake either side of the period of the exchange.

		What is a closed circuit exchange?

	This occurs when prospective UK participants have already identified a potential US Work Shadow partner, and this person has applied to and been accepted by the Fulbright programme in the United States.

		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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