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Exchange_English Language Specialist/Speaker Program
Projects include curriculum evaluation and development, teacher training seminars, textbook development, program evaluation, and English for Specific Purposes (ESP).
The program
Embassy mission goals to improve mutual understanding of U.S.
society and its instructions, to promote democratic institution building, and to assist participants to become active citizens of an international civil society.
Examples of Funded Projects
In the United Arab Emirates and Oman, a specialist delivered plenaries at major conferences in those two countries discussing testing and curriculum design giving recommendations for language instruction improvement within tightly controlled national English language curriculums.
In Panama, a specialist performed a needs assessment for the Panamanian Ministry of Education to determine requirements and resources available for teaching English to all Panamanian students ages 4 through 6 grade.
In Thailand and Laos, a specialist delivered plenary addresses at the Thai TESOL Convention in Bangkok, Thailand; the Lao TESOL Conference in Vientiane, Laos; and the Post Thai TESOL Convention in Khon Kaen, Thailand.
The Department of State strives to create a more secure, democratic and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community.
Program Accomplishments
Not available at this time.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Grants awarded to U. S. academics with degrees in Teaching English as a Foreign Language/ Second Language (TEFL/TESL), Applied Linguistics, or a related field.
Applicants must have teacher training experience and preferably overseas teaching experience.
Grants specify terms and conditions to meet the educational goals proposed by the requesting U.S Embassy.
Individual grants generally include international round- trip coach-class airfare for the grantees, visa, a materials allowance, a $100 final report payment, and honorarium of U. S. $200 per day.
Expenses in the host country for domestic travel, food, and lodging are covered by the requesting U.S Embassy in conjunction with the hosting institutions.
The Bureau provides medical insurance for the duration of the program.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Individuals with the following qualifications: (1) U.S.
citizenship at the time of application; and (2) M.A.
or Ph.D.
degree and experience in TESL/TEFL or a closely related field.
Beneficiary Eligibility
U.S. citizens who are willing to conduct workshops, seminars, deliver lectures and provide consultation services in areas related to teaching and learning English as a foreign language for periods up to 6 weeks to meet the needs of the overseas host institution.
Credentials/Documentation
Individuals with the following qualifications: (1) U.S. citizenship at the time of application; and (2) M.A. or Ph.D. degree and experience in TESL/TEFL or a closely related field.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Not applicable.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Persons who meet the eligibility requirements and who wish to receive information and be considered for a grant should contact Julia Walters, Programs Officer, Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547. Telephone: (303) 205-3636. Fax: 202-401-1250. Email: WaltersJL@state.gov. Web Site address: http://exchanges.state.gov/education/engteaching/specialists.htm.
Award Procedures
Final selection and approval of grantees are made by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Deadlines
Recruitment is continual, depending on requests from U.S. Embassies and their constituent host institutions in the country.
Authorization
Public Law 87-256, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2451 et seq.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Applicants' information is entered into the data base of English Language Specialists and Speakers who are contacted whenever the needs arise.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Specialists are eligible for projects and programs as their skills are needed or requested by U.S. Embassies. Normally, one participant is given only two assignments per academic year.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Up to two projects per academic year; each project for a period of 2 to 6 weeks.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Grantee must provide a trip or project report within 30 days of completion of the program.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal Awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for the year, except as noted in OMB Circular No. A-133.
Records
None.
Financial Information
Account Identification
19-0201-0-1-154.
Obigations
FY 07 $600,000; FY 08 est not available; FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$1,500 to $9,000. Average: $5,500.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Advertisement at the annual Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc. Conference for recruitment of applicants for the English Language Specialist/Speaker Program. Further information can be found on the Office of English Language Programs website: http://exchanges.state.gov/education/engteaching/specialists.htm.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Julia Walters, Programs Officer, Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of English Language Programs, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547. Telephone: (303) 205-3636. Fax: (202) 401-1250. Email: WaltersJL@state.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
1) The credentials of the English Language Specialist or Speaker to meet the requests from U.S. Embassies and their constituent host institutions.
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