CLASSROOM TEACHER 

EXCHANGE PROGRAM

APPLICATION

2012-2013

Funded by 

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State 

Administered by 

FHI Development 360 (FHI360)
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please read this booklet carefully before completing the application. Be sure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the 

program as well as the specific requirements of each country for which you apply. Applications are not considered until all of 

the forms listed on the “Application Checklist” (p. iv) are completed properly and received by the Fulbright Classroom Teacher 

Exchange Program. All forms and recommendations on the checklist must be submitted by the October 15, 2011, deadline.

How to Submit:

Applicants must submit their Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange applications in two formats: as an electronic PDF file and a 

hard copy of the application. First, email the completed electronic PDF application form (pp. A1 to A7) and support forms (pp. 

S1 to S6) to fulbrightcte@fhi360.org. Second, applicants must mail printed copy of their application to the Fulbright Classroom 

Teacher Exchange Program at the FHI360. Hand-written applications will not be accepted. Be sure the printed copy submitted 

includes pages A1 to A7 and S1 to S6, the essay (on p. A6), and all required signatures. Hard copies of reference forms should 

also be mailed by the applicant to FHI360. Please send all documents to:

Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

FHI360

1825 Connecticut Ave., NW

Washington, D.C. 20009

Special Instructions:

J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Form (p. A1)

This page, A1, follows the Application Checklist page. It must be completed and returned along with your application. This form 

is especially important as the Fulbright Scholarship Board (FSB) is the body that approves the award. This form MUST be filled 

out COMPLETELY

In section M, you should provide a brief description of what you expect to gain professionally and personally from participating

in the Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program. Since this form will be forwarded to the FSB under separate cover and is 

distinct from the essay questions on page A6 of the application, please do not make reference to other sections of your 

application or specific country choices in this summary.

. Please proofread the form carefully. Any forms with omissions and/or spelling errors will be returned to the 

applicant.

Application (pp. A2 to A7)

If additional space is needed, enter information in section XI, “Remarks,” or use additional sheets. Identify the item number to 

which the remark applies. Fill out the application forms completely and sign page A7 before you mail in a hard copy of the 

document; use additional sheets for continuation purposes only. Do not simply say “see attached” or refer to your resume.

I. “Applicant Basic Data” (p. A2)

For Question F, indicate the year(s) for which you previously applied for a Fulbright Teacher Exchange grant and the length of 

the grant received. Please note that Question J and K, “Ethnicity/Race” are optional and are collected for statistical purposes 

only. 

II. “Application For...” (p. A2)

Before choosing a country for an exchange, please carefully read the eligibility requirements for that country’s program in the 

country section of this booklet.

List your country choices in order of preference. Do not request more than one country on each line. Unless you answer “No” 

to Question B, you will be considered for any country for which you are eligible.

If you answer “Yes” to Question C you will be considered for a one-way assignment should a suitable assignment become 

available. One-way assignments are very rare and may be available depending on funding and interest from a particular 

country. A U.S. applicant may not apply directly for a one-way assignment.

i
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

III. “Modern Foreign Language Proficiency” (p. A3)

Indicate your proficiency in languages other than English. You will be screened for verbal proficiency in French, German, or 

Spanish if you are matched for an exchange in France, Switzerland, or Mexico. 

V. “Present Employment” (p. A3)

The approving administrative official listed under Question E must be the same as the person completing the “Administrative 

Approval for Applicant” form (page R1).

VI. “Daily Schedule for Current Year” (p. A4)

To enable accurate matching, teachers are asked to describe fully their current teaching assignments. Please type this directly 

on the application, using an additional sheet for continuation purposes only. 

X. “Accommodations” (p. A6)

Please answer all questions if you wish to exchange housing. Note: Housing is a private matter between grantees. Teachers are 

expected to help locate suitable housing for their partner and vice-versa before going on exchange. For exchanges to the United 

Kingdom, France or Switzerland, an exchange of housing is recommended, if possible. Fulbright recommends the following 

options when making housing determinations for exchanges in the Czech Republic, Hungary, India, and Mexico: 1) Finding each 

other temporary housing for a week to ten days upon arrival in the host country; 2) finding housing on your own in the open 

market with suggestions from your exchange partner; 3) asking your exchange partner to locate local rental options that meet 

your needs; 4) or exchanging housing with your partner. The Fulbright program reserves the right to request termination of an 

exchange should housing issues significantly affect how the professional exchange is conducted. Any problems arising from a 

housing situation into which an individual grantee has entered are the responsibility of the grantee and not of the Fulbright

program.

School Support Form (pp. S1 to S4)

The School Support Form is due by October 15, 2011. Information about the applicant’s school is critical to finding a suitable 

match. In addition, school support is essential to successful exchanges; the suitability of both the teacher and the school will be 

considered. This section should be filled out thoughtfully and completely with your school supervisor and/or administrator. 

The hard copy of this form must be signed by the applicant and by the school supervisor or administrator who assists in 

completing the form. Both the electronic PDF version of the support form and the hard copy should be submitted along with 

the application by the October 15, 2011, deadline. 

Community Support Form (pp. S5 and S6)

The Community Support Form is due by October 15, 2011. Strong community support is essential to the success of the 

exchange. This form is to be completed by the applicant with members of the community who will assist in facilitating and 

supporting the exchange. The incoming exchange teacher will need the assistance and generosity of members of the 

community to ensure a smooth transition. Friends, neighbors, and community organizations can assist in numerous small, but 

highly important ways. Community members interested in supporting an international exchange teacher should sign the hard 

copy of this form. Both the electronic PDF version of the support form and the hard copy should be submitted along with the 

application by the October 15, 2011, deadline.

Approval and References (pp. R1 to R8)

Pages R1 to R8 comprise four approval and reference forms. The applicant should complete Item 1 on each form and then give 

it to the appropriate colleague or official. The referee must fill out the form completely and sign it where indicated. Each form 

should be submitted in a separate envelope with the referee’s signature across the flap on the back. All four envelopes should 

be submitted with the hard copy of your application.

“Administrative Approval for Application” (pp. R1 and R2)

Administrative Approval Forms are due by October 15, 2011. The official who completes and signs the “Administrative 

Approval for Applicant” form must be the official authorized to approve participation in the exchange, grant a leave of absence, 

and approve the appropriate salary arrangements. Within public school systems, administrative approval must come from the 

district level (usually the superintendent). If the approval is pending board confirmation after October 15, 2011, please notify 

the Fulbright Program in writing at the above address.

The administrative approval form must be submitted in a sealed envelope signed across the back by the administrator. 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their application to the program with their administrator in advance of applying

and should be aware that their application will not be considered without receipt of this form. Applicants who do not file an

administrative approval form in a timely manner or whose administrator has denied approval will be informed of this omission 

or denial by email.

ii
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

Reference Forms (pp. R3 to R8)

All references are due by October 15, 2011. The references should be completed and signed by individuals familiar with the 

applicant’s professional work. One of these forms (the “Immediate Supervisor Reference for Applicant” form pp. R3 and R4) 

must be completed by the applicant’s immediate supervisor or the person responsible for the applicant’s formal evaluation. 

The supervisor must also provide a general description of the school and indicate the flexibility of the applicant’s teaching 

schedule. The Reference for Applicant forms, on pages R5 – R8, are to be completed by an educator able to comment on the 

applicant’s strengths and weaknesses. Referees should place the completed form in a sealed envelope signed across the back 

flap and clearly marked “Reference for (applicant’s name).” Sealed and signed references must be included with the hard copy 

of your application. Applicants should not include performance evaluations with their applications. Other commendations and 

awards may be listed in section VII, Question E, on Page A4.

We prefer that the entire hard copy of the application (including the application form, essays, support forms, and references) 

be submitted to the FHI360 office in one complete packet. Applicants must also email the electronic PDF version of the 

application to fulbrightcte@fhi360.org. The Fulbright Program will use this electronic PDF file to import your application 

information directly into our database, which will facilitate the matching of qualified applicants with international teacher 

applicants.

Miscellaneous

Applicants must inform the Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program in writing of:

• A change in employment or teaching assignment;

• a change of address, phone number, or email;

• a change of plans affecting the application;

• a desire to withdraw the application;

• an application to teach or study abroad under another program;

• a termination of teaching contract;

• a change in school administration.

iii
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

Application Checklist 

Please complete this checklist and enclose it with your application package. Please do not staple any of your application 

pages (paper clips may be used) and submit all application materials in the order indicated on this checklist. Mail all 

application materials to:

Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

FHI360

1825 Connecticut Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20009

1. Does your package include:

a. Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board form? (1 copy)  Yes  No 

b. original application? (1 copy)  Yes  No 

c. original essay? (1 copy)  Yes  No

d. “School Support” form? (1 copy)  Yes  No

e. “Community Support” form? (1 copy)  Yes  No

f. "Administrative Approval for Applicant" form?* (1 copy)  Yes  No

g. "Immediate Supervisor Reference for Applicant" form?* (1 copy)  Yes  No

h. additional references?* (1 copy of each)  Yes  No

i. clear copy of your current passport or driver’s license  Yes  No

[Please do not send resumes, teaching certificates, transcripts, audio or video tapes.]

2. Are any of the above documents being sent under separate cover?  Yes  No

If so, which ones?

3. Is your Administrative Approval completed by the school official authorized to grant the required salary and leave 

arrangements?  Yes  No

4. Are you eligible for all the positions in the countries you listed in Section II of your application:

a. Are you proficient in the required languages?  Yes  No

b. Are you currently employed at the specified teaching level?  Yes  No

c. Are you currently employed in the specified subject field?  Yes  No

*All reference forms submitted must include original signatures. The reference forms should be included with your 

application in sealed envelopes signed across the back flap. However, if a reference must be mailed under separate cover 

it must also be post marked by the October 15, 2011, deadline.

The application deadline is October 15, 2011

iv
J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board

Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

2012-2013

A. Applicant Name

Last: First: Middle Initial:

Title: Dr. Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss

B. U.S. Citizen:  Yes  No C. Home Telephone (area code, number):

If not, state country of citizenship: Country of residence:

D. Complete Home Mailing Address (include number, street, city, state, zip code):

E. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy): G. Indicate year and country of any previous Fulbright grants 

(if none, write 'none'):

F. Place of Birth (city, state, country):

H. Current Occupation

Name of employer:

Address of employer:

Job Title:

Employed Since (mm/yyyy):

I. Current Subject(s) and Level(s): J. First Country Choice:

K. Education

Name of institution, university, or professional school and location:

Major field of study:

Name of degree and date received:

L. List your most significant publications/honors/awards or other accomplishments:

M. Provide a synopsis in approximately 100 words of your personal/professional goals as related to this exchange program. This explanation of your goals will 

be reviewed by the Fulbright Scholarship Board. (Please use only this space. Additional pages will not be accepted):

FOR FSB USE ONLY: Approve Disapprove Abstain

FSB NAME______________________________ SIGNATURE______________________________ DATE________________

A1
CLASSROOM TEACHER EXCHANGE PROGRAM

APPLICATION FORM

Please read all instructions before completing this form. All forms must be typed.

I. APPLICANT BASIC DATA

A. Applicant Name Title: Dr. Miss Ms. Mrs. Mr.

Last: First: Middle Initial:

G. U.S. Citizen: Yes No 

 U.S. Permanent Yes No

 Resident (green card holder) 

B. Date of Birth (month/day/year): H. U.S. Veteran:  Yes  No

C. Complete Home Mailing Address

Street Address: Apartment:

City: State: Zip Code:

I. Disabled:  Yes  No

If so, please describe:

D. Applicant Contact Information

Home Telephone: Preferred contact number:

Cell Phone: Best time to contact you:

Home E-mail:

J. Ethnicity: (optional)

 Hispanic or Latino

 Not Hispanic or Latino

E. Emergency Contact Information

Name: Relationship to you: 

Street Address: Apartment:

City: State: Zip Code:

Cell Phone: 

E-mail:

K. Race: (optional - select one or 

more of the following)

 American Indian or Alaskan 

Native

 Asian

 Black or African American

 Native Hawaiian or Other 

Pacific Islander

White

F. Have you ever applied to this program or the Distinguished Fulbright Awards in Teaching Program 

before?  Yes  No

If so, list all program years for which you applied (e.g., 1999-2000, 2003-04):

II. APPLICATION FOR:

You may check more than one box

 year-long teacher exchange 

 semester teacher exchange (semester option valid for United 

 Kingdom and India only)

A. List countries in order of preference:

1.

2.

3.

B. Would you consider placement in countries other than those you've listed?  Yes  No

C. Would you consider a one-way assignment?  Yes  No

D. Is your spouse applying for a position abroad through this program?  Yes  No

 1. If so, will you accept a position if no position is offered to your spouse?  Yes  No

 2. Are you and your spouse willing to be placed in different locations?  Yes  No

A2
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

III. MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Language Listening Ability Speaking Ability Reading Ability Writing Ability

Exc. Good Fair Exc. Good Fair Exc. Good Fair Exc. Good Fair

IV. EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION ABOVE SECONDARY SCHOOL (List degrees in chronological order)

Institution Dates Attended Degrees Received Major Subjects

From T o Kind Date

V. PRESENT EMPLOYMENT

A. Present Position Title: In Present Position From (mm/yyyy):

B. School Information School website:

Name:

Telephone (area code, number): Street Address:

City: State: Zip Code: Fax (area code, number):

C. School Principal or Headmaster

Last Name: First Name: Title:  Dr.  Mr.  Mrs.  Ms.  Miss

School Principal or Headmaster's Job Title: School email:

Telephone (area code, number):

D. Immediate Supervisor

Last Name: First Name: Title:  Dr.  Mr.  Mrs.  Ms.  Miss

Immediate Supervisor's Job Title: School email:

Telephone (area code, number):

E. Approving Administrative Official (Note: Must be the official authorized to approve participation in the exchange, grant a leave of absence, and 

approve the appropriate salary arrangements, e.g., President, Headmaster, Superintendent or District Official. See "Administrative Approval for

Applicant" form)

Last Name: First Name: Title:  Dr.  Mr.  Mrs.  Ms.  Miss

Approving Administrative Official's Job Title: School email:

Telephone (area code, number):

Approving Administrative Official's Institution

Name:

Street Address:

City: State: Zip Code:

A3
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

VI. DAILY SCHEDULE FOR CURRENT YEAR

A. Subjects: Be specific and provide details (e.g., World 

History: European emphasis). Special Education teachers are 

requested to include details about student needs and teaching 

approaches.

Number of 

Teaching 

Hours Per 

Week

Grade Level and Age of 

Students Number of 

Students

Grade Age

B. Additional Activities: Describe workload other than your

teaching position (e.g., counseling, supervision, curriculum 

development, extra-curricular activities).

Number of 

Teaching 

Hours Per 

Week

Grade Level and Age of 

Students Number of 

Students

Grade Age

C. Are you a full-time teacher?  Yes  No

D. What is the best time to call you at school?

E. Have you been absent more than six days per year in the last three years?  Yes  No

If yes, please explain:

VII. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE / EMPLOYMENT

A. Total number of years teaching experience (current and previous teaching positions combined):

B. List any previous full-time teaching or administrative experience, beginning with the most recent:

Dates Position Title Employer’s Name and Location Full Time Teaching Position

From To Grade Subject

C. List any experiences you have had studying, working or traveling abroad:

Dates Country Purpose of Visit

From To

D. List memberships in educational, professional, and civic associations:

E. List awards and publications:

A4
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

VIII. OTHER EXPERIENCE

A. List your hobbies and interests outside of teaching. Also list any extracurricular activities you can organize or direct at your host 

school (e.g., sports, arts, dramatics, music, etc.):

B. List professional experiences you have had which would be especially helpful to you in working abroad (e.g., teaching bilingual 

students, student exchange programs, etc.):

C. List experiences you have had in teaching English to non-native speakers:

IX. U.S. GOVERNMENT EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE GRANTS

A. Have you ever received a U.S. Government educational exchange grant?  Yes  No

If yes, please indicate the year, country, type of grant and sponsoring agency:

B. If you did not accept or complete the grant, explain briefly why:

A5
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

X. ACCOMMODATIONS

A. HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS (other than applicant):

Names Relationship:

H: Husband

W: Wife

D: Daughter

S: Son

U: Unmarried Partner

O: Other

Dates of 

birth of 

dependents 

under 21

To accompany on teaching 

assignment (Check one)

Yes No

B. HOUSING:

Are you willing to exchange housing?  Yes  No Proximity to School (miles):

If yes, type of accommodation: House Apartment Other (if other, describe)

Number of rooms: Number of bedrooms: Number of beds:

Housing location: Urban Suburban Rural

Is adequate public transportation available in the community?

Yes  No

Does it run between your home and your school?

 Yes  No

Do daily tasks in your community require use of a car, e.g., grocery shopping, doctor visits, etc.?  Yes  No

XI. REMARKS (Additional space for any of the above answers: Use this space to provide additional information on any item. Write the 

number and letter of the item to which each answer applies. If you need more space, attach additional sheets.)

XII. ESSAY

On no more than two pages, please write one essay addressing both A and B below:

Please type responses on a separate sheet of paper

A. Describe your motivation for teaching abroad at this stage in your career. What qualities do you have that will help you to be 

successful working and living abroad?

B. Describe how you plan to use your experience abroad in your professional work when you return to your home school.

A6
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

Certification

I certify that the information provided in this application is, to the best of my knowledge, true and correct. I am aware that a 

false statement may be grounds for non-selection or termination of my exchange. I further certify that I have notified the FHI360

(FHI360) of any misdemeanor (except minor traffic violation) or felony convictions or pending indictments. 

I have had a criminal background check conducted by my institution/district at the time of my employment.

Please list date of most recent criminal background check: ______________________________

SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT:_________________________________________________ DATE:___________________

How did you first hear about the Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program?

 from a colleague at my school

 from a school or college administrator

 from a former participant of this program

 from a friend

 from a website (please specify)

__________________________________________

 at a conference

 through a professional journal or other publication

 from a school district administrator

 through a mailing from the Fulbright program

 other (please specify)

____________________________________________

A7
CLASSROOM TEACHER 

EXCHANGE PROGRAM

SCHOOL SUPPORT FORM

AND

COMMUNITY SUPPORT FORM

2012-2013
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

School Support Form

IMPORTANT: This form is to be completed by the applicant along with his/her school supervisor and/or administrator and 

other school leaders who will assist in facilitating and supporting the exchange. School support is critical to successful 

exchanges, so the suitability of both the teacher and the school will be considered when evaluating candidates.

Name of applicant: Name of school:

School address: Name of school district:

School telephone: School website address:

A. DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL

School location: Urban Suburban Rural Number of terms:

School start date: School end date:

No. of teachers at school: No. of faculty in your department: 

No. of students at school: School type: Public Private Religious Charter

Average class size: Percentage of students in ESL classes:

Population of city/town/community surrounding school: Percentage of students on free/reduced lunch:

Percentage of graduates who enroll in post-secondary education:

Ethnic/racial make-up of the school student body:

Notable programs administered at your school (AP, IB, Professional Learning Communities, etc.):

Awards/Recognition received by your school in the past 10 years:

Provide a brief description of the community surrounding the school:

S1
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

Briefly describe your current classes and the level (grade and ability) of your students.

B. SUPPORT OF EXCHANGE 

The following questions are asked to determine your school’s ability to facilitate and support a successful teacher exchange. The success 

of this program is dependent on the participation of the schools involved, not just the exchange teachers. Any school participating in the 

Fulbright program must understand that being a part of the Fulbright program is a distinction, but with the program comes a number of 

responsibilities for the administration, faculty members, and the broader school community. 

1. What steps will your school take to assist the incoming teacher to integrate into the school and community? Who will be responsible 

for this? This may be more than one person.

2. How will your school provide ongoing support and professional development to the incoming exchange teacher to ensure he/she 

understands your school’s procedures, the curriculum of his/her classes, recommended teaching methods and the overall school 

culture? 

Can the incoming exchange teacher attend new teacher orientation?  Yes  No

If so, what are the dates? Start date(dd/mm/yyyy): End Date(dd/mm/yyyy):

3. Will the incoming exchange teacher participate in any professional collaboration teams at your school (subject teams, grade level 

teams, etc.)? If so, what are they, who is involved and what will be the responsibilities of the incoming exchange teacher?

S2
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

4. Will the incoming exchange teacher be assigned to teach any classes that have state or national standardized tests (e.g., AP exams, IB 

exams, etc.)? If so, what are they?

5. Would the incoming exchange teacher have to teach the exact course load the applicant currently teaches? Is your school able to be 

flexible about the course load for the incoming exchange teacher? If so, briefly describe.

6. How could you involve the exchange teacher in the broader activities of the school – clubs, sports, festivals? Would it be possible for

the exchange teacher to sponsor/advise a club or coach a sport, if he/she is interested in doing so? 

7. How will you notify students and parents of the incoming exchange teacher? Are there any parent or student groups – such as a PTA, 

student government or clubs – that could formally welcome the incoming exchange teacher to the school upon his/her arrival? What 

groups or organizations will invite the exchange teacher to participate in activities they are doing? 

8. What activities do you envision your home school doing with your host school abroad to promote cultural exchange between the 

students and faculty of the two schools? (e.g., on-line projects between students, videoconferences, developing a sister city 

relationship, etc.)

S3
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

9. Is there any other information relevant to your school’s ability to facilitate and support the exchange?

10. Using a maximum of one page, provide a narrative description of your school, student body, and academic level and explain why 

your school would be a supportive venue for an exchange teacher to teach in, and how you envision your school would benefit from 

participation in the Fulbright exchange program. (If you need more space please use an additional sheet.)

Signature of Applicant: Date:

Name of School Administrator: Title:

Signature of School Administrator: Date:

S4
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

Community Support Form

IMPORTANT: This form is to be completed by the applicant with members of the community who will assist in facilitating and 

supporting the exchange. Strong community support is essential to the success of the exchange. The incoming exchange 

teacher will need the assistance and generosity of members of the community to ensure a smooth transition into his/her 

exchange assignment. Friends, neighbors, and community organizations can assist in numerous small, but highly important 

ways. Please use this form to demonstrate community support for the exchange.

Name of Applicant:

Are there community members or organizations who can do any of the following to facilitate and support the exchange? 

(This includes organizations such as PTA, Rotary, Kiwanis as well as school colleagues, neighbors, friends and relatives.) 

Place a check next to items with which they could assist.

Assist with finding housing accommodations for the incoming exchange teacher, if you are not exchanging homes 

(Please note that, with a few exceptions, only teachers on exchange to France, Switzerland, and the UK are recommended 

to exchange housing, given the high cost of living in Western Europe)

Assist with transportation needs (purchasing a car or assisting the incoming exchange teacher with getting around town 

if public transportation is not available)

Assist with obtaining a drivers license and car insurance

Assist with establishing a bank account

Involve the incoming exchange teacher in community activities and/or festivals

Invite the incoming exchange teacher to their home for “home hospitality” dinners or for other activities such as holiday 

celebrations

Take the incoming exchange teacher to cultural events such as theatre, sports competitions, concerts, etc.

Assist with finding appropriate health care needs, such as referring the incoming exchange teacher to a doctor, dentist, 

pharmacist or other needed care

Assist with finding day care in the event the incoming exchange teacher has young children

Assist with registering children at local schools if the incoming exchange teacher has school-age children

Assist in helping the incoming exchange teacher’s spouse or partner in finding productive activities (voluntary) to do in 

the community (Please note that due to U.S. government visa restrictions, incoming international exchange teachers’

spouses and family members may not be able to work when they come to the United States. They may apply for a work 

permit upon arrival, but this usually takes months and is not guaranteed. For this reason we recommend considering ways 

your community might involve the incoming exchange teacher’s spouse in the community.)

If applicable, assist the incoming exchange teacher in finding an institution for their religious needs (church, mosque, 

synagogue, etc.)

S5
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

Please comment on any additional support for the exchange that will be offered by your community:

Please list the names and titles of community members and/or organizations who can support the exchange in terms of the 

items listed on the previous page. Please include their signatures to demonstrate that you have discussed the program with 

them and they are willing to become involved. Listing informal titles of individuals such as “neighbor,” “school parent” or 

“close friend” is acceptable. You may also list individuals with whom you work at your school if they will support the 

exchange in any of these ways.

Name (Individual and/or organization) Title Signature Date

S6
CLASSROOM TEACHER 

EXCHANGE PROGRAM

APPROVAL AND REFERENCE FORMS

2012-2013
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

Administrative Approval for Applicant

 

1. Name of Applicant (last, first, middle):

2. INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPROVING ADMINISTRATOR: Please complete the following sections and sign this form to certify your 

approval or disapproval of the applicant's pursuit of a direct exchange opportunity through the Fulbright Classroom Teacher 

Exchange Program. Indicate the type of leave to be granted and whether or not your teacher has undergone a criminal background 

check. Return this completed form to the applicant in a sealed envelope prior to the October 15, 2011, deadline so it can be 

submitted with the application. We strongly encourage applicants and administrators to consult before completing this form. 

(Please see the following page for more information about the program)

A. APPROVAL

The above applicant is employed full-time by our school or school system. The applicant has, in my judgment, superior 

qualifications and will be an excellent representative of U.S. education abroad. If we and all other necessary parties agree to a 

proposed exchange, a leave of absence will be approved and the applicant will be released in order to accept a grant under the 

Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program. Note that Fulbright teachers continue to receive their salary while on exchange, as 

their positions are filled by international Fulbright teachers at no cost to the school.

According to institutional/district procedures, we conducted a criminal background check of the applicant at the time of his/her 

employment.  Yes  No

B. DISAPPROVAL

 The above teacher is employed by our school or school system and will not be granted a leave of absence.

C. OFFICIAL SIGNATURE

Note: This form must be completed and signed by the person (President, Headmaster, Superintendent or District Official) who is 

officially authorized to approve participation in the exchange, grant a leave of absence, and approve the appropriate salary 

arrangements for the school or school system in which the applicant is employed.

Name and Job Title of Chief Administrator or Authorized Official (President, Headmaster, Superintendent or District Official):

Name and Address of School or School System (include number, street, city, state, and zip code):

Signature of Chief Administrator or Authorized Official (President, Headmaster, Superintendent or District Official):

Print Name: 

Signature: Date:

R1
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

About The Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

The purpose of the Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program is to help promote mutual understanding between the people of the 

United States and the people of other countries through educational exchange. Sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural 

Affairs, U.S. Department of State, the Program recognizes and encourages excellence in teaching in the U.S. and abroad. Teachers 

participating in the program have the opportunity to live and work abroad by exchanging positions with educators from similar

institutions in several countries. 

Fulbright Classroom Exchange teachers exchange positions with international teachers for a semester or an academic year. By living and 

working in the cultures of their host countries, they gain an understanding and appreciation of the similarities and the differences 

between nations. If your teacher is proposed for an exchange, you will have the opportunity to review the credentials of the 

international teacher and to accept or reject the proposed exchange arrangement. In order for an exchange to take place it must be 

accepted by the U.S. teacher, the U.S. administrators, the international teacher, and the international administrators, and must be 

approved by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FSB). At the time of this application your signature on the previous 

page simply enables your teacher to be eligible for the program and indicates your willingness to consider a Fulbright Teacher

Exchange at your institution.

The success of the Fulbright Teacher Classroom Exchange Program in increasing international understanding and properly representing 

the educational system and other aspects of life and culture in the U.S. depends greatly upon the judgment exercised by school 

administrators in approving their teachers' participation in the program. It is important to the reputation of the program and the U.S.

educational system, as well as that of the participating school, that an applicant be approved for participation only if the approving 

official has no reservations about his or her character, reliability and adaptability, and judges him or her to have superior 

qualifications and to be an excellent representative of U.S. education. 

Most exchanges occur with both U.S. teachers and international teachers receiving their regular salaries from their home schools while 

teaching and living abroad, though specific arrangements vary for each country. U.S. schools will not be asked to pay the salaries of the 

international exchange teachers. Housing arrangements are the responsibility of the teachers involved.

Both the U.S. and the international teacher will be provided with a limited medical insurance policy as part of their Fulbright grant. 

(Note: this insurance only covers unexpected medical emergencies and accidents). However, your teacher should continue his or her 

current medical coverage from your school.

Please return this form to the applicant prior to the October 15, 2011, deadline in a sealed envelope 

signed across the back flap and clearly marked “Reference for (applicant’s name),” or mail to:

Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

FHI360

1825 Connecticut Ave., NW

Washington, D.C. 20009

Fulbrightcte@fhi360.org

R2
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

Immediate Supervisor Reference for Applicant

IMPORTANT: The success of this program depends on the selection of educators whose qualifications give promise of outstanding success 

under unfamiliar circumstances abroad. Return this completed form to the applicant in a sealed envelope prior to the October 15, 2011,

deadline so it can be submitted with the application. Please see Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program description on the following 

page.

1. Name of Applicant (last, first, middle):

2. Check the Applicant's professional qualifications and personal traits:

Item Superior Above Average Average Below Average

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of the subject field

Effectiveness with students of diverse levels of preparation

Ability to work with colleagues, including those with divergent 

views

Ability to share teaching experience and knowledge with others

PERSONAL TRAITS

Adaptability

Resourcefulness

Self-reliance

Initiative

Professionalism

Please type responses to the following questions on a separate sheet of paper (200 words maximum per question)

3. Comment on the applicant's professional competence, experience, accomplishments, and personal qualities. Has the applicant received 

superior evaluations or awards for teaching and working in education?

4. Indicate any limitations the candidate may have.

5. How will your school or district benefit from the experience or knowledge gained by the applicant should he/she participate in the 

program?

6. Number of years you have known applicant: 7. Is the applicant a full-time teacher?

8. Please provide a general description of your teacher's home school. Use an additional page if necessary.

R3
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

9. Does the international teacher need to teach the U.S. teacher's exact course schedule or can this schedule be altered? Check all that 

apply: 

 Must teach exact course schedule 

 Certain classes may be changed to other classes within the department 

 Certain classes may be changed to other classes outside the department

 Number of classes taught can be reduced 

Comments:

10. Please describe any other special considerations that could be given to the incoming exchange teacher, (e.g., orientation, extra 

preparation periods, special assignments teaching about home country culture, special support staff to assist exchange teacher with 

instructional or related duties, other). If additional space is required, please continue on an additional sheet.

11. Name and Job Title (include Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss):

12. Name and Address of School (include number, street, city, state and zip code):

13. Print Name: 

 Signature: Date:

About The Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

The purpose of the Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program is to help promote mutual understanding between the people of the 

United States and the people of other countries through educational exchange. Sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural 

Affairs, U.S. Department of State, the program recognizes and encourages excellence in teaching in the U.S. and abroad. Teachers 

participating in the program have the opportunity to live and work abroad by exchanging positions with educators from similar institutions 

in several countries.

Fulbright Classroom Exchange teachers exchange positions with international teachers for a semester or an academic year. By living and 

working in the cultures of their host countries, they gain an understanding and appreciation of the similarities and the differences between 

nations. Visiting teachers share new perceptions with their students, and the returned Fulbright Classroom Exchange teachers transmit an 

ongoing sense of awareness about what is happening in the part of the world in which they have been living and teaching.

Please return this form to the applicant prior to the October 15, 2011, deadline in a sealed envelope signed 

across the back and clearly marked “Reference for (applicant’s name)”

R4
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

Reference for Applicant

IMPORTANT: The success of this program depends on the selection of educators whose qualifications give promise of outstanding success under 

unfamiliar circumstances abroad. Return this completed form to the applicant in a sealed envelope prior to the October 15, 2011, deadline so it can be 

submitted with the application. Please see Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program description on the following page.

1. Name of Applicant (last, first, middle):

2. Check the Applicant's professional qualifications and personal traits:

Item Superior Above Average Average Below Average

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of the subject field

Effectiveness with students of diverse levels of preparation

Ability to work with colleagues, including those with divergent 

views

Ability to share teaching experience and knowledge with 

others

PERSONAL TRAITS

Adaptability

Resourcefulness

Self-reliance

Initiative

Professionalism 

Please type responses to the following questions on a separate sheet of paper (200 words maximum per question)

3. Comment on the applicant's professional competence, experience, accomplishments, and personal qualities

4. Indicate any limitations the candidate may have

5. How will your school or district benefit from the experience or knowledge gained by the applicant should he/she participate in the 

program

6. Professional relationship to the applicant: 7. Number of years you have known the applicant:

8. Name and Job Title (include Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss):

9. Professional Address (include institution, number, street, city, state, zip code, phone number and email address):

10. Print Name:

 Signature: Date:

R5
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

About The Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

The purpose of the Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program is to help promote mutual understanding between the 

people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational exchange. Sponsored by the Bureau of 

Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, the program recognizes and encourages excellence in teaching in the 

U.S. and abroad. Teachers participating in the program have the opportunity to live and work abroad by exchanging positions 

with educators from similar institutions in several countries. 

Fulbright Classroom Exchange teachers exchange positions with international teachers for a semester or an academic year. By 

living and working in the cultures of their host countries, they gain an understanding and appreciation of the similarities and the 

differences between nations. Visiting teachers share new perceptions with their students, and the returned Fulbright Classroom 

Exchange teachers transmit an ongoing sense of awareness about what is happening in the part of the world in which they have 

been living and teaching.

Please return this form to the applicant prior to the October 15, 2011, deadline in a sealed envelope 

signed across the back and clearly marked “Reference for (applicant’s name)”

R6
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

Reference for Applicant

IMPORTANT: The success of this program depends on the selection of educators whose qualifications give promise of outstanding success under 

unfamiliar circumstances abroad. Return this completed form to the applicant in a sealed envelope prior to the October 15, 2011, deadline so it can be 

submitted with the application. Please see Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program description on the following page.

1. Name of Applicant (last, first, middle):

2. Check the Applicant's professional qualifications and personal traits:

Item Superior Above Average Average Below Average

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of the subject field

Effectiveness with students of diverse levels of preparation

Ability to work with colleagues, including those with divergent 

views

Ability to share teaching experience and knowledge with 

others

PERSONAL TRAITS

Adaptability

Resourcefulness

Self-reliance

Initiative

Professionalism 

Please type responses to the following questions on a separate sheet of paper (200 words maximum per question)

3. Comment on the applicant's professional competence, experience, accomplishments, and personal qualities

4. Indicate any limitations the candidate may have

5. How will your school or district benefit from the experience or knowledge gained by the applicant should he/she participate in the 

program

6. Professional relationship to the applicant: 7. Number of years you have known the applicant:

8. Name and Job Title (include Dr., Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss):

9. Professional Address (include institution, number, street, city, state, zip code, phone number and email address):

10. Print Name:

 Signature: Date:

R7
Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

About The Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program

The purpose of the Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program is to help promote mutual understanding between the 

people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational exchange. Sponsored by the Bureau of 

Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, the program recognizes and encourages excellence in teaching in the 

U.S. and abroad. Teachers participating in the program have the opportunity to live and work abroad by exchanging positions 

with educators from similar institutions in several countries. 

Fulbright Classroom Exchange teachers exchange positions with international teachers for a semester or an academic year. By 

living and working in the cultures of their host countries, they gain an understanding and appreciation of the similarities and the 

differences between nations. Visiting teachers share new perceptions with their students, and the returned Fulbright Classroom 

Exchange teachers transmit an ongoing sense of awareness about what is happening in the part of the world in which they have 

been living and teaching.

Please return this form to the applicant prior to the October 15, 2011, deadline in a sealed 

envelope signed across the back and clearly marked “Reference for (applicant’s name)”

R8