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Applications open for Fulbright TEA Program in Serbia

Deadline: 15-Mar-2026

The Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program invites full-time secondary-level teachers from Serbia to participate in a six-week professional development program in the United States in January or September 2027. Participants engage in graduate-level seminars, classroom practicum, and cultural exchange, gaining skills to enhance teaching practices and educational leadership.

Overview of the Fulbright TEA Program

The Fulbright TEA Program provides Serbian secondary-level teachers with a six-week opportunity in the U.S. to develop professional skills, share expertise, and participate in cultural exchange. The program combines academic seminars, classroom observation and co-teaching, and community engagement, helping educators strengthen student-centered learning, instructional technology use, and leadership in their home schools.

Program Components

  • Graduate-Level Seminars: Weekly sessions led by university faculty and invited educational experts focusing on teaching methodologies, student-centered learning, lesson planning, content-based instruction, and instructional technology.

  • Classroom Practicum: At least 40 hours in a U.S. secondary school with a partner teacher to observe, co-teach, and exchange best practices.

  • Professional Learning Community: Online engagement with U.S. and international peers to share experiences and strategies.

  • Cultural and Educational Activities: Structured cultural enrichment, mentoring, and guidance during the six-week program.

  • Logistical Support: Includes international airfare, travel allowance, campus housing, and a maintenance allowance covering essential living and professional expenses.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

  • Be citizens or residents of Serbia with a valid Serbian passport.

  • Be full-time secondary-level teachers in English as a Foreign Language, math, science, foreign languages, social studies, journalism, communications, or special education.

  • Have at least three years of full-time teaching experience by program start.

  • Hold a completed bachelor’s degree.

  • Demonstrate English proficiency and be medically cleared.

  • Be eligible for the J-1 exchange visitor visa and committed to continuing in the teaching profession.

Ineligible candidates include:

  • Individuals with dual U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

  • Those not meeting the teaching workload requirement.

  • Applicants with recent extensive U.S. academic or exchange experience.

  • Employees of the U.S. Department of State and their immediate family members within the ineligibility period.

  • Applicants with PhDs whose specialization directly aligns with the program focus (may not be suitable).

How to Apply / How It Works

  1. Prepare Application Package: Complete the online form, statement of purpose, institutional support and leave approval forms, identification documents, and TOEFL scores if available.

  2. Submit Application: Online submission is required by March 15, 2026, 23:59 Serbia local time.

  3. Application Review: Candidates are evaluated on teaching experience, leadership potential, professional achievements, ability to collaborate internationally, and plans to apply learning in home schools.

  4. Shortlisting and Interview: Shortlisted candidates are contacted for interviews in late March or early April 2026.

  5. Final Selection: Conducted by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, an independent, presidentially appointed body overseeing Fulbright programs.

  6. Program Participation: Selected teachers attend the six-week program in the U.S. in January or September 2027.

Key Evaluation Criteria

  • Demonstrated commitment to secondary education and student learning.

  • Leadership potential and capacity to foster long-term linkages between schools.

  • Preparedness for intensive, immersive professional development.

  • Clarity of expression and ability to apply U.S. experiences to home-school context.

  • Priority for candidates with limited prior U.S. travel or no previous Fulbright awards.

Program Benefits

  • Exposure to innovative teaching methods and curriculum development.

  • Hands-on experience in U.S. classroom settings.

  • Networking opportunities with U.S. and international educators.

  • Comprehensive cultural exchange and professional development.

  • Financial and logistical support for the full program duration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible to apply? Full-time secondary-level teachers in Serbia with at least three years of experience and a completed bachelor’s degree.
2. What subjects are eligible? English as a Foreign Language, math, science, foreign languages, social studies, journalism, communications, and special education.
3. What is the program duration? Six weeks in the United States.
4. Are dependents allowed to accompany participants? No, dependents are not permitted.
5. What support is provided? International airfare, housing, travel allowance, and a maintenance allowance.
6. When is the application deadline? March 15, 2026, at 23:59 local Serbia time.
7. How are participants selected? Based on professional experience, leadership potential, ability to collaborate internationally, and commitment to applying knowledge in Serbia, with final selection by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

Conclusion

The 2026–2027 Fulbright TEA Program offers Serbian secondary-level teachers a transformative opportunity to enhance teaching practices, engage in cross-cultural learning, and strengthen educational leadership. By combining seminars, classroom practicum, and cultural exchange, the program prepares educators to make a lasting impact in their schools and communities.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Serbia.