The Department of State’s English Language Specialist Program recruits U.S. academics and professionals in the fields of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) to conduct programs overseas ranging from two weeks to four months.  The English Language Specialists assist U.S. embassies in delivering and maintaining quality English Language programs overseas and to promote mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries. U.S. embassies identify and define the English Language Specialist assignments, which may include teacher training, curriculum and textbook development or host institution program evaluation.   In some cases, digital video conferences or webinars are used to deliver trainings or consultations.

Program Details
The Specialists receive international airfare; an honorarium of $250 a day for all working and program-related travel days; $200 for books and materials; $100 for miscellaneous expenses; $100 for a final program report; basic medical insurance coverage up to $50,000 per illness/injury; food, lodging, and local transport while in the host country; and an entrance visa where necessary. Projects exceeding 21 days plus travel days will be paid at a monthly rate of $4,000 (pro-rated). Business class travel is not provided, but the program pays for an overnight stop if travel exceeds 14 hours flight time in either direction.

Application Details
Interested candidates, who meet all criteria of eligibility listed below, should send a Word document that includes their current CV/resume of no more than five pages in length and application package (described below) to ELSpecialist@state.gov.

In the same Word document the candidate should include:

• Five-page CV;
• A list and description of topics in the candidate’s areas of expertise;
• Contact information for two professional references, please do not include actual letters of reference;
• If applicable, please list any previous Department of State grants the candidate has received in the past three years.

Applications will be reviewed twice a year.  Successful candidates will be placed into a pool of potential candidates to be matched to suitable assignments as they are requested by U.S. Embassies.

Applications are accepted year round. The Spring/Summer application deadline is May 12 and successful candidates will be notified no later than August 12. The Fall/Winter cycle deadline is November 12 and successful candidates will be notified by February 12.

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. citizenship;
• Masters or Ph. D. degree in TESOL or a related degree plus training in English Language teaching;
• Demonstrated experience delivering pre-service or in-service English Language teacher training both domestically and overseas;
• Demonstrated experience in the supervision and/or observation of English Language teachers;
• Cross-cultural experience living, studying and/or working overseas (e.g. study abroad programs, Peace Corps and other NGOs, business, fellowships and exchange programs);
• Conducted extensive English Language Teacher training workshops and presentations;
• Commitment to the field of English Language Teaching demonstrated through any or all of the following:
  • Member of English Language Teaching professional organization;
  • Longstanding English Language Teaching organization committee or board member;
  • Plenary speaker at conferences;
  • Published refereed journal articles or books in the field of TESOL or TEFL. 
• Specific Skills (demand varies depending on assignments):  Technology, Young Learners, English for Specific Purposes, and Teaching Learners with Disabilities.