International Leaders in Education Program (ILEP)
The International Leaders in Education Program (ILEP) brings outstanding secondary school teachers from the Near East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Western Hemisphere to the United States to further develop expertise in their subject areas, enhance their teaching skills and increase their knowledge about the United States.
ILEP teachers participate in a five month academic program at U.S. universities that includes coursework and intensive training in teaching methodologies, curriculum development and the use of instructional technologies. The program also includes subject-specific strategies for teachers in the disciplines of math, science, social studies and English as a foreign or second language. The program lasts for one semester (five months) and includes an internship at a U.S. secondary school to actively immerse participants in an American classroom. ILEP is administered by International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX); additional information can be found on the IREX website.
Participating Countries
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Egypt
- Ghana
- India
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Morrocco
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Uganda
Note: Participating countries are subject to change.
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must be:
- Secondary-level, full-time teachers with five or more years of classroom experience in disciplines including English as a Foreign Language, Social Studies, Civics, Mathematics or Science.
- Proficient in written and spoken English with a TOEFL score of 500 or equivalent.
The application deadlines vary by country. Contact the Public Affairs Section of the relevant U.S. Embassy for a copy of the application. For additional information on the program or application process, please visit the website of International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX), which administers the program.
Alumni Grant Opportunities
Alumni are encouraged to apply for small grants to support follow-up activities in their home countries. Alumni will also be eligible to join the community of alumni of all State Department Educational and Cultural exchange programs.
Related Programs
Teachers in selected countries in the Near East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Western Hemisphere also participate in a similar six-week professional development program called the Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program. More information about TEA can be found on the IREX website.
