How to Become an English Language Fellow

The English Language Fellow Program recruits trained and experienced US TESOL professionals for full time, 10-month, assignments overseas, in a teaching fellowship.

Every now and then I create a “To-do Bucket list” for myself.  For many years on my list is to one day work overseas in some capacity.

Although I love to travel,  I never seriously put any energy into the goal of working or living abroad.

As a TESOL teacher to English language learners, I was always looking for opportunities to up my game in teaching. I would attend conferences and workshops to get  new and innovative ideas.

In 2019, I attended a TESOL (Teaching Speakers of Other Languages) Conference and was speaking to a young man who was at a table telling me about an opportunity to teach abroad. He asked me many questions, and I also had many questions.

 I promised I would complete the application and went home thinking there was no way I would be selected for this competitive fellowship.

In the back of my mind, I knew I had to get rid of the negative thoughts that were sabotaging my desire to teach abroad.

Why Was I Doubting Myself?

1.  I thought maybe I was too old; this program must be for younger university graduates — Wrong
2. How would I be able to leave my family, my home, my job, my car, etc. for such a long time? — Easily
3. Just thinking about living in another country was frightening. – Scary can be anywhere
4. My daughter was just completing her last few months in graduate school in London during covid and no one hiring. – She can accompany me if she desires
5. What if I did not like my overseas fellowship? What If they did not like me? What if I did not have the proper skills? I would quit or get fired – like any other job

All of this negativity and fixed mindset was going through my mind, but I still managed to complete the application just to see what would happen.

One day, when checking my email, I saw a ‘congratulations, you were invited to an interview with the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam’.

OMG, Vietnam…immediately the real shock, fear, excitement all set in.

Now with the reality of teaching abroad as a fellow was knocking on my door.  I had to step up to the plate and get prepared.

As the pandemic was easing up around the world, I was assigned to a small town in central Vietnam. 

I did it!  I was representing America, as a U.S. Department of State English Language Fellow.  

Here is an example of the duties as an English Language Fellow:

Hosted by the local university teaching Vietnamese undergrads majoring in English, Tourism, Economics, & Pre-Service English Teachers.

Training teachers all over Vietnam to learn new skills in teaching English — new techniques, methodologies, differentiated classrooms, reading, technology, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the classroom, etc.

You are encouraged to creating your own secondary projects. through my English club motivated and empowered my students, teachers and/or the Vietnamese community, in study abroad, how to have engaging lessons, American culture clubs, climate change & beach erosion discussions, local field trips, etc.

How to begin the Process of Becoming an English Language Fellow

Major Qualifications to be an ELF:

1. Must be a USA Citizen.

2. Must have at least a (Masters) degree in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or another English Language Teaching degree such as an M.Ed. ESL or TEFL.

3. Must have a minimum of 5 years of full time experience in education, including 3 years of full-time teaching experience in the ESL/EFL classroom.

Note: There are some English Language Fellowship projects that have other qualifications you must meet; such as a certain employment history, medical condition and conviction history to name a few.

All English Language Fellow applications will need to get an approved health verification checkup within 15 days of acceptance into the program

English Language Fellows that are selected for the program will have a 10-month in-person assignment somewhere in the world.

To learn more about the English Language Fellow details and the full Fellowship application process click here:

9 Tips When Applying or Selected as an English Language Fellow

1. Don’t be shy!  Illustrate your qualifications and show your desire to be a fellow on your application.

 2. Prepare yourself to be away from family and friends for at least 10 full months.

3.  If you do not get selected the first time. hone your skills and apply again.

4. Be real with yourself. It’s okay if this program is not for you? Not everyone is comfortable being away from their home base for 10 months.

5. Be Open Minded. Try to be open to new ideas and perspectives.

6. Be enthusiastic about your own beliefs, also be considerate of others.

7. Listen to other’s thoughts, feelings and opinions, you may not agree, but listen and learn.

8. Do not take everything personally, sometimes it’s just culture.

9. Above all, grow Your Mindset while on your fellowship.