The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs offers Fulbright grants for U.S. primary and secondary classroom teachers, guidance counselors, curriculum specialists, curriculum heads, talented and gifted coordinators, special education coordinators and media specialists/librarians to participate in international exchanges during the 2013-14 academic year through the Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program (CTE) and the Distinguished Fulbright Awards in Teaching Program (DA).

By living, teaching or conducting research overseas, U.S. teachers gain new skills, learn new instruction and assessment methodologies and share best practices with international colleagues and students. Teachers also have the opportunity to expand their understanding of other cultures and international education systems that will enrich their U.S. home schools and local communities with global perspectives.

Teachers may apply for the CTE Program for one of six countries: the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, India, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Teachers may apply for the DA Program for one of eight countries: Argentina, Finland, India, Mexico, Morocco, Singapore, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

The application deadline for the CTE Program is Oct. 15, and the application deadline for the DA program is Dec. 15.

For more information about eligibility requirements, benefits and impact of these programs, visit the program website,www.fulbrightteacherexchange.org.