Approved - Now the Waiting Begins!

Some good news in my quest to teach abroad next year! A couple weeks after my November telephone interview I receive a letter stating that I had been recommended by the peer review committee for an exchange. From what I can tell, this means my name is among those in line for a teacher exchange next year, but there are more teachers in line than they have exchanges. So, I think now it all boils down to three things:
1. How good do I look to foreign education departments
2. How good does my school look to foreign teachers
3. Luck.

After getting word of my approval, I was asked to complete two more documents. The first provided evidence of my school's support for an incoming teacher. I have been very happy with my principal's support of this all throughout. I think his willingness to host a foreign teacher for the year is a real boost to my chances.
The second document is a statement of available support for a foreign teacher from the community. I spoke with a number of friends, coworkers, and my dad about pitching in where able to help an incoming teacher with things like drivers licensing, setting up a bank account, getting medical care, and providing social opportunities. I could not be more pleased with everyone's willingness to help. This too makes my chances even greater!

So, now I wait for further word from Fulbright. They say they will be in touch by the end of March at the latest. Otherwise, as soon as they find a match!

There are still a couple of issues to consider: Sabr. Fat Sam. Puff. Duplex. Cori's Job. Our stuff.

Suggestions are most welcome.


I have included the text from the latest letter I have received from Fulbright:

January 7, 2009

Dear Fulbright Teacher Exchange Applicant,

We have now received your School and Community Support forms. Thank you for submitting them. This email is to notify you of the next steps in the selection process.

Over the course of the next two months, AED will work in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and with partners in the ten participating countries to find suitable matches between American applicants and foreign applicants. Matches will be made on a number of criteria, including similarity of teaching assignments, similarity of schools, training and years of experience, location, housing availability, and personal qualities and plans as revealed in applicant’s essays. In making matches, we always consider your first choice of country, and will not propose to match you with a teacher in another country without consulting you first.

Although you have been recommended by the peer review committees based on your application, supporting documents, and interview, there is no guarantee that a suitable match will be found in the coming months for your teaching level, subject, or school. Regrettably, the number of qualified candidates always exceeds the number of available grants.

If a match is found, we will notify you by the end of March. We will then forward your immediate supervisor and school administrators the application of the foreign teacher. The application includes: educational background, professional experience, letters of recommendation, teaching credentials, interview results and other supporting documentation. Once the administration receives that proposal packet, they should review it with you. You will also be provided the contact information of the foreign teacher so that you may begin communication.

If you are selected for an exchange, you will be required to attend two orientation sessions, one in May (Washington, DC: May 2; Chicago, IL: May 16; Denver, CO: May 30) and one in early August with your foreign exchange partner (in Washington, DC, date TBD). Please keep these dates available.

Best Regards,

Project Director

Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program