2026 – 2027 Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program
The Embassy of the United States in Tirana is now accepting applications for the 2026 – 2027 Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program. The Fulbright TEA Program is a non-degree, exchange program for international secondary-level teachers. Fulbright Scholarships are awarded competitively and through a merit-based process.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
· Applicants must be citizens and residents of the Republic of Albania.
· Applicants must hold a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) bachelor’s degree requiring at least four years of full-time study (or three + one, three + two in the Bologna system).
· Applicants must be current full-time teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching grades 10-12
· Applicants must have a minimum of five years of full-time EFL teaching experience in Albania by the time they apply for the program.
· Applicants must be proficient in oral and written English (equivalent to B2 level – minimum score 80; TOEFL test scores are not required at the time of application.)
· Applicants must receive a satisfactory medical clearance.
· Applicants must be eligible for a J-1 visa.
· Other requirements as indicated in the application
Note: Individuals who fall under one of the following categories: U.S. citizens; legal permanent residents; immediate family members of U.S. Embassy employees; recipients of Fulbright grants within the last five years; students already registered at or attending study programs in the United States or with more than one year of previous study in the United States; individuals employed in the United States; those married to American citizens; those who have applied to immigrate; or those who have sought asylum in another country are not eligible to apply for the Fulbright Program.
Program components
· University Coursework: Teachers will participate in weekly seminars at their host university featuring presentations and discussions led by university staff, faculty members, and invited educational experts. The seminars focus on new teaching methodologies, student-centered learning, content-based instruction, lesson planning, and instructional technology training for teachers.
· U.S. School Placements: The program will also include a practicum of at least 40 hours with a U.S. partner teacher in a secondary school near the host university to actively engage participants in the U.S. classroom environment.
· Online Professional Learning Community: Each Fulbright teacher will participate in a virtual community with other international educators to collaborate and share best practices about education and leadership in the participating countries.
· Other: Each Fulbright teacher will take part in other educational and cultural activities while on program in the United States.
Program Length:
The scholarship is awarded for six weeks. Fulbrighters are required to return to Albania for at least two (2) years at the conclusion of their fellowship. They are also subject to the 2-year home residency rule. Family members may not accompany fellows during the program.
Program Dates:
The Fulbright TEA program is offered in Spring and Fall. Applicants must select one of the two options as their preference:
· Spring 2027: Late January 2027 – mid-March 2027
· Fall 2027: September 2027 – Late October 2027
Financial Provisions:
The Fulbright TEA program provides roundtrip airfare, accommodations, meals, and incidentals for the duration of the program, accident and sickness medical coverage (supplementary to participant’s existing insurance), Workshop in Washington, DC, and professional development and cultural activities. Fulbright TEA scholarships are not renewable.
Note: Participants will live on or near the host university campus in housing in rooms arranged for them by the university. Dependents (spouses, children, etc.) are not permitted to accompany the teachers on the program.
Application Procedure:
All interested applicants must complete the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement application online. Click on https://fulbright.irex.org/ for the online application form, create an account, and then log in to start a new application. Submit the completed application forms electronically and scanned copies of all required documents no later than March 1, 2026. All required documents should be submitted online for the application to be further reviewed.
A complete application includes:
· Application form (submitted online https://fulbright.irex.org/)
· Translated and notarized copies of university diploma(s) and grade transcripts (not diploma supplement) from all higher educational institutions attended
· Curriculum Vitae
· Institutional support and reference form (link)
· Leave approval form (link)
· Copy of passport bio page
· Copies of certificates from previous training (relevant to field of study only)
For further instructions review the Online Guide for Applicants (attachment) or contact Public Affairs Office, U.S. Embassy Tirana via e-mail at CultureandEducationTirana@state.gov
Please note: Applications received in the system after March 1, 2026, emailed as Google Docs or via We Transfer will not be accepted or considered.