The OPEN Program offers foreign English teaching professionals the opportunity to take innovative, online university-level classes in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
There are nine global courses available for the Spring 2026 Term.
- Teaching Grammar Communicatively
- Using Educational Technology in the English Language Classroom
- Teaching English Academic Writing to Speakers of Other Languages
- Teaching English to Young Learners
- Professional Development for Teacher Trainers
- Creating and Implementing Online Courses
- Introduction to Contemporary English Language Teaching Methods (formerly TESOL Methodology)
- Fostering Student Motivation and Engagement
- Successful Classrooms for English Learners with Special Needs
Important Information:
- This is an online, non-degree program.
- Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of completion and become official ECA International Exchange Alumni.
- The program lasts for eight weeks.
- Spring 2026 term program dates are April 7, 2026 – June 1, 2026.
- The orientation will be accessible from March 16, 2026- April 2, 2026.
- Applications for the Spring 2026 term are due by February 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time.
Eligibility:
Candidates must:
- Be a citizen of and reside in the nominating country (Bosnia and Herzegovina) at the time of the course
- Not hold dual citizenship in the United States
- Have basic technology skills related to creating usernames and passwords, using credentials to log in to secured websites, using email, searching the internet, and accessing and managing electronic files
- Have the ability to complete academic work at a U.S. university level (an advanced level of reading and writing in English, roughly equivalent to CEFR B2)
- Have at least 8-10 hours per week available to complete coursework
- Have the ability to type in English well enough to participate in online discussions and submit written assignments in a timely manner
- Be highly motivated English language professionals such as teachers, teacher trainers, or ministry officials who are dedicated to their own professional development and willing to share their knowledge with colleagues
- Be highly committed to completing the course
- Have an understanding of English technical terms relating to computers and the Internet
- Have regular access (4-5 times/week) to a reliable, up-to-date computer with high-speed internet connectivity
Application Process:
Interested applicants must apply to the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina using the application forms available for download.
Candidates must email their completed applications to bhexc@state.gov with the subject line “Candidate Last, First Name, 2026 Spring Term OPEN Program”.
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. local time on February 9, 2026.
For more program information, please visit the OPEN program website.
For questions about this program or the application process, please e-mail the exchange program coordinator at bhexc@state.gov. When emailing, use the subject line: “2026 Spring Term OPEN Program.”