Exchange Program: Advancing English Medium STEM Education in the Global Classroom

Request for Applications (RFA)
Exchange Program:
Advancing English Medium STEM Education in the Global
Classroom
This program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and
Cultural Affairs Office of English Language Programs (ECA/A/L) under the English Access
Scholarship Program
Applications Due: October 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST
Questions Due: September 18, 2026
Responses to Questions posted on/about: September 25, 2026
Email for submissions: accessexchanges@fhi360.org
________________________________________________________________________________
SOLICITATION FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS
THIS REQUEST FOR APPLICATION (RFA) IS THE EXCLUSIVE, CONFIDENTIAL,
PROPRIETARY PROPERTY OF FAMILY HEALTH INTERNATIONAL (FHI 360). IT MAY
NOT BE COPIED, TRANSMITTED, OR DISCLOSED BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT THE
EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF FHI 360. BY ACCEPTING A COPY HEREOF, RECIPIENT
AGREES TO USE THE RFA (AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTS) SOLEY FOR
RESPONDING TO THIS RFA, AND DESTROY THE RFA (AND ANY RELATED
DOCUMENTS) UPON YOUR DECISION NOT TO RESPOND TO THIS RFA.
________________________________________________________________________________
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About the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office of
English Language Programs (ECA/A/L)
The Office of English Language Programs in the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs (ECA/A/L) engages English Language (EL) learners and educators abroad by
funding and monitoring U.S. Embassy-sponsored EL programs that support curriculum and materials
development projects, facilitate teacher training workshops, and advise foreign ministries of
education, universities, and NGOs. The programs, overseen by Regional English Language Officers
(RELOs) abroad and Program Officers in Washington D.C., foster mutual understanding, strengthen
teaching and language skills, develop critical thinking capabilities, and convey balanced and accurate
information about the United States. The Office of English Language Programs runs multiple
educational exchange programs focused on EL teaching and learning. The Office of English
Language Programs runs multiple educational exchange programs focused on EL teaching and
learning. These English Language programs include: the Fellows Program, the Virtual Educator
(VE) Program, the Specialists Program, the English Access Scholarship (Access) Program, and the
Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program. In addition, the office actively engages
teachers and students on Facebook, YouTube, and the AmericanEnglish.org website.
About FHI 360
FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilizes research, resources, and relationships so that people
everywhere can access the opportunities they need to lead full, healthy lives. FHI 360 has spent more
than 50 years developing bold solutions to global challenges and creating measurable results. FHI
360 works to address the complex challenges of human development with a unique mix of
multidisciplinary and integrated solutions. Its areas of practice include health, education, democracy
and governance, economic opportunity, nutrition and food security, and humanitarian response.
Purpose
FHI 360 invites applications from accredited U.S. universities and colleges to host a two-week
exchange program for international Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) or
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) educators with STEM students, including teachers, teacher
trainers, and curriculum or content developers in K-12 and higher education settings who work in
English medium classrooms or programs. The program offers international STEM and EFL educators
the opportunity to engage in professional development to enhance their knowledge and skills around
a theme related to English language (EL) teaching and learning through the exchange experience and
sharing of knowledge and expertise with American education professionals. This professional
development program seeks to strengthen international STEM and EL educators' expertise in using
innovative teaching skills and engagement strategies in STEM or EL classrooms. The exchange
program must offer participants direct experience in a university/college setting with access to
campus resources and the opportunity for forging potential international partnerships with faculty
members and the university/college.
This exchange program is funded by ECA/A/L through a cooperative agreement with FHI 360 under
the Access Program. In issuing this Request for Applications (RFA), FHI 360 anticipates awarding
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sub-agreement(s) of up to $65,000 to U.S. university(s) for administration costs to host approximately
twenty-five (25) participants. In addition to the total administration costs, FHI 360 will reimburse
program/participant costs upon submission of financial reporting and relevant supporting
documentation. Applicants are also required to include cost-share contributions to build upon
program funding, with a minimum of $5,000 included in the total budget.
To this end, FHI 360 is issuing this RFA that consists of:
* RFA document
* Application Checklist, Application Template, and Minimum Required Standards
(Attachment 1)
* Application Cover Sheet (Attachment 2)
* Budget Template (Attachment 3)
Interested institutions should electronically submit a complete proposal to FHI 360 at
accessexchanges@fhi360.org no later than October 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST.
I. Program Description
A. Overview
Participants will take part in an intensive professional development program focused on the theme of
teaching STEM content and skills in English medium classrooms. Participants will be international
educators from two primary groups: (1) STEM instructors teaching in English-medium educational
settings and (2) English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructors who teach STEM students.
Participants may include teachers, teacher trainers, and curriculum or content developers working in
K-12 and higher education settings. Participants will represent different countries from around the
world and will be recruited and nominated by Regional English Language Officers (RELOs) based
at U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world.
The program is designed to deepen international STEM and EFL educators' understanding of the
innovative teaching and engagement skills for STEM students and to provide practical strategies for
effectively integrating these skills into their teaching practice. Participants will explore how project-
based learning and inquiry-based approaches enhance STEM achievement and language
development. They will also learn how to strengthen students' scientific communication skills and
prepare them for success in global STEM careers through engaging and authentic learning
experiences.
B. Program Dates
The program shall be two weeks (14 days) in length from February 28 - March 13, taking into
consideration holidays and the possibility to visit in-session classroom settings. Travel days are
additional to the 14 program days (arrival on February 27 and departure on March 14). The program
should include one rest day for the participants in the middle of the two-week period.
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II. Program Guidelines
The applicant must use the attached Application Checklist, Application Template, and
Minimum Required Standards and should address all the items below, providing detailed
descriptions.
The application should be organized in the order listed below in a single PDF document with the
exception of the application cover sheet (Attachment 2) and the detailed budget (Attachment 3),
which should be submitted in the excel template provided.
1. Application Cover Page (Attachment 2)
2. Program Narrative (Not to exceed 10 pages, double spaced)
* Vision
* Organizational capability statement
* Description of the exchange program
A. Academic Workshops
B. Site Visits
C. Cultural Activities
D. Participant Support and Logistical Arrangements
3. Number of Program Hours (A description using the proposal template)
4. Program Calendar
5. Program Outline for each day with activities, description, time allocation, learning objectives,
materials, and resources
6. Staff and Program Management Plan that defines the roles and responsibilities of staff (max.
2 pages)
7. Curriculum Vitae for key staff - program management team and faculty (no more than 2 pages
each)
8. Letter(s) of Commitment from the institution that offers leadership support to the application
9. Budget Narrative
10. Fringe Benefits Rate Documentation and Indirect Rate Documentation (e.g., NICRA)
11. Detailed budget (Attachment 3)
This exchange program is sponsored by the ECA/A/L. The host institution should notify all
participants, presenters and stakeholders involved in this role explicitly to provide maximum
transparency. Where possible and appropriate, resources offered in the sessions should include
materials from the Office of English Language Programs (americanenglish.state.gov).
This exchange should incorporate site visits within the host community, intercultural dialogue with
American peers or students, and opportunities for participants to share about their home countries to
enhance their learning, as well as deepen their understanding of U.S. history and culture and
Americans' understanding of their cultures. Participants of this program should be active learners and
gain knowledge and skills through hands-on approaches and activities. Applications should
encompass activities that address strategies for incorporating subject matter into all learning
environments.
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All aspects of the exchange should be delivered using the adult-learner model and incorporate EFL
content and opportunities to discuss U.S. history and culture throughout the entire program. The
content should meet a minimum English language proficiency level of intermediate (B1) with the
understanding that participants' language skill level will vary.
Applicants should demonstrate flexibility in programming to accommodate a range of religious and
cultural needs as well as disabilities and outline a plan to accommodate participants with these needs.
Exchange Program Design
The two-week exchange program outline should include a thoughtful and strategic integration of
academic workshops, site visits, cultural activities, and participant support/logistical arrangement
using the following elements as a guide:
A. Academic Workshops
* Provision of academic workshops to include between 20 and 30 total hours over the
exchange.
* The topics and activities for the academic workshops must include but are not limited to:
o Designing and assessing effective English-medium STEM lessons
o Using AI tools to enhance STEM and language learning
o Improving scientific communication skills
o Implementing project-based and inquiry-based learning
o Data Literacy and evidence-based STEM learning
o Preparing students for global STEM careers
* Reflections, Activities, and Materials
o Workshop activities utilize collaborative hands-on activities to engage participants
as active learners.
o Program design provides sufficient opportunities for participants to reflect on the
workshop content and considers participants' previous professional experiences
and personal practical knowledge of English language teaching and exchange
topics as they gain new knowledge and skills.
o Program design highlights solid linkages between academic sessions, site visits,
and cultural/civic activities to maximize learning.
o Program creates opportunities for participants to forge potential international
partnerships and collaborations with faculty members and the university/college
community.
o Where applicable, applications can incorporate the use of American English and
other Office of English Language Program resources as Open Educational
Resources (OER).
o Materials for academic workshops follow guidelines for copyright and
accessibility. Most either have Creative Commons licensing or are designated as
copyright-free, OERs, or in the public domain. Preference for applications using
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American English resources. If any new materials are created and developed for
this exchange program, ECA/A/L has the right to retain ownership, reproduce,
publish, or otherwise use the materials for Federal purposes.
o Application includes plans to provide all the necessary materials/readings/books
for workshops.
o Preparation to accommodate participants with limited English language skills, if
needed.
o Application encompasses activities that address strategies for incorporating
subject matter into differing educational settings and learning environments.
* Participant Final Project and Presentation
o During the two-week program, participants should develop a final project that
showcases their new understandings and acquired knowledge of the exchange
topic in relation to their teaching environment and that demonstrates their
commitment to implement it upon their return to their home countries.
o Project guidelines should be clearly articulated in a timely manner in order for
participants to have sufficient time to explore, research, and discuss evolving ideas
and the manner in which to present.
o Work time and participant support for project work should be built into the
exchange schedule.
o Participants should have an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the
proposed activities by presenting their final projects to their peers and workshop
facilitators with sufficient time to cultivate constructive feedback from their
audiences.
o Examples of previous projects include small group presentations, microteaching
demonstrations, and poster presentations.
B. Site Visits
* At least three to five site visits, meetings, workshops, and/or conferences with professional
experts that incorporate the exchange theme and workshop topics for English language
educators and professionals. Some examples can include:
o Interactive site visits to relevant educational institutions, including opportunities
for classroom observations, teacher shadowing, etc.
o Interactive site visits to community organizations and government organizations
focusing exchange theme and topics
o Professional meetings with U.S. counterparts focusing on the exchange theme and
topics
o Attendance at local conferences or workshops on exchange topics
* Program management sets clear expectations about the site visits and professional
meetings/interactions beforehand.
C. Cultural Activities
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* At least three cultural excursions that are designed to enhance the participants' first-hand
knowledge of U.S. culture and history related to the exchange theme and English language
teaching and learning and foster meaningful integration into the host community.
* Some examples of cultural activities include:
o Cultural excursions: Visits to historically and culturally significant sites in and
around the host city.
o Cross-cultural dialogue: Opportunities for participants to engage with U.S.
counterparts on themes related to the exchange program to encourage mutual
learning and connection.
o Home hospitality event: At least one dinner or informal gathering hosted by local
Americans to provide participants with an authentic experience of U.S. culture and
everyday life.
* With the exception of a home hospitality event, at least 2 staff members should accompany
participants on all cultural activities.
D. Participant Support and Logistical Arrangements
* Logistical arrangements for participants including lodging and local ground transportation
(to include airport transfers, site visits, cultural excursions).
* Comprehensive orientation to the university and community that supports a range of
participant backgrounds and needs (to include, but not limited to, transportation, medical
care, places of worship, dietary needs, cross-cultural communication, technology access).
* Ongoing plans and flexibility throughout the program to accommodate a range of social,
cultural, dietary, and religious needs of the participants.
* Appropriate plans are put in place for regular communication with participants and
program monitoring for the duration of the program. Please also describe your plan for
communication with FHI 360 and ECA.
* One rest day is included in the middle of the program for participants to attend to personal
matters (e.g., laundry, shopping, etc.). Please indicate the rest day date on the program
calendar.
* Housing is single occupancy (within the U.S. government per diem rate for lodging) and
should be within an easy walk or ride to campus in a facility appropriate for mature adults.
The housing accommodation must offer wireless internet access, refrigerator, linens and
toiletries, cleaning service, and access to laundry service, among other amenities.
* Transportation to and from all program-related activities is provided (including airport
transfers, hotel to/from workshop sessions, site visits, cultural excursions, etc.).
Transportation coordination is provided by the host institution.
* Program team greets and escorts participants from/to the airport during international
arrivals and departures and provides support during hotel check-in and check-out.
* With the exception of the home hospitality event, it is expected that the host will have at
least one representative present during all program activities to support participant needs
and transportation and making thematic connections.
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*This exchange program should reflect thoughtful integration of the requirements outlined above into
all proposed activities. It should offer participants opportunities to connect the workshop content to
the site visits, cultural excursions, and other supplemental activities to further enhance participants'
practical knowledge and ability to employ these strategies and resources in their home teaching
environments.
Additional Program Activities:
An FHI 360 staff member will join the exchange to support program implementation and help
participants reflect on exchange experiences for their own teaching contexts overseas. This staff
member will arrive one day prior to the program start date to coordinate planning and collaborate
with partners.
Exchange Facilitator Role: The FHI 360 Exchange Facilitator (EF) will provide technical support to
participants outside of the core program activities led by implementing partners (universities). The
EF will lead sessions including individual and group critical thinking and reflection activities to help
participants apply their exchange experience to their own contexts. Additionally, the EF supports
participants by collecting and sharing relevant resources and fostering a collaborative community for
ongoing support.
Please include within the exchange schedule two 1-hour sessions (one at the beginning of the
exchange and one towards the end of the exchange) as well as a daily 30-minute session (excluding
weekends) for the Exchange Facilitator to work with the participants. FHI 360 will connect with
implementing partners closer to the program start to align the EF session schedule with the final
program schedule.
Also, a representative from ECA/A/L may join the exchange to offer a 1-hour presentation about
American English programs and resources either online or face-to-face during the exchange period.
FHI 360 may contact partners closer to the program to schedule this session.
III. Roles and Responsibilities
The host institution's scope of work will include the following:
* Design and implement an exchange program in the host community to the specifications
outlined in this document.
* Maintain regular and robust contact with FHI 360 and ECA/A/L regarding program
implementation, including frequent check-ins while participants are in-country.
* Provide logistical arrangements for participants including, but not limited to, lodging, local
transportation (including airport transfers, site visits, cultural excursions, etc.), staffing
(including airport pick-ups and drop-offs, all program activities, etc.), and assistance with
arrival and departure processes.
* Support participants' personal needs and professional development as required during
academic workshops, site visits, and cultural activities for the full duration of the exchange.
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* Provide all the necessary ongoing support to participants and manage program-related
communication.
* Submit pre-program report, final program report, and financial deliverables according to the
schedule in the sub-award, including best practices and lessons learned.
Note: FHI 360 will be responsible for the following:
* Work directly with RELOs and other U.S. Embassy staff to manage the participant nomination
process and collect participant information.
* Monitor the implementation of the exchange program working closely with the host institution
and ECA/A/L.
* Serve as main Point of Contact for communication with ECA/A/L, RELOs and U.S.
Embassies.
* Engage in regular communication with the host institution before, during, and after the
exchange.
* Conduct needs assessment as part of the participant application process and share the
information with host institution to inform programming.
* Conduct evaluation surveys to assess the participants' exchange experiences, gauge the
quality of the program, and capture impact data.
IV. Budget
FHI 360 will issue a cost-reimbursable sub-award for up to $65,000 for administration costs. In
addition to the total administration costs, FHI 360 will reimburse the program/participant costs
(lodging/single-occupancy, local ground transportation, cultural activities, etc.). Applicants are also
required to include cost-share contributions to build upon program funding, with a minimum of
$5,000 included in the total budget. Applicants' cost application should include the following:
* Summary & Detailed Budget (See Attachment 3 for budget template)
* Budget Notes. A brief narrative explanation and justification for each line item must be
included in a separate section entitled "budget notes" and include data to support actual costs
and/or methodologies to support cost estimates. Budget estimates must remain valid for a
period of at least 90 days from the closing date identified in this RFA. Budget notes serve as
justification for each cost included in a budget; they should be presented in such a way as to
be easily referenced from the budget; and they should provide sufficient information so that
FHI 360 may sufficiently review a proposed budget for reasonableness. All projected costs
must be in accordance with the organization's standard practices and policies.
The use of the provided budget template and financial reports are required.
Note: Please do not budget for the following items.
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* International and Domestic Flights - FHI 360 will arrange and purchase round trip
international flights for participants from their home country to the host site location and
domestic flights within the United States.
* Participant Per Diem and Allowances - FHI 360 will provide Meals and Incidental Expenses
(M&IE) and program allowances in the form of a pre-paid Visa card. Participant per diem will
be calculated based on U.S. government/GSA rate.
* DS-2019s - ECA and FHI 360 will issue DS-2019s and coordinate with U.S. Embassies
abroad for J-1 visa procurement.
* Health Benefits Plan - ECA and FHI 360 will enroll all participants into a health benefits plan
for the duration of the program.
V. Eligibility
This competition is open to any accredited U.S. university or college. To be minimally eligible for
funding, applicants must comply with the following conditions:
* Organizations must be legally registered or otherwise authorized to conduct business in their
country or countries of operation
* Organizations must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI)
* Organizations must submit their proposal in English
VI. Criteria/Qualification for Evaluation
Applications will be reviewed according to the criteria below. Evaluation factors are a total of 100
points. A proposed exchange design and program outline, organization's capability, and staff and
program management plan will weigh 90 points and cost application will weigh 10 points.
* Organization's Capability (30%): Demonstrated current capacity of the applicant to
provide all services as outlined in this RFA. Capacity to offer participants the opportunity
to experience university/college life in a campus setting, providing participants with
access to campus resources (library, computer lab, centers/organizations, students, events,
etc.). Clear plans to create opportunities for participants to forge potential international
partnerships and collaborations with faculty members and the university/college.
Institutional capacity that supports ECA/A/L's efforts to expand partnerships and engage
with a broader range of organizations. Preference will be given to applications that reflect
strong institutional capacity and align with ECA/A/L's strategic priorities to expand
partnerships and engage with a broader range of organizations, including those that have
not previously been involved in ECA/A/L's programming.
* Proposed Exchange Program (35%): A clear and detailed description of the proposed
program, including academic workshops, site visits, cultural activities, logistical
arrangements, program hours, calendar, and program outline. Alignment with ECA/A/L's
priorities and goals, the exchange theme, and RFA requirements. Explanations of how the
program design addresses participant needs, incorporates hands-on, experiential learning,
and effectively integrates workshop content with site visits and cultural activities.
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