Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools

School administrators are key to preparing the next generation with the skills and understanding necessary to address global challenges and succeed in a global economy.

To support school administrators in their work, the U.S. Department of State is accepting applications for U.S. school and district administrators to participate in a 10-day intensive international exchange and professional learning program. As part of the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program, in Fall 2023, a group of primary and secondary school administrators from the United States will travel to Germany for a ten-day trip. Additional groups of administrators may be selected for future programs in Europe.

Through the Fulbright Program, we encourage outstanding education leaders to develop innovative approaches to issues most important in their communities, share best practices, and build global networks to drive change that benefits all students. Collectively, administrators have a significant multiplier impact as they reach thousands of students across schools and districts.

Participants will travel as a group to one of the participating countries, and participate in a welcome orientation program, school visits, sessions dedicated to understanding school leadership and educational contexts in the respective locations, and opportunities to engage with host country education leaders on issues facing school and district administrators. With a broad potential for impact, current full-time administrators with five or more years of experience working in administration are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools provide roundtrip international airfare; accommodations, meals and incidentals for the duration of the program; supplemental accident and sickness medical coverage; and professional learning opportunities and cultural activities.

The Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program is open to full-time school and district-level administrators at public, private (secular or faith-based), and charter schools in the United States, a U.S. territory, or within the Department of Defense Education Activity).

Eligibility Criteria

Participants in the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program are selected through an open competition. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of experts according to a number of evaluation criteria.

In an effort to reflect the diversity of the United States and global society, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs programs, funding, and other activities encourage the involvement of U.S. and international participants from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Opportunities are open to people regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Bureau is committed to fairness, equity, and inclusion.

Learn more about the selection process

If you have any questions, please contact FulbrightAdministrators@irex.org