The document outlines the policies and expectations for participants in the TEA (Teachers of English Abroad) program. It states that fellows must attend all seminars and internships, participate in cultural activities, and submit reports. Fellows can be dismissed for absences and may have housing with another fellow. The program provides a living stipend and book allowance. IREX will provide coordination, insurance, and support. Fellows must adhere to terms, participate actively, and complete reporting. The program allows for follow-on grant opportunities for participants to implement educational projects in their home communities.

1. TEA Program Overview and Policies IREX Fall, 2009

2. The following activities are mandatory for TEA fellows: Attending all professional development seminars and school internships Participating in organized cultural activities provided by the host university Writing an end-of program report and a school internship report

3. Facts… Fellows may be dismissed from the program if they are tardy or miss more than two seminars or internship days Fellows can’t visit places like New York during the program Fellows must submit a school internship report and an end of program report

4. Facts… Fellow must inform IREX immediately of any program difficulties, change of email address or telephone number, arrest or violation of US law Fellows have a two-year home residency requirement because they received US government funding Fellows are allowed to receive a business or tourist visa

5. Facts… TEA program rules don’t allow fellows to remain in the country at the end of the program. TEA fellows receive from IREX $90.00 per week to cover incidental expenses during the US program and $100.00 book and educational materials allowance TEA fellows share housing with one colleague who may not be from the same country

6. Facts… Under the ECA Accident and sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE), accidents, prescriptions for antibiotics or dental emergencies are covered. TEA fellows may not work part-time if they wish to make extra money. TEA fellows need to file a US income tax return on money received from IREX for the program.

7. What You Can Expect from IREX Coordination with your host university Assistance with: ASPE insurance coverage Program-related travel Cultural adjustment Financial questions Emergency situations Guidance on fulfilling program components General advice and support Program monitoring and evaluation Timely response to requests (preferably by email)

8. What is Expected of You as TEA Fellows Adherence to program terms and conditions Active participation in all aspects of the program Timely completion of reporting requirements Regular contact and updates Send IREX information about interesting events or experiences that you’ve enjoyed Make the most of this opportunity!

9. Follow-on Program Activities US Teachers participating in the program will travel to participating TEA countries Alumni small grants program: Opportunity designed to complement your TEA experience Under the alumni small grants program you can design and implement educational projects to benefit secondary education in your home commuity Applicants may receive up to $3,000 to implement their projects

10. Action Plan Activity By the end of my TEA training experience, I will be glad when I am able to share the strategies, cultural information and overall learning with my colleagues at home Probably the expectations that IREX, GMU, Department of State and my home school have for me are to get the best out of this program, to put everything into practice and share my new knowledge and expertise with my colleagues and my community.

11. Action Plan Activity The expectations I have to accomplish my TEA program goals are: For Irex: To assess me in everything related to the program and the follow-on grants. For GMU: To help me learn everything related to teaching English in a meaningful and successful way. For my fellow TEA teachers: I can only hope for their cooperation, tolerance and friendship along the program.