ELEX March 2027 Cohort
[FLASH Alumni only]
Houston, Texas & Washington, D.C.
Two Weeks. Two Cities. One Transformative Experience.
March 13-27, 2027 (Tentative)
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Your Two-Week U.S. Exchange
Week 1: Houston, Texas
March 13-19, 2027
Your ELEX journey begins in Houston with an arrival orientation, where you'll meet your fellow participants, get acquainted with the program, and prepare for the experiences ahead.
The highlight of your first week is the TESOL 2027 International Convention & Expo, bringing together thousands of English language teachers, researchers, and educational leaders from around the globe.
At TESOL, you'll join a vibrant international community dedicated to advancing English teaching and learning. The convention features inspiring keynote presentations, hundreds of engaging sessions, and an expansive Expo showcasing the latest classroom resources, research, and educational technologies.
It's an opportunity to discover fresh ideas, share experiences with international colleagues, and expand your professional network.
Beyond the conference, you'll visit a local educational institution to gain insights into U.S. teaching and learning practices and take part in a cultural activity to experience Houston beyond the convention.
To explore the convention program and offerings, visit the official TESOL International Association website.
Week 2: Washington, D.C.
March 20–27, 2027
After the conference, your ELEX experience continues in Washington, D.C., with a week dedicated to professional development, educational exchange, and cultural exploration.
You'll visit educational institutions across the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, connect with American educators, and participate in interactive workshops tailored to the cohort's professional interests and development goals.
This part of the exchange will give you opportunities to explore how English is taught across different U.S. educational settings, examine innovative instructional practices, and develop practical strategies to apply in your own classroom.
You'll also discover Washington, D.C.'s history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant communities through a variety of immersive experiences.
What You'll Experience
Take part in expert-led workshops designed around the professional needs and interests of ELEX participants.
Potential topics include innovative instructional strategies, teacher leadership, coaching and mentoring, assessment practices, and technology-enhanced lesson design.
These interactive, practice-based sessions encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas while helping you develop practical skills and resources you can apply directly in your classroom.
Professional Development Workshops
Gain firsthand insights into the U.S. education system through visits to schools, colleges, and universities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, where participants may have opportunities to meet faculty, engage with educational leaders, and discuss curriculum design, instructional practices, assessment, student support, and educational technology.
Past ELEX hosts have included George Mason University, the University of Maryland, American University, Meridian High and Middle Schools, Howard Community College, and Gallaudet University, providing participants with diverse perspectives on teaching and learning across educational settings.
Institutional Visits
Exchange ideas and build meaningful relationships with U.S. teachers, school leaders, university faculty, and fellow English language teaching professionals.
From engaging with the international TESOL community to participating in institutional visits and professional exchanges, you'll have opportunities to share best practices, explore common educational challenges, and establish connections that can lead to future collaboration.
These relationships may open doors to joint webinars, classroom exchanges, shared teaching resources, and continued professional learning beyond the program.
Cultural Exploration
Experience American culture and everyday life through a variety of cultural, historical, and community activities in Houston and Washington, D.C.
In previous years, ELEX participants have visited iconic landmarks and cultural institutions such as the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian museums, as well as attended live performances and sporting events.
These experiences offer a deeper understanding of American history, culture, and communities while creating opportunities to connect with fellow participants and experience life in the United States.
Networking and Professional Connections
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“I would describe my ELEX experience as one of the most enriching in my professional life because not only was I exposed to the language and culture, but I also made connections with like-minded educators and learned the latest trends in teaching. I am sure that this experience will make me a better professional with a much deeper understanding of American culture and its education system.”
ELEX 2026 ParticipantWho Can Apply?
The ELEX FLASH Alumni Cohort welcomes eligible FLASH graduates who are interested in advancing their professional skills and contributing to English language education in Russia.
Program Participant Eligibility
To apply as a program participant, applicants must:
Be Russian citizens currently residing in Russia.
Be English language teachers.
Have successfully completed the FLASH program offered by RELO Russia.
Demonstrate leadership experience in English language teaching.
Commit to returning to Russia upon completion of the exchange.
Group Leader Eligibility
We are also seeking an experienced English language education professional to serve as the FLASH Cohort Group Leader.
To apply as a Group Leader, applicants must:
Be Russian citizens currently residing in Russia.
Have at least 10 years of professional experience in English language education.
Have previously participated in a U.S. exchange program.
Have experience collaborating with the Regional English Language Office (RELO).
Demonstrate strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Have a solid understanding of U.S. exchange programs and the American education system.
Be available to support participant preparation, group coordination during the exchange, and post-program activities.
Commit to returning to Russia upon completion of the exchange.
Please note: previous ELEX participants are not eligible to participate in the program again, either as participants or Group Leaders.
Program Costs and Support
The ELEX Program covers all program-related expenses, allowing participants to focus on professional development, meaningful connections, and cultural experiences throughout their exchange in the United States.
What's Covered?
Travel: All program-related airfare, including international and domestic flights.
Accommodation: Lodging throughout the two-week exchange.
Meal Stipend: Meals during the program.
Health Insurance: Coverage for the duration of participants' stay in the United States.
Visa and Travel Support
ELEX Program staff will coordinate U.S. visa appointments for selected finalists and provide guidance throughout the application process.
If participants are required to travel to a third country for their visa interview, all related travel expenses, including airfare, accommodation, and meal stipends, will be covered by the program.
Participation is contingent upon obtaining the required U.S. visa. Visa interview locations and dates are subject to availability.