About the ELEX Program

The English Language Exchange (ELEX) is a professional development program that supports English language teachers from Russia through short-term exchanges in the United States. The program combines participation in leading international education conferences with workshops, school visits, and cultural experiences to strengthen classroom practice and encourage professional collaboration.

In 2026, ELEX will be designed on the margins of the ISTELive 2026 Conference in Orlando, Florida (June 28–July 1, 2026). After the conference, participants will continue their learning in Washington, D.C., engaging in site visits, hands-on workshops, and cultural activities focused on the U.S. education system.

Program Values

ELEX promotes:

  • Professional Growth — Learning through observation, practice, and reflection.

  • Collaboration — Building partnerships between educators and institutions.

  • Exchange — Connecting with international educators to exchange and learn new EdTech best practices.

Tentative Key Dates

Apply

Applications close: March 22, 2026

Interviews: week of April 20th

Visa Interviews: May 20th

ELEX 2026 Schedule

Arrival in Orlando, FL on June 26, 2026

ISTE Conference participation: June 28 - July 1

Arrival in Washington DC on July 4th

Departure from Washington, DC on July 10, 2026

ELEX will focus both teacher exchanges programming on:

English language teaching

Participants will learn about the latest trends and best practices in English language teaching, including how to use new technology in the classroom, how to differentiate instruction, and how to create a positive learning environment.

ESL Leadership skills

Participants will develop their leadership skills through workshops and activities on topics such as team building, emotional intelligence, and classroom management.

Professional and institutional linkages

Participants will have the opportunity to network with American teachers and educational leaders, and to learn about American educational practices. They will also get a firsthand experience of American education institutions. 

Cultural immersion

Participants will experience American culture through sightseeing, cultural programming, and visits to historical sites. They will also have the opportunity to interact with American students and citizens.

  • My experience in the United States through the ELEX program has been absolutely transformative and enriching. I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in a vibrant academic environment, meet incredible people from diverse backgrounds, and broaden my horizons both personally and professionally. The program provided me with invaluable skills, unforgettable memories, and a strong network of friends and mentors. I am truly grateful for this experience and believe it has prepared me well for future challenges and opportunities.

  • It's been very fruitful. It's honestly exceeded my expectations. I wasn't expecting to observe classes with real students and didn’t expect we would see so many different things (schools, universities, colleges). It gave a great overview of what the American system of education looks like. I got connected with different educators and I am looking forward to joint programs.

  • It was eye-opening, exciting, and inspiring. In two weeks’ time, I have learned more than ever about myself as an educator, people around me, and a whole country that I have been studying for most of my life. Seeing is believing. To experience American culture firsthand is crucial for my future professional and personal development.

Eligibility

To participate in the program applicants must:

  • Be a citizen of the Russian Federation;

  • Be an English Language Teacher in Russia;

  • Return to Russia upon program completion;

  • Have proven English Language Teaching leadership experience;

  • Have no previous U.S. exchange experience in the past 7 years;

  • Applicants with previous U.S. exchange and RELO experience may apply for the Group Lead role to coordinate and support program participants.

Who are we looking for?

ELEX considers the following factors when selecting exchange participants:

  • Application 

This includes the applicant's personal statement and resume.

  • Motivation

ELEX is looking for applicants who are motivated to learn about American educational system and who are committed to sharing their experiences with their peers in Russia.

  • Leadership qualifications

ELEX believes that leadership is an important quality for exchange participants, and will consider the applicant's leadership experience in the selection process.

  • Capacity to share experience

ELEX is looking for applicants who are able to share their experiences with their peers in Russia in a meaningful way.

  • Interest in learning about U.S. best ESL educational practices

ELEX believes that it is important for exchange participants to be interested in learning about American culture and values.

  • No previous participation in exchange programs

If you’ve taken part in a U.S. exchange program within the past seven years, you’re not eligible to apply as a participant this time. However, we’re also looking for two Group Leads, one for each cohort, who have prior U.S. exchange experience and have participated in the Regional English Language Office (RELO) initiatives.