OPEN Global Online Course (GOC) Information | OPEN (openenglishprograms.org)

The Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program offers foreign English teaching professionals the opportunity to take innovative, online university-level classes and online professional development programming for teachers through FHI360.

OPEN Program Courses:

• Introduce and explore current methodological concepts and issues in the English as a Foreign Language field
• Provide an innovative distance-learning experience that uses the latest technology
• Connect participants with U.S. English language teaching experts and creates a professional network of international colleagues

U.S. Embassy Tallinn accepts applications and nominates participants for Winter (January 10 – March 7, 2023) and Spring (April 11 – June 6, 2023) programs. With each course there is a four-week orientation period scheduled before the beginning of the course.

APPLICATION FORM

The following courses are available (links open the course description):

Creating and Implementing Online Courses (CIOC) by Arizona State University

Developing and Teaching Academic Writing Courses by Iowa State University

Fostering Student Motivation and Engagement (FSME) by University of Oregon

Integrating Critical Thinking Skills into the Exploration of Culture in an EFL Setting (Integrating Critical Thinking) by World Learning

Professional Development for Teacher Trainers by Arizona State University

Teaching English to Young Learners by George Mason University

Teaching Grammar Communicatively by World Learning

TESOL Methodology by University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Using Educational Technology in the English Language Classroom (Using Educational Technology) by Iowa State University

Eligibility and Application Overview

The Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program is open to non-U.S. citizens living outside the United States by nomination only. Interested English language professionals should contact the Public Affairs section of their local U.S. Embassy which manages the selection and nomination of candidates. The Office of English Language Programs does not accept direct applications.

Candidates should be highly motivated teachers, teacher trainers, or ministry officials who are both dedicated to their own professional development and willing to share their knowledge with colleagues. Qualified candidates should:

• Be a citizen of and reside in the nominating country at the time of the course
• Not hold dual citizenship in the United States
• Have the ability to complete academic work at a U.S. university level 
• Have at least 8-10 hours per week to devote to coursework
• Have regular access (4-5 times per week) to a reliable, internet-enabled device
• Have an understanding of English technical terms 
• Have basic technology skills related to creating usernames and passwords, using credentials to log in to secured websites, using email, searching the internet, and accessing and managing electronic files (e.g., pdf, MS Word, Excel), including downloading and uploading files. 
• Have the ability to type in English well enough to participate in online discussions and submit written assignments in a timely manner

Withdrawal Policy:

If a participant feels that they cannot complete a course for any reason, at any time, they must notify FHI 360 and the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible, explaining why they cannot complete the course.  Withdrawal requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and participants may still be eligible for participation in future courses if extenuating circumstances exist.

Participants whose withdrawal requests do not meet the criteria of extenuating circumstances may not be eligible to participate in the program in the future.  Future eligibility is determined by the nominating U.S. Embassy.