Each year, over 100 teachers are sent to work on various projects. Each project is developed for various reasons and has its own unique goals. Qualified English teachers are sent for 10-months to work on a project, sometimes with the possibility to renew and stay another 10 months.
According to the English Language Fellow web site:
The English Language (EL) Fellow Program promotes English language learning around the world and fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries. It places talented, highly qualified U.S. educators with Master's degrees with a focus in TEFL/TESL or Applied Linguistics in all regions of the world. Through U.S. embassy projects, EL Fellows share their expertise, hone their skills, gain international experience, and learn other cultures. Upon returning to the United States, they share their experiences and acquired knowledge with their communities and professional colleagues. Today, the EL Fellow Program is more vital than ever. As a premier, competitive opportunity to work on TESL/TEFL projects in developing countries, the EL Fellow Program has an impact not only on the institutions that host EL Fellows, but also within the wider academic community. Teachers at the host institution receive professional tools from the EL Fellow that promote educational effectiveness and expand their ability to provide English instruction for a wider variety of student populations in a larger number of educational contexts.
As far as my project, I will be headquartered at Haramaya University between the major towns of Dire Dawa and Harar. This university started as an agricultural school and used to be called Alemaya University. For my primary duties, I will teach approximately 12 hours a week at Haramaya (possibly writing and speaking courses). In addition, I will spend some Saturdays working with the Access Microscholarship Program. This will involve working with students between the ages of 13-20 with a focus on teaching American culture. Throughout my 10 months, I will also be traveling to other areas of Ethiopia to do some teaching training workshops, conferences, and seminars. Of course, this is all bound to change at any moment. Project descriptions are written more than a year in advance, so I will just have to wait and see what is actually needed of me once I arrive!