The U.S. Embassy in Albania is currently inviting applications for the Fall 2025 term of the Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program, previously known as the E-Teacher Program. This initiative offers an array of 8-week professional development courses created by U.S. universities. The courses cover various topics, including student motivation and engagement, teacher training, online course creation, teaching English to young learners, educational technology use in classrooms, academic writing for non-native speakers, communicative grammar teaching, contemporary English language teaching methods, and strategies for supporting English learners with special needs.
The program targets highly motivated in-service teachers, teacher trainers, or ministry officials who are committed to their professional growth and willing to disseminate their acquired knowledge among peers. A merit-based selection process will be used by the U.S. Embassy Albania to select four candidates for the upcoming term.
The course schedule runs from September 23 to November 17, 2025, with an orientation period available from September 2 to September 18, 2025.
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet several criteria: they should be Albanian citizens residing in Albania during the course period and not hold dual citizenship with the United States. Candidates need to demonstrate the capability to undertake academic work at a U.S. university level (approximately CEFR B2), allocate at least 8-10 hours weekly for coursework, have consistent access to a reliable internet-enabled device multiple times per week, understand English technical terms and possess basic technology skills such as creating usernames and passwords and managing electronic files.
Applications must be submitted by July 1st, 2025 via email to CultureandEducationTirana@state.gov with "Application for the OPEN Program Fall 2025 term" as the subject line. Successful participants will receive certificates and digital badges from the U.S. Department of State upon course completion. The Ministry of Education and Sports accredits these courses unless specified otherwise.
For further inquiries regarding application procedures, contact CultureandEducationTirana@state.gov.