Join the ELEX Summer Cohort (June 24 – July 7, 2026) and explore Orlando, Florida, and Washington, D.C.!
Through the ELEX Program, you’ll attend ISTELive 2026 in Orlando (June 28–July 1, 2026) - one of the largest and most influential conferences on education technology and innovation.
At ISTELive, you’ll join thousands of global educators, leaders, and innovators exploring the full spectrum of cutting-edge educational technology, from AI and digital citizenship to blended learning and equity. With more than 1,000 interactive sessions, inspiring keynote speakers, and countless networking opportunities, you’ll discover how to bring EdTech innovation into your own teaching practice and elevate your digital skills.
The Innovation Arcade showcases the future of learning, featuring immersive experiences with AI, AR, and VR, along with hands-on demonstrations of classroom-ready tools. You’ll also learn about major initiatives such as the launch of a coalition introducing five quality indicators for EdTech and AI, supported by AWS, and a Microsoft Philanthropies grant advancing AI in teacher preparation.
To explore the full conference program and offerings, visit the official ISTELive website.
After the conference, your ELEX experience continues with a week of professional learning and cultural exploration in Washington, D.C. You’ll see how American educators integrate technology, foster creativity, and make learning more inclusive, and take home new ideas and tools to share with your community.
What You’ll Experience
Professional Development Workshops
Take part in expert-led workshops focused on technology integration, digital citizenship, and leadership in innovative classrooms. These interactive, practice-based sessions help you build new, practical skills you can apply directly in your classroom.
School and College Visits
Visit U.S. colleges, universities, and education-focused organizations to observe how technology supports learning in real classrooms. You’ll meet faculty, exchange ideas on curriculum design, and explore the role of EdTech in developing creativity and critical thinking.
Networking and Professional Connections
Connect with U.S. teachers, school leaders, and technology experts to exchange ideas and form meaningful partnerships. These relationships often grow into ongoing collaborations such as virtual projects, classroom exchanges, or resource sharing.
Cultural and Community Exploration
As part of the ELEX experience, you’ll celebrate Independence Day and take part in America250 events in Washington, D.C., joining Americans in honoring 250 years of history and democracy. You’ll experience the excitement of July 4th through community gatherings, fireworks, and cultural programs that bring U.S. traditions and civic pride to life. Alongside these celebrations, you’ll visit iconic landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian museums, and Planet Word, and enjoy live arts and sporting events. Together, these experiences will give you a deeper understanding of American history, creativity, and community, and inspire new ideas to share with your students.
To join ELEX program, applicants must:
Be a Russian citizen
Currently reside in Russia
Be an English Language Teacher
Have no previous U.S. exchange experience in the last 7 years
Have proven English Language Teaching leadership experience
Be Tech-savvy, interested in using technology in teaching
Return to Russia after completing the program in the United States.