Teacher Exchange Program
If you are an educator, our program can open doors for your career and introduce new opportunities to build and develop different methods of teaching in an international inclusions and tolerance with a greater world perspective and foster relationships and experience the well-rounded education that you need to take your career to the next level while increasing your earning potential.
Eligibility
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Meet the qualifications for teaching in primary or secondary schools;
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Be working as a teacher at the time of application, or, if not working as a teacher, otherwise meet the eligibility qualifications and (a) have recently (within 12 months of application) completed an advanced degree and (b) have two years of full-time teaching experience within the past eight years;
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Have a degree-equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s degree in either education or the academic subject field in which they intend to teach;
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Have a minimum of two years (24 months) of teaching or related professional experience;
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Satisfy the standards of the U.S. state in which they will teach;
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Be of good reputation and character;
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Be seeking to enter the United States for the purpose of full-time teaching as a teacher of record at a primary (including pre-kindergarten) or secondary accredited educational institution in the United States (pre-kindergarten teachers must teach full-time, and at the pre-kindergarten level, may teach only language immersion at an accredited host school);
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Possess sufficient proficiency in the English language.
Program Details
USAConnects’ places qualified international teachers in open teaching positions for one to three years in a variety of concentrations, including:
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*Special Education K-12
*Early Childhood
Math
Science
*Elementary and Middle School
Consumer Science
*English Language Arts
*English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
*Speech Pathologists
In addition to your normal teaching responsibilities, an important part of your program will also be to share your culture with your students and host community. Virtual classroom exchanges between your host classroom and schoolchildren in your home country is just an example of the impact your program will have on the lives of others.
FAQ's
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Eligible dependents include spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21. You must apply with USAConnects and provide evidence you are able to financially support all dependents.
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Do I have to be a certified teacher?
It depends on the school, but most schools require teachers to be certified. Prior to arrival you must initiate the certification process for the U.S. state in which you will teach, and after arrival you must continue with the certification process until you have achieved full certification. We will help to make sure you understand what is required!
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How much will I be earning?
Salary is based on level of education, experience, and placement location. J-1 teachers are paid on the same salary scale as U.S. teachers. Salary in the U.S. is subject to federal, state, and local income taxes and withholdings.
Do I check-in monthly with you?
Yes. Because your safety is our primary concern, you will be required to check-in with us every month while you are abroad. But we are also here whenever you need us! We provide you with 24/7 support from our dedicated team of staff.
How long does each program last?
This varies depending on the type of visa, and some programs allow for extensions. We can help you identify the best type of visa for your hiring needs as well as bring you the best candidates.
Who will help me find housing?
You will arrange for housing, and we are happy to provide you with housing recommendations. We inspect our recommended housing options to ensure the housing is affordable, safe, and close to your host school. Housing arrangements must be in place before arriving to the U.S.
Both your visa sponsor and employer must have your most current address and telephone contact information at all times while you are on the program.