This program helps teachers broaden the world’s view of today’s American youth through matching excellent and inspired teaching professionals with accredited host schools across the U.S.
GeoVisions carefully checks each school to ensure that they are in full compliance with Department of State J-1 visa regulations.
The reciprocal benefits of this program are designed to foster greater understanding of different teaching methodologies as well as provide an opportunity to learn and teach much more than basic education. The program provides a rare chance to shape a new generation of leaders, exposing participants to the ideas of inclusion and tolerance and enabling them to think with greater perspective.
Through the Teacher Exchange program, experienced teaching professionals with a qualifying degree may teach in accredited educational institutions (primary and secondary schools) for up to 3 years.
What will I be doing?
You will be teaching full-time within the American educational school system, working directly with young students, exchanging teaching methodologies with other teachers, and reporting to your supervisor-teacher and principal. In addition to teaching, you will be facilitating cross cultural exchange between your U.S. classroom and your home country. Once a year you will organize a day or activity that highlights your culture and allows for your U.S. students to have a dialogue (through virtual exchange or other means) with participants in your home country.
Eligibility
- Must be working as a teacher outside of the U.S. with at least two years of full-time teaching experience
- If not currently teaching, within 12 months of applying for a program, you must have or will have received an advanced degree (beyond a U.S. bachelor’s) in education or the subject matter you intend to teach.
- Must be fluent in the English language – writing, speaking, and comprehension
- Must meet the qualification for teaching at the primary or secondary levels in schools in your home country
- Must be of good reputation and character; GeoVisions requires three letters for recommendations from those you have worked for or with as an educator.
- Must meet the eligibility standards of the U.S. state in which you will teach and include any required criminal background checks.
Program Fees
| Teacher Exchange Full Placement First Time Program |
$4,300 |
| Teacher Exchange Self Placement First Time Program |
$3,300 |
| Program Renewal Fee Annual fee due in May of each program year |
$1,000 |
| J-2 Fee | $500 per + $270 (Insurance per) |
Note: The J-2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by U.S. embassy for spouses and dependents (unmarried children under the age of 21) of J-1 exchange visitors who accompany or later join the J-1 holder in the United States. Prior to J-2 arrivals, there must be proof of ability to support the J-2 while on program and evaluated on case-by-case basis.
Included
- Program application processing and guidance throughout application process
- Program eligibility screening including sponsor English interview
- Detailed resume review and feedback
- Placement vetting
- SEVIS Fee ($220 USD)
- Teacher placement matching with an accredited U.S. Host School
- Host School interview coordination
- Host School application processing
- DS-2019 processing and issuance
- Visa sponsorship
- Detailed information on Embassy appointment
- Pre-arrival instructions and materials
- Pre Departure Orientation
- SEVIS check-in and ongoing record maintenance
- Medical insurance coverage for the first 90 days of program and emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage for the duration of the J-1 program
- Access to GV’s Participant Portal with program guidance and helpful tools
- Support from dedicated Outreach Coordinator
- 24/7 emergency support for entire program
- Reminder and review of required participant annual report
- Administrative costs
Not Included
- Agency fees ($3000 – $8000, if applicable)*
- Visa Interview Fee ($160)
- Foreign Credential Evaluation Fees ($200-$400, depending on number of transcripts being evaluated). Need an evaluation? (https://spanside.secure.force.com/SpantranApplication?Id=65862a68-8053-48d8-b0b0-fc2a5196a95f)
- Criminal Background Check as required by the state’s Department of Education and the school district’s policy. For most accurate cost per state, please check state’s Dept. of Education website
- Airfare to and from the U.S.
- Program Renewal Fee ($1,000 annually – see details below)
- Program Extension Fee during 3rd year of program ($367 paid to the U.S. Department of State)
- J-2 Dependent Application Fee ($500 per dependent)
- Medical Insurance after first 90 days (varies, based on insurance options provided by the school)
- State Teacher Certification/Licensure Costs
- State Tests that are required as part of the State Certification process are usually an additional cost that ranges between $60 – $140. Housing, transportation, meals, and personal expenses. (Costs will depend on location/consumption)
* Teachers are not required to enroll through a third-party agency in order to participate.
**Agency fees may include some of the not included services listed below.
Sample Expense Scenarios
Your exact fees and expenses will vary depending on many variables and factors. We have provided some examples below of possible fees for first-time applicants to the Teach program to further illustrate how different services and experiences can impact your total cost.
Example 1: Full-Placed Direct Enrollment with J-2 Dependents
Participant enrolls directly through GeoVisions and does not utilize services of an agency in their home country.
- GeoVisions Program Fee: $4,300
- Visa Interview Fee: $160
- Foreign Credential Fees: $400
- Two J-2 Dependent Application Fees: $1,000
- Two J-2 Insurance Fees: $540
- State Certification Test: $90
Sample Total: $6,130
Example 2: Self-Placed Enrollment through Agency without Dependents
A third-party agency finds a placement, assists with the application, and provides other valuable services.
- GeoVisions Program Fee: $3,300
- Agency Services: $1,500
- Visa Interview Fee: $160
- Foreign Credential Fees: $300
- State Certification Test: $150
Sample Total: $5,410
Example 3: Full-Placed Enrollment through Agency with J-2 Dependents
GeoVisions provides the placement and a third-party agency assists with the application and other services.
- GeoVisions Program Fee: $4,300
- Agency Services: $750
- Visa Interview Fee: $160
- Foreign Credential Fees: $200
- One J-2 Dependent Application Fee: $500
- One J-2 Dependent Insurance Fee: $270
Sample Total: $6,180
Approx. Program Monthly Expenses
Fees specific to your placement will be outlined in the GeoVisions Renewal Program Disclosure Document.
GeoVisions advises that you bring at least $3,000 to the U.S. to cover your initial living expenses prior to receiving your first paycheck. Please note that the recommended amount of $3,000 does not include housing expenses. The fees below are approximate and will vary based on your location and consumption. These fees are based on a teacher without family members in country. The addition of family members will increase some of these expenses.
The expenses below will be deducted from your paycheck prior to payment.
Housing
$750 – $1,500
Transportation
$250 – $500
Food
$750
Utilities/Phone/Misc
$100
Taxes
$100 – $250*
Teacher’s Retirement
$350 – $425**
Health Insurance
$125 – $200
* A portion of the taxes withheld from your paycheck may be refunded to you, provided you correctly file the necessary tax forms each year.
**70% of funds withheld can be refunded to you once you have completed the program and returned home.
Union membership is not required for the Host Schools that partner with GeoVisions. Payment of union dues will not be a required deduction.
Program Tips and Facts
- GeoVisions will work with you and our international partners to match you with a once in a lifetime teaching opportunity here in the United States.
- GeoVisions places eager and qualified candidates in teaching jobs in some of the best K-12 schools across the country.
- Teacher should expect the same salary as their American Coworkers in similar positions and of similar experience.
- Schools must involve teachers in community and cultural activities.
- Schools must help with the certification process, offer professional development opportunities, and monitor the teacher’s responsibilities.
- Jobs must provide a salary that meets the minimum wage regulations
- Jobs must provide your safety, well-being, and protect your rights.
What This Program Includes
Application Processing
We help you with all the paperwork around the program application and offer guidance throughout the application process.
Program Disclosure
We ensure you have access to all relevant information about the placement and program, including estimated cost implications.
Resume and Interview Preparation
We help you with your resume and interview preparation so you make a great first impression and land the right job.
Visa Sponsorship
We serve as your U.S. visa sponsor throughout the duration of your program.
Orientation
We offer a pre-departure orientation to help you prepare for your time in the U.S.
Emergency Support and Dedicated Outreach Coordinator
24/7 emergency support from our U.S. based support team. We also provide each teacher an Outreach Coordinator to serve as your day-to-day contact.
90 Days Medical Insurance Coverage
Medical insurance coverage for the first 90 days of program and emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage for the duration of the program.
Tax Instructions
We provide you with the information you need to understand your tax responsibilities and how the U.S. income tax system will affect you and referral to reliable tax preparation software programs.
Host School Match and Interview
If you do not yet have your own placement, we match you to a host school seeking teachers with your qualifications and arrange the interview.
School Vetting and Required Record Keeping
We vet the school in advance to ensure it is a good match for you and the program. We also arrange SEVIS check-in and ongoing record maintenance, and review your required annual report before submission.