OVERVIEW

Exchange Leaders International (ELI) offers the BridgeUSA Teacher J1 Visa program, which provides enthusiastic and skilled international teachers with opportunities to teach in and connect with U.S. host schools.

The goal of the program is to foster cultural exchange and strengthen mutual understanding between U.S. and international educators.

Through BridgeUSA Teacher program, teachers are placed in accredited K-12 host schools for a duration of 1 to 3 years, teaching various subjects while advancing their professional skills and participating in cultural activities within their schools and communities.

ELI provides two program pathways:

1. Self-Placement (SP):

Teachers arrange their placements directly with an ELI-approved U.S. host school, with sponsorship support provided by ELI.

Host School Approval Best Practices: If you have an official offer or Letter of Intent, ensure your host school promptly completes the host school application, as all new host schools must meet ELI's approval requirements. To identify an eligible and accredited host school in the U.S., using registries like Cognia is recommended. Note that not all schools labeled as "recognized by the state" meet the required accreditation standards. Confirm that your host school complies with ELI’s guidelines before signing an employment offer. If your prospective host school is not yet approved, they must submit a School Inquiry Form for consideration.

2. Full Placement (FP):

ELI facilitates placements by matching accredited U.S. host schools with qualified, experienced international teachers.

ELIGIBILITY

ELI BridgeUSA Teacher Program Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

Possess the qualifications necessary to teach at primary or secondary schools in their country of citizenship.
Hold a degree equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor's degree in Education or the subject area they intend to teach.
Have at least two years of teaching or related professional experience.
Meet the teaching eligibility requirements of the U.S. state where they will teach, including passing any mandatory criminal background checks.
Exhibit good character and a strong reputation.
Commit to serving as a full-time classroom teacher in an accredited primary (including pre-kindergarten) or secondary school in the U.S.
Demonstrate English proficiency, which will be evaluated during an interview assessing their verbal and comprehension skills.
Be employed as a teacher at the time of their application.

For those not currently teaching at the time of application, the additional requirements are:

Fulfill the qualifications to teach at primary or secondary school levels (including pre-kindergarten) in their home country.
Have at least two years of full-time teaching experience within the past eight years.
Have earned an advanced degree (in Education or their subject area) within 12 months of submitting their program application.
Complete a Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) before their interview with a host school. For further details, contact the ELI BridgeUSA Teacher Program team.

PROGRAM COSTS

When participating in the Exchange Visitor Program, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the financial aspects involved before accepting a position and arriving in the U.S. ELI Teachers are expected to act responsibly with their finances during their stay, which includes being aware of all fees, costs, taxes, insurance, payroll deductions, living expenses, and any additional expenses related to family members joining them under J-2 dependent visa status.

Before accepting a teaching position in the U.S., you will receive a Confirmation of Appointment Letter from your host school, which will specify your gross annual salary in U.S. dollars. It is advisable to use the provided information to plan and prepare your finances prior to your arrival in the U.S. Many teachers choose to bring some money with them to cover initial relocation expenses, especially since the first paycheck may not be received until the end of the first month of work. Additionally, it's important to estimate your net or "take-home" pay using the information provided, as it will help you make informed decisions when budgeting and allocating resources for housing, transportation, and other everyday living expenses. By understanding these financial aspects and planning ahead, you can ensure a smoother transition and better manage your finances during your participation in the Exchange Visitor Program as an ELI Teacher.

ELI Program Fees include the following:

J-1 Visa Sponsorship (DS-2019 form)
Pre-Departure Virtual Orientation
Discounted Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) services
24/7 in-country support from Exchange Leaders International

Accident and Injury Insurance coverage for the duration of the program upon arrival (J-1 only)
Emergency medical evacuation insurance provided for the full program length (J-1 only)
Placement with an approved and accredited U.S. Host School

Program Fees

Miscellaneous Non-Refundable Fees

Visa-Related Fees

Cancellation Policy

Refund Policy

Anticipated Living Expenses when in the US

Health Insurance Guidelines for J-1 Teachers

Sample Expense Scenarios