FAQ

The base time period for a J-1 teacher exchange is up to three (3) years. However, host schools may apply to the U.S. Department of State via your designated sponsor, Ed2Chat, for a one (1) or two (2) year additional extension beyond the initial three-year period.

As a J-1 teacher participant sponsored by Ed2Chat, you are not responsible to pay any direct program fees for J-1 sponsorship. All program fees and your J-1 (and J-2 dependent if applicable) compliant health insurance are paid by your host school or school district directly to Ed2Chat for your J-1 sponsorship.  However, there are additional fees and costs that you will be responsible for that are not paid to Ed2Chat.

• DS-160 Visa Application Fee – $185.00
  Paid to the U.S. embassy for your J-1 visa appointment. This fee is paid for each separate J-2 appointment also.
• SEVIS Fee – $220
  Registration in SEVIS for the J-1 paid prior to the J-1 visa appointment. Note, all additional J-2 dependents are included in this price.
• Flights and Transportation to the United States – Varies: $500-$2,000
  Depending on airline and current pricing.
• Housing in the United States – Varies: $500-$3,000
  Per month, depending on type of housing (room, apartment house), living alone vs. having roommates, the neighborhood, et cetera.
• Utilities: Water, Gas, Electricity – Varies: $0-$300
  Per month, depending on personal usage. Note some or all may be included in your housing rent price.
• Food – Varies: $250-$1,000
  Per month, depending on personal use, eating out of the home vs. cooking, number of family members, et cetera.
• Cell Phone – Varies: $50-$200
  Per month, depending on the service provider and whether you are financing the price of the phone.
• Home Internet – Varies: $50-$100
  Per month, depending on the service provider plan, data speeds, et cetera.
• Transportation – Varies: $40-$500
  Per month, depending on use of public transportation options vs. leasing or financing a personal vehicle.
• Entertainment and Cultural Activities – Varies: $40-$200
  Per month, depending on personal participation and type of activity.
  
  It is also important to understand that when you first arrive in the United States to begin your program, it may take up to a month to receive your first paycheck. There will also be many initial expenses such as an initial housing deposit and other necessities. Therefore, we recommend that you bring or have access to at least $3,000 in initial funds upon your arrival.

As part of your program, you will be placed in a U.S. school in a teaching position that matches your skills and prior experience as a teacher in your home country. You will be expected to perform regular duties as part of your teaching position, including but not limited to lesson planning, classroom instruction, grading, and after-school activities as assigned.

A valid J‐1 visa is required to request entry to the United States on the Exchange Visitor Program.

Ed2Chat International, LLC is your official sponsor for the duration of your J-1 Exchange Visitor Teacher Program in the United States. We are committed to facilitating a culturally and professionally enriching teaching experience for you while you are in the United States.

Legal spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may apply for J‐2 status to accompany J‐1 teachers to the U.S.

Dependent family members may also apply at the same time for J-2 visa appointments.