For Teachers
Embark on a cultural exchange journey to the United States alongside the Ed2Chat J-1 Teacher Exchange Program. We will be with you every step of the way, ensuring it’s a fulfilling experience both professionally and personally.
Once approved, our J-1 Teacher Exchange Program will support thousands of teachers, helping them realize their aspirations of teaching in the United States.
Educators can participate in the cultural exchange program for up to 5 years: the initial visa is granted for 3 years, and upon its conclusion, teachers may request an extension for an additional 2 years, totaling 5 years. Upon completion of the program, educators are obligated to return to their home countries for a minimum of two years before being eligible to return to the U.S. on the J-1 non-immigrant visa.
J-1 Teacher Exchange Program proudly adheres to a no-fee policy for sponsorship and does not collaborate with any third parties that charge fees to prospective exchange visitors.
Fascinating advantages for qualified international teachers
Start your application today and begin your life-changing experience.
What is the opportunity?
How is this made possible?
Foreign teachers have the opportunity to teach in accredited primary and secondary schools in the United States once application is approved.
– Meet the qualifications for teaching in primary or secondary schools in their country of nationality or last legal residence.
– Be working as a teacher in the home country or country of legal residence 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.
– 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.
– Have a minimum of two years (24 months) of teaching or related professional experience.
– Satisfy the standards of the U.S. state in which they will teach.
– Be of good reputation and character.
– 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).
– Possess sufficient proficiency in the English language.
Educational and cultural enrichment: Exchange teachers sharpen their professional skills and participate in cross-cultural activities in schools and communities, and they return to their home school after the exchange to share their experiences and increased knowledge of the United States and the U.S. educational system.
Teachers are eligible to repeat the program provided that they have resided outside the United States for two years and continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
The J‐1 Exchange Visitor Program, also formally known as the BridgeUSA Program, is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of State which fosters the mutual exchange of ideas between Americans and foreign nationals by means of educational and cultural exchanges, and to stimulate international collaborative teaching, studying, and research efforts. The BridgeUSA Program provides eligible foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in exchange programs in the United States and then return home to share their experiences.
The BridgeUSA Program promotes international interchange, mutual enrichment and linkages between institutions in the United States and those of other countries. The J‐1 BridgeUSA Program is organized into several different categories.
Entry into the United States as a participant in the BridgeUSA Program is granted with the understanding that participants will complete the objectives of a single program category. The J‐1 exchange visitor visa is a non-immigrant visa, and therefore participants in the J‐1 BridgeUSA Program are expected to return to their home countries when they complete their programs.
*Please read the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure here: https://j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/EVP-Welcome-Brochure-2022.pdf
*Please read the U.S. Department of State Teacher Welcome Letter here: https://j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Teacher_Welcome-Letter_2024.pdf