Teacher Exchange Program Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the teacher program?
  • School placement in an accredited American school
  • DS-2019 form to support the J-1 visa application
  • University training and orientation program, exclusively designed for IAG teachers
  • Supplemental medical insurance
  • 24-hour emergency support while in the USA
  • Member benefit information is available here.
What should I expect from my program?
Your program includes:
  1. Professional training - Before arrival in the United States, you will have access to an online training program designed exclusively for IAG Teachers by Northern Arizona University. The program includes instruction in English for the classroom and Classroom Readiness and Teacher Preparation instruction.
  2. School work - You will have a full-time teaching position at a school. As a valued member of the school, you will collaborate with other educators to gain insight and offer your professional techniques to colleagues.
  3. Cultural exchange – The program promotes mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. You will learn about the culture of the United States, and you will teach your class and colleagues about your home country culture. You will be required to participate in and report to IAG at least two cross-cultural activities each year, one that teaches about your home country and one that involves cross-cultural communication between your students and students of another country.
  4. Personal growth - You can expect to grow both professionally and personally as you gain understanding of U.S. culture, society, and teaching practices. Immersive environments provide the opportunity to improve English language skills. You will return to your home country with increased knowledge of the United States and the U.S. educational system. In addition, the experience can provide both professional direction and personal understanding.
What are the U.S. teaching eligibility requirements?

Each U.S. state has slightly different requirements for J-1 Exchange Teachers. For example, in the state of Arizona, J-1 Exchange Teachers must apply for an International Teaching Certificate (see more information here). The International Teaching Certificate requires that you apply for a fingerprint clearance card, which should occur before you leave your home country. Before you depart your home country, IAG will guide you on the requirements that must be completed for the state where you will teach.

Where will I be working?

Specific school sites/assignments will be determined through the application process. If selected, exchange teachers will be provided detailed employment offer information (including employer name and address, position, job duties, work hours, wages, other compensation and benefits, deductions from wages, and insurance costs).

Do I need a visa?

Yes, IAG will support your application for a J-1 visa by providing the necessary paperwork, a DS-2019 form, and job offer from your American school.

If you have questions about the Visa process, please email: visa@iagusa.org

How do I apply for a J-1 Teacher Program Visa?

To participate in the IAG program, you must apply for a J-1 visa. IAG always recommends that you review the website of your local embassy or consulate to ensure accurate information specific to your home country. For more information on applying for a J-1 visa, see the U.S. Department of State’s website here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/exchange.html

Can I bring my family?

Yes, IAG offers sponsorship for a spouse and/or dependents on the J-2 visa. The fee is $500 for one J-2 and $250 for any subsequent J-2. They also must purchase health insurance that meets minimum regulatory requirements and maintain close communication with IAG through the Exchange Teacher’s program. The J-1 will be responsible for J-2 insurance enrollment and costs. Insurance is included for participants of the IAG program.

What type of job responsibilities will I have?

Your job responsibilities may include: teaching in the classroom, preparing lesson plans, attending school meetings, taking professional development classes, and meeting with students and parents. You should expect to work full time at the school and a minimum of 32 hours per week of teaching or teaching-related administrative activities. Some weeks you will work more, and some weeks you will work less, but your hours should average out to be full time.

What salary will I receive?

Your salary will be commensurate with teachers from the U.S. with the same level of education and years of experience. Each school district typically has a plan or “wage schedule” that outlines the salary for every employee. You should receive a paycheck directly from your school on your school’s pay schedule (typically every 2 weeks).

What deductions will be taken from my paycheck?

You will notice that federal and state taxes will be taken out of your paycheck at a rate between 15-20% of your paycheck. Additionally, your paycheck may include a deduction for your medical insurance premium, depending on the type of insurance you select. If your paycheck includes any deductions that you do not understand, please ask your school’s financial officer or Human Resources department. Your host school should provide you a written explanation for any deductions from your paycheck. If you elect to join the teacher’s union, dues may be deducted from your pay.

How should I prepare for my arrival in the US?

Be sure to read IAG’s orientation materials, including the Exchange Teacher Handbook and online FAQ, before you arrive in the United States. Detailed orientation materials will be provided upon acceptance to the program.

What is a foreign credential evaluation or FCE? How do I obtain a foreign credential evaluation?

Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a process to have education and transcripts evaluated for certification and is needed for the visa appointment.

The FCE report is valid for 5 years. Your documents will need to be translated into English. The FCE company can translate transcript for an additional cost.

Please note: an FCE documenting a course-by-course evaluation with a US equivalency is required to apply with IAG. List of Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) companies:

  • SpanTran: all states $290 - Please request a US equivalency
  • AZICE: AZ & Texas $250 - Automatically completes a US equivalency.

If you are hired in another state, you will be required to have an additional foreign credential evaluation completed by a NACES-accredited evaluation company. If you already have an FCE from another foreign credential evaluation company, you do not need to have one completed by AZ ICE.

If you have questions, please contact AZ ICE at info@iceinaz.com

What rules must I follow when in the US?
As part of the IAG exchange program, it is important that participating teachers follow the program rules.
  • Within 7 days of arrival in the United States, submit an Arrival Report to IAG to confirm your safe arrival and report your housing address.
  • Maintain an accurate and up-to-date host school and housing address and contact information. Report to IAG any address or email/ phone change within 10 days of any change.
  • Teach effectively and work cooperatively with administration, teachers, and staff in your designated school to best meet the educational needs of the student population.
  • Follow the rules, policies and procedures of the school and district.
  • Participate only in authorized employment at the host school that has been approved by IAG.
  • Maintain the minimum medical insurance coverage required by Department of State regulations and IAG.
  • Important Note - It is extremely important to inform IAG when you arrive to your host community and if you make any address changes, as IAG is required by U.S. government regulation to report your location in the SEVIS system. Failure to follow these important rules and regulations of the program may result in program termination, requiring an immediate return to your home country.
How much money do I need to bring to the US?

It is important that you carefully plan a budget for your IAG program. As part of the application process, you will complete a Budget Exercise to calculate your expected income and expenses. Participating teachers should be aware that your teaching salary may not cover your total expenses -- including the cost of the program, visa application/ SEVIS fees, travel, housing, transportation, and living expenses – so you should plan to bring additional personal funds. You should have at least $4,000 - $6,500 available to you when you arrive in the United States for settling costs, including transportation to your host school, housing deposits, food, and other personal expenses until you receive your first paycheck. For additional information, please review the 'Financial Considerations' section on our Teacher's page.

Should I work with a recruitment or placement agency?

IAG does not partner with any third-party recruitment or placement agencies in the administration of its J-1 Exchange Teacher program. Accordingly, we encourage you to work directly with IAG and not pay any fees to a third-party recruitment or placement agency located in Participant's home country or in the U.S. If you have already registered with a recruitment or placement agent, it is important that you disclose the agent fees paid and provide IAG with a copy of the agreement signed between you and the agency.

Is there a sponsor fee?

IAG fees are covered by cooperating host school districts' program fees. These fees cover IAG administrative costs for screening, orientation, and supervising participants, as well as the participant’s supplementary medical insurance (from departure from home country to when you transfer to your school’s medical insurance coverage, plus repatriation and evacuation coverage throughout your program).

Beyond the program fees paid by the host school, IAG will not charge participants program fees, other than collecting and paying direct costs of the program on behalf of the applicant.

What are the estimates for all fees/general costs to participate in IAG's teacher exchange program?

Costs that participants will likely incur while in the U. S. include:

  • Visa application fee ($185)
  • SEVIS fee ($220)
  • Foreign credential evaluation fee ($250, estimated) – recommend utilizing AZICE for the required transcript evaluation.
  • Travel to host school – flight/ bus
  • Housing* – rent, housing deposits, utilities
  • Transportation*
  • Teaching requirements – Background check, teaching certificate
  • Personal expenses – mobile phone, travel, savings, entertainment
  • Medical insurance premiums or out-of-pocket expenses not covered by medical insurance policy
  • Taxes (estimated 15-20% of your paycheck)
  • Food*

*See budget exercise for estimates/ranges for these costs: Sample Budget Exercise

It is important that you carefully plan a budget for your IAG program.

As part of the application process, you will complete a Budget Exercise to calculate your expected income and expenses. Participating teachers should be aware that your income may not cover your total expenses, including the cost of the program, visa application/ SEVIS fees, travel, housing, transportation, and living expenses. For more information, visit our 'Financial Considerations' section on our Teacher's page.

You should have at least $4,000 - $6,500 available to you when you arrive in the United States for settling costs, including transportation to your host school, housing deposits, food, and other personal expenses until you receive your first paycheck.

Are there foreign or domestic third party or partner fees?

IAG does not partner with any third-party recruitment or placement agencies in the administration of its J-1 Exchange Teacher program. Accordingly, we encourage you to work directly with IAG and not pay any fees to a third-party recruitment or placement agency located in Participant's home country or in the U.S. If you have already registered with a recruitment or placement agent, it is important that you disclose the agent fees paid and provide IAG with a copy of the agreement signed between you and the agency.

Is there a Visa fee?

The exchange visitor (EV) is responsible for a Visa application fee is $185.

Is there a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee?

Exchange visitor (EV) is responsible for the SEVIS fee ($220).

EV may find information on SEVIS by visiting below site:

SEVIS Fact Sheet and print the receipt. Bring the receipt with you to your embassy appointment.

What are insurance costs and benefits?

Insurance is included in the IAG program. All J-1 International Teachers through International Alliance Group (IAG) are required to carry Department of State (DOS) compliant insurance.

EV participants in our program can check out our J1 Benefit Resource Site for additional information: International Alliance Group Employee Benefits (capficonsulting.com)

We offer US DOS compliant insurance for our EV participants.

USDOS REQUIREMENTS

Per USDOS requirements, the medical insurance must provide at a minimum

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness.
  • Deductibles not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000.
  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of exchange visitor to his/her home country in the amount of $50,000.
What are the estimates for food?

The average cost of food per month for one person ranges from $200 to $500, depending on age. However, these national averages vary based on where you live and the quality of your food purchases. For additional information on cost of living, please review the 'Financial Considerations' section on our Teacher's page. Here’s a monthly grocery budget for the average family:

Monthly Food Budget + Grocery Calculator

What are the housing arrangements?

Short-term Housing Arrangement

Before arriving in the United States, it is important that you make a short-term housing arrangement so that you have a safe place to stay while you search for a more permanent housing solution.

You can make a hotel reservation online through hotels.com or orbitz.com

IAG can provide assistance with securing short-term housing.

Long-term Housing Arrangements

We recommend talking with your teacher, co-workers, or supervisors for suggestions on affordable, and safe housing options in your work area.

To reduce housing expenses, you may want to consider sharing an apartment, or home with another teacher or local community member.

IAG can assist exchange teachers in locating and securing reasonable housing options.

Housing costs in the United States vary, but you should expect to pay 20-40% of your take-home salary in rent.

You also typically have to pay separately for utilities, such as electricity, heat, air-conditioning, water, garbage, and internet.

Most apartments or rental homes require a move-in deposit, typically “first and last month’s rent” (meaning two months’ of rent) when securing the apartment.

Most will require a lease, which is a contract typically of one year to pay rent to the landlord. For additional information on cost of living/living expenses, please review the 'Financial Considerations' section on our Teacher's page.

Here are a few resources:

What kind of transportation will I need?

Public transportation in the United States may be more limited than in your home country.

Most larger cities in the United States will have a public bus system and some have public train/subway/rail systems. Other smaller cities or towns do not have a public transportation system and are more reliant on cars as the primary means of transportation.

Purchasing a bicycle or walking are also possibilities, but you should consider the climate of the season in your host community.

We recommend that you carefully consider transportation options that are reasonably available when you secure housing.

IAG is available to assist you if you have any problems securing transportation options on an ongoing basis. For additional information on cost of living, please review the 'Financial Considerations' section on our Teacher's page.

Here is information on Lyft and Uber in case you need transportation and others are not available to assist.

What are the expected work-related (salary) deductions/taxes?

Your salary information will be provided to you as part of the Letter of Intent to Hire. You should receive a paycheck directly from your school on your school’s pay schedule (typically every 2 weeks). You will notice that federal and state taxes will be taken out of your paycheck at a rate between 15-20% of your paycheck. Additionally, your paycheck may include a deduction for your medical insurance premium, depending on the type of insurance you elected.

If your paycheck includes any deductions (for housing, transportation, or anything else) that you do not understand, please ask your school’s financial officer or Human Resources department. Your host school should provide you with a written explanation for any deductions from your paycheck.

How to get started

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