Before you apply, please make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements for the IAG Teacher Program.
1. Academic Background #
You must have a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree in:
- Education, or
- The subject area you teach
Your academic degree will need to be reviewed through a Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE). The FCE must include a course-by-course analysis, not just a summary. Transcripts alone are not accepted unless the coursework was completed at a U.S. university
2. Teaching Experience #
You must have relevant classroom teaching experience in the area you plan to teach.
For J-1 applicants, you must also provide a letter confirming that you are currently working as a full-time classroom teacher in your home country. This is not a recommendation letter. It is an employment verification letter
3. English Proficiency #
You must demonstrate English proficiency.
Accepted assessments include:
- CBEST
- ACTFL (Intermediate High)
- TOEFL iBT
- Cambridge English Assessment with a score of B2 or higher
If you do not have current test results, you may take the free 90-minute EFSET exam online. This is a very important option because it allows teachers to complete the English requirement at no cost.
4. Valid Passport #
You must have a passport valid for at least 3 years, or the maximum validity your country allows. If you are renewing your passport, you may upload your current passport plus a letter explaining the status of your renewal process
5. Professional Qualification in Your Home Country #
J-1 applicants must provide proof that they are qualified to teach in their home country. This is usually a professional teaching license or equivalent document. In Mexico, for example, this may be the Cédula Profesional. If your country does not issue a teaching license, you may submit alternate official documentation showing that teacher certification is not required there
