Teach in a U.S. School

Greenheart Exchange’s Teach USA program connects enthusiastic, highly-qualified international teachers with U.S. host schools to promote cultural understanding and public diplomacy.

The purpose of the Teach USA program is to promote interaction and enhance mutual understanding between U.S. and international teachers. Participating teachers are placed in a K-12 host school for 1-3 years and teach a wide range of subjects. During this program, teachers can expect to sharpen their professional skills and take part in cross-cultural activities within their schools and local communities.

Greenheart Exchange provides two (2) program options:

• Self-Placed (SP): placements are arranged directly between the teacher and the host school, supplemented by Greenheart Exchange’s sponsorship. To confirm the host school is recognized as an accredited school in the US, please refer to the link below:
  • Cognia
• Full Program (FP): placements are facilitated by Greenheart Exchange Teach USA, matching host schools with a qualified, experienced teacher.

All Teach USA applicants must:

• Meet the qualifications for teaching at the primary or secondary levels in schools in their country of nationality.
• Have a degree equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree in Education or the academic subject field in which they intend to teach.
• Have a minimum of 2 years teaching or related professional experience.
• Satisfy the teaching eligibility standards of the U.S. state in which he or she will teach, including any required criminal background checks.
• Be of good reputation and character.
• Agree to come to the U.S. as a full-time teacher of record in an accredited primary (including pre-kindergarten) or secondary school.
• Be proficient in English. Teachers will be interviewed in English to assess verbal ability and comprehension.
• Be working as a teacher at the time of application.

Applicants NOT working as a teacher at the time of application must:

• Meet the qualifications for teaching at the primary or secondary levels in schools in his or her home country (including pre-kindergarten).
• Have at least two years of full-time teaching experience within the past eight years.
• Have completed an advanced degree (in Education or in the academic area he or she intends to teach) within 12 months of his or her application submission date for the program
• Have a completed Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) prior to interviewing with a Greenheart Exchange host school.

Greenheart Exchange partners with a third-party entity, offering discounted rates to our applicants. For more information, please contact the Teach USA team.

The Teach USA Program is part of the US Department of State’s BridgeUSA programming.

• The US Department of State administers 15 categories of the BridgeUSA Program
• The BridgeUSA Program provides international candidates an opportunity to gain valuable work and study experience in the U.S.
• The J-1 Teacher visa is a 3-year exchange visa for international teachers coming to the U.S. to teach, which can be extended 2 years for 5 years total
• Teachers are required to organize 2 cross-cultural activities (CCA) per year with their host school and local community

Greenheart Exchange is a Department of State (DOS) designated Exchange Visitor Program J-1 visa sponsor for many BridgeUSA programs, such as:

• Teacher
• Secondary School (High School Programs Department)
• Intern
• Trainee
• Summer Work Travel

This program is formally administered through the US Department of State through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

The US Department of State

• Creates program regulations and ensures sponsors, participants, and schools are compliant with the program rules
• Communicates with sponsors to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the participants
• Approves program placements, extensions, and provides sponsors with DS-2019 forms for participants seeking J-1 visas

Greenheart Exchange’s Role as Visa Sponsor:

• Greenheart Exchange is your J-1 visa sponsor while you are in the U.S.
• Greenheart Exchange approves, places, and monitors international teachers in U.S. schools with help from our overseas partners
• We provide 24/7 program support to all teachers on our program in order to ensure health, safety, and well-being
• We work with host schools to guide you through school interviews, visa interviews, and arrival logistics to the U.S.

• 1-Year Program Fee – $1,600-$2,650
• 1-Year Extension Fee – $1,050
• Years 4-5 Extension Fee – $500
• J2 Dependent Fee – $450 per year

Application Processing Fees (non-refundable)

• Application Fee – $200
• U.S. Government Fees – SEVIS fee ($220) and Visa Interview Fee ($160)
• Foreign Credential Evaluation Fee – $150-$220
• Flat Rate Courier Fee – $60 per overseas shipment

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 Greenheart Exchange
• 90-day medical insurance coverage upon arrival
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance provided for the full program length
• Placement with an approved and accredited U.S. Host School (Full Program)

Program Fees do not include the following:

• Partner recruitment fees
• Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) Course Analysis
• Airfare to and from the U.S.
• Housing, transportation, meals, and personal expenses
• Subsidized medical insurance premiums (for insurance plans offered through school employers)

Additional Expenses

• State Teaching License $100-$200
• Lost/destroyed DS-2019 Replacement $50 + shipping
• Foreign Credential Evaluation (with Spantran) $150-$220
• Change of Host School Fee – $300
• 7-Month Insurance Plan $420
• 12-Month Insurance Plan $720

The BridgeUSA Program fosters global understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. All exchange visitors are expected to return to their home country upon completion of their program in order to share their exchange experiences.

Greenheart Exchange is committed to making sure that our teachers are safe during their time in the U.S. The information on this page will provide you with up-to-date program regulations and expectations. Please contact us directly with any questions.

Applications Open:      January 11, 2021

Application Deadline:      June 1^st

U.S. Arrival Dates:        July – September

U.S. School Year:            August – May

Greenheart Exchange has been a J-1 visa sponsor for many years, and there are advantages to Greenheart being your visa sponsor:

• 35 years of experience with cultural exchange programs
• Hands-on support every step of the way
• 24/7 emergency phone number to reach a staff member at any time
• Pre-departure Webinar before you leave
• We are a non-profit, mission-based organization
• Continued support throughout your time in the USA

We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Exchange teachers and alumni!

Greenheart Grants

Greenheart Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart teachers to use for community development projects in their host or home country. A Greenheart Grant is the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain an impactful, community-focused project abroad or at home. Grant funds could be applied to supporting women’s cooperatives, schools, community centers, or health clinics, for example. Grant winners will be featured on our website, social media, and blog. You can see a past Teach USA grant recipient project here.

Greenheart Global Leaders Conference

Each August Greenheart offers full-ride scholarships to over 40 alumni to attend our annual conference in Washington, DC. Participants even get a chance to advocate for cultural exchange in a presentation to the US Department of State. You can see more about what GGLC is and what you could do at the conference here.