Teachers have an invaluable role in our society. They help us become who we want to be by sharing their experiences, knowledge, and skills. However, to become an effective educator means doing more than that. Teachers need to immerse, gain encounters, and adopt new methods of teachings to become efficient. Fortunately, this is made possible through overseas cultural exchange opportunities.
Why Choose U.S.?
The United States has long been a preferred country-of-choice for professionals in different industries. Aside from the familiarity, Filipinos have an innate admiration for the country. The strong influence has made each one of us daydream of stepping into this land.
With Fil-Global’s consistent efforts to bring the best offers for people in various professions at all levels, the team has managed to find ways to present the latest U.S. program for Filipino teachers. If you are an active educator who wants to explore the vast lands of America, now is the time to grab the J1 Teacher Program.
About the Program
A J1 Teacher Program allows registered teachers to work in primary or secondary accredited schools in the U.S. for up to 3 years - possibly extend for 1 or 2 more years. The goal of this program is to promote cultural diversity in the community while helping teachers become adept at their teaching skills.
Eligibility
In general, educators who are actively teaching for the last 2 years are qualified. This doesn’t include experience during the internship or before finishing studies. Experience gained should be full-time and in a K-12 classroom setting. The only exception to this is if the applicant has earned an advanced degree within the last 12 months.
Applicants must also be proficient in English and able to complete 2 cultural activities in their class per year. This is to ensure a meaningful experience, which in turn helps meet the goals of the nonimmigrant cultural exchange program.
Sponsor
All teachers need to have a sponsor to be able to successfully enter the program. Together with Spirit Cultural Exchange, the applicant’s qualifications will be screened before school placements are offered to the right candidates.
A DS-2019 document will be issued to the prospective exchange visitor. It contains information regarding the program, inclusive dates, exchange category, and fees. The form will also allow applicants to secure an appointment with the U.S. embassy.
Fil-Global will assist successful teachers throughout the application process and fulfill other preparations needed. The team makes sure that teachers set to fly under the program will be taken care of from pre and post-departure.
Benefits
Teachers under the J1 Program are entitled to receive a salary of up to $50,000 a year. Apart from this attractive remuneration, family members can join together with the main applicant. Dependents of legal working age are allowed to work as long as they apply for an employment authorization document (EAD CARD) upon arrival in the U.S.
Restrictions
All applicants are required to be in their home country upon submission of their application. Those who have obtained the permit won’t be able to change their visas during or after the program as they are expected to return home. The 2-year-home-country physical presence requirement is a government mandate and must be followed strictly by the applicants themselves, including their dependents.
Teachers aren’t allowed to take on second jobs and must only engage with the designated host school. This information is reflected in the DS-2019 form. Since it’s the formal document used upon requesting an interview from the embassy, applicants are required to follow the details submitted.
In summary, the U.S. J1 Teacher Program doesn’t aim to provide an immigration pathway to our Filipino educators. However, it’s an opportunity for applicants to make new connections and earn at the same time. Experience gained can also be used to enter other programs in various countries such as Australia and Canada. Fil-Global members are eligible to ask for assistance on this since it’s part of the services offered. Interested in taking your teaching career to a different level? Book now for a one-on-one live orientation. Visit our website at www.fil-global.com or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/fgonestepcloser to get started.