Program Purpose

The J-1 Teacher Program, guided by 22 CFR 62.24, aims to promote the interchange of U.S. and foreign teachers and enhance mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Exchange teachers sharpen their professional skills and participate in cross-cultural activities in schools and communities, and they return home after the exchange to share their experiences and increased knowledge of the United States and the U.S. educational system. Such exchanges enable foreign teachers to understand better U.S. culture, society and teaching practices at the primary and secondary levels, and enhance U.S. students’ knowledge of foreign cultures, customs and teaching approaches.

Partner with a U.S. Department of State designated J-1 Teacher Program sponsor to bring qualified international educators into your school while addressing staffing needs and enriching your learning environment.

Benefits of Hosting a J-1 Exchange Teacher

Discover the numerous advantages of hosting a J-1 Exchange Teacher at your school.

  • Expand student knowledge of global cultures and perspectives. 
  • Avoid long-term commitments, as exchange teachers return home after their program. 
  • Promote global awareness among students. 
  • Build cross-cultural connections. 
  • Enhance your school’s reputation and appeal. 
  • Strengthen language and cultural programs. 
  • Enrich school activities by incorporating international traditions. 
  • Introduce new teaching methods and strategies. 
  • Fill vacancies with carefully selected teaching professionals. 

How It Works

Program Durations

1-Year Placements

Ideal for applicants looking to engage in short-term cultural exchange. This option allows you to explore the benefits of hosting an international educator with a one-year commitment.

2-3 Year Placements

Designed for applicants aiming to foster deeper connections and long-term contributions from international teachers. These placements give educators ample time to integrate into your school community and make a lasting impact.

Extensions Beyond 3 Years

For schools and teachers seeking to continue their collaboration, the program offers the possibility of extending placements beyond the initial term, up to a maximum of 5 years, pending approval.

Host School Eligibility

  • Host school must be an accredited U.S. public or private primary or secondary (K–12) institution or offer pre-kindergarten language immersion programs as part of a regular course of study.
  • Teaching positions must be full-time (minimum of 32 hours per week) and must begin at the start of the academic year.
  • Schools must have at least 3–4 full-time employees to ensure exchange teachers receive appropriate support and supervision throughout their placement.
  • Host schools must designate an experienced and knowledgeable Host School Supervisor responsible for providing ongoing on-site supervision, mentoring, and support to the exchange visitor.
  • Host schools should have a C rating or higher on Niche.com, a platform that collects reviews and ratings from students, teachers, and parents.
  • Instruction must be conducted in person only.

Host School Ineligilbity

  • Schools with negative publicity, poor employee reviews, history of lawsuits, or other issues that could bring the Exchange Visitor Program or the U.S. Department of State into notoriety or disrepute will not be approved for program sponsorship.
  • Schools with extremely high student-teacher ratios.
  • Schools that include daycare, pre-school and kindergarten only.
  • Assistants, aides, administrative positions, or other non-instructional positions are not permitted.

Location Requirement

Host school must be in one of the following states:

  • Vermont
  • Wisconsin
  • Virginia
  • Maryland
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Missouri
  • Michigan
  • Pennsylvania
  • Wyoming
  • Montana

Subject Areas

J-1 Teacher Program positions are typically available in the following subject areas:

  • Spanish Bilingual Education (English/Spanish)
  • General Education (primary grade levels)
  • Foreign Languages (including Spanish, German, French, and Mandarin)
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
  • Special Education

Benefits and Pay

J-1 Exchange Teachers must receive benefits, and salary increases comparable to those provided to American teachers with similar qualifications and experience. Host schools are required to extend to participants the same access to health insurance, professional development opportunities, and paid leave granted to their local teaching staff. In addition, participants should be eligible for any salary adjustments or pay increases that occur during their period of employment, ensuring compensation remains fair and reflective of their performance and contributions. These provisions are intended to promote equitable treatment, adequate support, and full engagement in both teaching responsibilities and cultural exchange objectives.

Because participants are considered temporary employees, they must be covered under the host school’s workers’ compensation insurance in the event of a work-related injury or illness. If a school is not legally required to maintain workers’ compensation coverage, it must provide documentation of exemption along with proof of alternative insurance coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Host Schools

Schools hire exchange teachers to bring international expertise, find a uniquely qualified teacher, promote cultural exchange in the classroom, and bring a global perspective to its students and staff.

Yes. They are hired as full-time teachers, not teaching assistants.

Exchange teachers are typically strong in subject knowledge, experienced in structured teaching, and less familiar with U.S. classroom culture (initially).

The most common subjects are STEM, Primary Education, Special Education and World Languages. 

Initially, up to 3 years, with the option to extend to a total of 5 years. 

A designated sponsor organization manages visa processing and ensures compliance with federal regulations.

Schools must:

  • Provide a full-time, paid teaching role
  • Assist in obtaining teaching credentials
  • Support cultural exchange activities
  • Maintain a safe, professional environment

The school must pay the exchange teacher’s salary (same as a U.S. teacher). The school may choose to pay exchange teacher program fees.

Typically, 2–4 months, depending on timing and candidate availability.

If performance issues arise, the host school should address them directly and discuss them openly with the exchange teacher; for persistent or serious problems, program sponsor can assist with:

  • Performance support
  • Mediation
  • In some cases, replacement

Yes, many schools request exchange teachers based on:

  • Subject expertise
  • Cultural fit
  • Language needs

Yes. Since the requirements vary by state, exchange teachers often work toward certification after arrival, with the assistance and guidance from the host school. 

More than local hires—especially in:

  • Settling-in and cultural adaptation
  • Classroom management
  • School culture
  • Parent communication

No, but helping exchange teachers settle in (guidance, contacts) improves retention and overall program experience.

Host schools should help the exchange teacher participate in the following:

  • Classroom presentations about their country
  • School-wide cultural events
  • Community engagement

Not through the J-1 program. The exchange teachers are expected to depart the U.S. at the end of their teaching assignment, per J-1 visa regulations and program objectives.

Successful Host Schools:

  • Provide strong mentorship
  • Set clear expectations early
  • Support cultural adjustment
  • Treat Exchange Teachers as full team members

Welcome J-1 Exchange Teachers to Your School

Submit your inquiry now, and our dedicated team will guide you through the process every step of the way.

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