Our Programs

J-1: Teach

Creating opportunities for experienced educators to teach in the United States

The world is a classroom – Elevate your career with Teach USA

Teach USA provides experienced international educators with the opportunity to explore a new educational and cultural environment through full-time teaching positions in the United States.

Participants gain exposure to American teaching methods while host schools and their students receive a fresh perspective on far away places, new ideas, and a wider understanding of the world around them and the people in it. The program creates the opportunity to build bridges across culture and instill 21st century global competency skills in our youth.

Through its role as a U.S. Department of State-designated BridgeUSA sponsor, Cultural Vistas provides qualified individuals with the J-1 Visa necessary to pursue full-time paid teaching positions at accredited K-12 schools including pre-K language immersion programs offered as part of a wider immersion program in a primary school.

  • 93% of supervisors call the program Extremely or Very Beneficial. They agree it enhances student learning through adding global perspectives and encourages new approaches and exchange of ideas for staff and administration.
  • 92% of teachers rate their school experience as Excellent or Very Good. They also report the most useful skills they gain are classroom management, relationship development with students, and English communication.

What TEACH USA Offers

The Teach USA Experience:
Watch our video to learn more about teaching in the U.S.

Application Process for Teach USA

Complete applications (from the teacher and host school) should be received no later than June 1 for a smooth process. However, we may fill up much earlier than this. Thus, schools and teachers should be interviewing and arranging offers in the Spring! Contact us before you begin the application process to see if we have spots left.

Teachers should begin at the beginning of the academic year in August or September.

Step 1

Request & Submit Application (after an offer is made)

Evaluation of the completed application will take place once both components are submitted to Cultural Vistas. We encourage you to apply as soon as you are able and to plan the entire process to obtain the J-1 visa may take 2 months. Either party may start the application process.

Individuals: Please submit an online individual application request only if you have received an job offer from a school. Do not sign any offers without contacting us first. A Cultural Vistas staff member will review your request and send you instructions on how to complete your application online within 2 business days. Be prepared to submit official documentation that substantiates your education and employment qualifications. Check out what type of documentation you’ll need to submit.

Host Schools: Please download and submit a Host School Application to request sponsorship for your teacher. A staff member will reach out to with further instructions and schedule a call.

Step 2

Application Evaluation

Once you submit your application, Cultural Vistas evaluates your information and issues a sponsorship decision within approximately 2-4 weeks. During this step, a Cultural Vistas staff member may reach out with additional questions, to schedule a phone interview, or request additional documentation.  Payment of Cultural Vistas fees is due prior to a decision.

Step 3

DS-2019 Issued

If we are able to approve your program, we will issue the DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility which is required for the participant to schedule the visa interview appointment. It is then mailed to the participant along with other important arrival documents. At this time, applicants are also e-mailed instructions on how to apply for the J-1 Visa in their home country.

Step 4

U.S. Consulate/Embassy Appointment

After making an appointment online, applicants attend an appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy with the original DS-2019. Visa approval and issuance is at the discretion of the consular official. Visa appointment and processing wait times vary by city and time of year. On average, this process takes 2-4 weeks. Up-to-date information can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get in Touch!

We’d love to hear from you.

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