Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to apply to Teach In The USA?

No. Teach In The USA (TUSA) does not charge applicants any program fees. However, applicants are responsible for third-party costs, such as transcript evaluations, background checks, visa fees, licensing fees, and travel expenses.

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​How do I apply to Teach In The USA?

The first step is to complete our online registration form. Our team will review your submission and determine your eligibility. If selected to move forward, you will be invited to complete a full application and submit the required documents. Click here to begin your journey!

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Can I apply via postal mail?
No, all applications must be submitted online through our website.

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Can I reapply if I’ve applied before?

Yes. If it’s been over a year since your last application, we encourage you to submit a new application. If it’s been less than a year, you may contact our support team at Contact@TeachInTheUSA.org to check your status.

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I have teaching experience, but not recently. Am I still eligible?

To be eligible for Teach In The USA, applicants must have at least two years of in-person, full-time teaching experience in a lead teaching role within the last eight years. If your experience falls outside of this timeframe or has not been in a lead role, you do not meet our eligibility criteria.

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Can I apply if I participated in another teaching exchange program?
Yes, but you must have completed at least two consecutive years in your home country after your previous J-1 teaching program before reapplying.

Who is eligible to teach through TUSA?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in education or a subject taught in U.S. K–12 schools

• Have a minimum of two years of full-time teaching experience

• Currently teaching or have recent experience in a classroom

• Demonstrate strong English proficiency

• Be eligible for a U.S. state teaching license

 

Does my degree meet the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in education?

To be eligible for the Teach In The USA program, you must hold a university-level degree in education or in a subject area that includes formal teacher training. If your degree was earned outside the United States, it must be evaluated by a credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

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You can visit www.NACES.org  to choose a recognized provider. Follow their instructions to submit your academic transcripts for a course-by-course evaluation in English, and share the final report with TUSA once complete.

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While we accept evaluations from any NACES-member organization, we recommend using SpanTran (newly named The Evaluation Company), as they have created a custom application specifically for Teach In The USA applicants. This ensures you select the correct type of evaluation and also offers a discounted rate.

Access the TUSA-specific SpanTran application here: SpanTran / The Evaluation Company Application – Teach In The USA

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Do I need to speak fluent English?

Yes. English fluency is essential for success in the classroom and during the application process. All applicants must submit official English language proficiency test results from one of the following:

• TOEFL

• IELTS

Your fluency will also be assessed throughout the interview and screening process, as all communication with school districts and TUSA will be conducted in English.

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Am I eligible if my teaching experience is at the college level?

No, TUSA only sponsors teachers with experience teaching K-12 students (ages 5 - 18).

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I am not yet eligible, but will be soon. Can I still apply?

You should wait to apply until you fully meet all eligibility requirements.

Where would I be placed to teach?

TUSA partners with public and charter school districts across multiple U.S. states. Your placement location depends on your qualifications and the school district's needs.

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What subjects are in high demand?

While we accept educators from all backgrounds, we are currently seeing high demand in:

• Math

• Science

• Special Education

• Art

• ESL

• Early Childhood Education

 

Will I be an employee of the school district?

Yes. You will be hired directly by the school district and follow their employment policies. TUSA serves as your visa facilitator and ongoing support partner throughout your placement.

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When does the school year begin and end?

Most U.S. school years begin in August and end in May or June. The exact dates vary by school district.

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Where can I find information on U.S. curriculum standards?
Each state has its own curriculum standards, which can be found on their respective Department of Education websites.

How much will I earn as a teacher in the U.S.?

Salaries are determined by the school district based on your education level and teaching experience. 

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What costs should I plan for when relocating?
Teachers should prepare for relocation costs, housing deposits, initial transportation, and at least one month of living expenses before receiving their first paycheck.

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Is housing provided?

No. Teachers are responsible for securing housing, but TUSA provides resources and guidance to help find affordable accommodations.

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Does TUSA provide health insurance?
Yes, TUSA ensures that all J-1 teachers are covered by U.S. Department of State-compliant health insurance. J-2 dependents must be covered as well and are the responsibility of the teacher.

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Is my travel to the U.S. covered?
No, teachers are responsible for their travel expenses.

How long can I stay in the U.S. on a J-1 Visa?

The standard program duration is three years, with the possibility of an extension for up to five years in total. Teachers are expected to return to their home country upon program completion.

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Can my family accompany me?

Yes, eligible dependents (spouse and children under age 21) may accompany you under J-2 Visas. You are financially responsible for their travel, housing, and insurance coverage.

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What happens after my J-1 Visa expires?

Teachers must return to their home country for at least two years before becoming eligible for another J-1 Visa or permanent residency sponsorship.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes, having a valid driver’s license and driving experience is strongly recommended, as public transportation is limited in many areas.

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Can I use my home country’s driver’s license?

Some states allow the temporary use of an international driver’s license, but teachers are encouraged to obtain a U.S. driver’s license upon arrival.

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Why is driving important?

Most U.S. school districts are in areas where a car is necessary for commuting and daily life.

Do you have further questions?

Contact our Support Team at​ Contact@TeachInTheUSA.org to begin a conversation with our team today!