Hosting international teachers brings a unique set of skills to classrooms and opens the door to students to experience the world through their foreign teachers. The questions students ask about their teacher’s home country are used to supplement their learning experience. Students learn how much different other parts of the world are, compared to the United States. Host schools understand how invaluable an experience it is to have international teachers.
Greenheart Exchange recruits highly qualified teachers from all over the world to teach a variety of subjects in the United States. They teach elementary education, STEM, world languages, and special education. Many of our international teachers were recognized by their schools for their dedication, commitment and the impact they made on their host schools. Here’s what one of our teachers recently shared about her program experience in the United States. Meet Febby Anne Ganancial, one of our teachers and Teach USA Photo/Video Contest winners, who came on Greenheart’s Teach USA program from the Philippines:
My name is Febby Anne Ganancial, and I teach at St. Rose of Lima School, part of Seton Catholic Schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a 3rd grade teacher, my role goes beyond academics. I help students grow in character, faith, and global awareness by integrating both Catholic values and multicultural understanding into the classroom.
Greenheart’s Teach USA Program
The Teach USA Program has created a long-term impact on my professional and personal life. It strengthened my confidence, expanded my teaching strategies, and opened doors for me to experience education through a broader lens. It also pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace a new culture while proudly sharing my own.
Through the Teach USA experience, I learned how to adapt instruction to meet diverse learning needs, build strong relationships with families, and apply student-centered practices in daily lessons. I also learned the importance of community involvement and collaboration—values deeply embedded in U.S. schools.
The Impact of Greenheart’s Teach USA Program on me as an Educator
This program helped me become the teacher I am today by offering guidance, mentorship, and a supportive system that allowed me to flourish in a new environment. It gave me the confidence to represent my home country not only in the classroom but also in the wider Wisconsin community.
International J-1 Teachers Bring Cultural Enrichment to Host Schools
One of the best parts of having international exchange teachers is the cultural enrichment they bring to the school. Students—and staff—learn to appreciate different cultures, languages, and traditions. I share my Filipino culture through food tasting days, storytelling, traditional games, holiday presentations, and Filipino values such as pakikisama (community harmony) and bayanihan (helping one another). My school, in return, has introduced me to American customs like Thanksgiving celebrations, Catholic parish events, volunteer opportunities, and Midwestern hospitality.
Representing and Sharing my Own Culture
Beyond school, I had the honor of representing the Philippines at the Wisconsin Folk Fair, one of the state’s largest cultural festivals. I shared Filipino cuisine, traditional attire, and cultural displays with visitors from all over Wisconsin. It was a moment of pride to see people enjoy Filipino dishes and learn about our heritage. This experience allowed me to promote cultural awareness in the broader community, not just within the school walls.
My Supportive Host School
I am most proud of how my host school taught me the meaning of true community—working together, supporting one another, and celebrating diversity.
I was drawn to Greenheart’s Teach USA Program because of its commitment to cultural exchange. To me, the program symbolizes opportunity, connection, and unity across nations. I highly recommend that U.S. schools continue hosting international teachers because we enrich learning, inspire curiosity, and help shape globally minded students.
Thank you, Febby, for sharing your wonderful program experience with us! We wish you a wonderful rest of your Teach USA Program, and all the best in your future!
Is your school ready to host highly qualified international educators to contribute to the learning experience of your students and communities? Visit HostGreenheartTeachers.org to apply to host today.
If your school participates in one or more of Greenheart’s cultural exchange programs, your school will be eligible for up to $4,000 in grants as a Greenheart School. Learn more by visiting GreenheartSchools.org.