Hosting international J-1 teachers with Greenheart 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.
Advocating for TeachUSA and BridgeUSA J-1 Programs
On December 5, 2025, Teach USA staff members Juliet Jones and Sarah Flynn met with representatives from Senate offices for Senator Ruben Gallego and Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona. Juliet and Sarah engaged in meaningful and impactful discussions around Teach USA, Greenheart, and BridgeUSA J-1 programs overall. The goal of the meetings was to raise awareness about Greenheart’s Teach USA Program, Greenheart Exchange, and BridgeUSA programs. We asked for the Senators to be aware of the impact these programs have in Arizona, both economically and culturally. Furthermore, we asked the Senators to support full funding for BridgeUSA programs in the wake of proposed cuts to BridgeUSA funding up to 93%. Lastly, we requested the Senators oppose the proposed NPRM regarding Duration of Status, which would add extra paperwork and bureaucracy to the Teacher extension process.
Challenges Faced by BridgeUSA J-1 Programs
The current administration has proposed funding cuts to the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of up to 93%. A funding cut of this magnitude would be devastating to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) BridgeUSA programs and result in less cultural exchange throughout Arizona and the U.S. A full description of funding cuts can be found here.
The current administration has also proposed a rule to implement extra applications and oversight of the Teacher extension process to include an application to USCIS in addition to the current application to the Department of State. This would result in additional paperwork, fees, and time on behalf of all extension applicants, which could result in more denials of extension applications.
BirdgeUSA J-1 Participants Contribute to the Local Economy and Make America Safer, Stronger, and More Prosperous
Both Senate offices asked insightful and intriguing questions regarding BridgeUSA programs in Arizona. In Arizona, BridgeUSA participants contribute over $1.2 million to the local economy with 1,251 participants across the Au Pair, Camp Counselor, Intern and Trainee, and Summer Work Travel programs. Country wide, BridgeUSA participants contribute over $811.2 million to the U.S. economy. These staggering numbers show that BridgeUSA participants make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
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.