Teach in a U.S. School

Greenheart Exchange’s Teach USA program connects enthusiastic, highly qualified international teachers with U.S. host schools to promote cultural understanding and public diplomacy.

The purpose of the Teach USA program is to promote interaction and enhance mutual understanding between U.S. and international teachers. Participating teachers are placed in a K-12 host school for 1-3 years and teach a wide range of subjects. During this program, teachers can expect to sharpen their professional skills and take part in cross-cultural activities within their schools and local communities.

Greenheart Exchange provides two (2) program options:

• Self-Placed (SP): placements are arranged directly between the teacher and a Teach USA approved host school, supplemented by Greenheart Exchange’s sponsorship.

• Best Practices for Host School Approval:
  •  If you are a self-placed teacher with an official offer and/or Letter of Intent, ensure your host school completes the host school application immediately; all new host schools must be approved by Greenheart Exchange prior to an official placement approval.
  • To assist in locating an accredited host school in the U.S., we recommend a registry such as Cognia.  There are several accreditation agencies available to host schools. Keep in mind accreditation will vary school to school. Recognized by state does not satisfy proof of accreditation. Confirm with your host school, prior to signing an employment offer letter or contract, that they are in fact accredited and are an approved host school per Greenheart’s guidelines.
  • See Greenheart Exchange’s MAP for U.S. states Greenheart is authorized to place in public schools for international teachers. Note that restrictions per state may apply and may be amended at any time.
  • If your host school is not approved, your school representative will need to submit a School Inquiry Form.

• Full Program (FP): placements are facilitated by Greenheart Exchange Teach USA, matching accredited host schools with a qualified, experienced teacher.

****   PLEASE NOTE:  Eligibility Evaluation for 2025-26 will open in early December 2024. Please see our Program Deadline section for further information.   ****

All Teach USA applicants must:

• Meet the qualifications for teaching at the primary or secondary levels in schools in their country of nationality.
• Have a degree equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree in Education or the academic subject field in which they intend to teach.
• Have a minimum of 2 years teaching or related professional experience.
• Satisfy the teaching eligibility standards of the U.S. state in which he or she will teach, including any required criminal background checks.
• Be of good reputation and character.
• Agree to come to the U.S. as a full-time teacher of record in an accredited primary (including pre-kindergarten) or secondary school.
• Be proficient in English. Teachers will be interviewed in English to assess verbal ability and comprehension.
• Be working as a teacher at the time of application.

Applicants NOT working as a teacher at the time of application must:

• Meet the qualifications for teaching at the primary or secondary levels in schools in his or her home country (including pre-kindergarten).
• Have at least two years of full-time teaching experience within the past eight years.
• Have completed an advanced degree (in Education or in the academic area he or she intends to teach) within 12 months of his or her application submission date for the program
• Have a completed Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) prior to interviewing with a Greenheart Exchange host school.

Greenheart Exchange partners with a third-party entity, offering discounted rates to our applicants. For more information, please contact the Teach USA team.

The Teach USA Program is part of the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA programming.

• The U.S. Department of State administers 15 categories of the BridgeUSA Program
• The BridgeUSA Program provides international candidates an opportunity to gain valuable work and study experience in the U.S.
• The J-1 Teacher visa is a 3-year exchange visa for international teachers coming to the U.S. to teach, which can be extended 2 years for 5 years total
• Teachers are required to organize 2 cross-cultural activities (CCA) per year with their host school and local community

Greenheart Exchange is a U.S. Department of State designated Exchange Visitor Program J-1 visa sponsor for many BridgeUSA programs, such as:

• Teacher
• Secondary School (High School Programs Department)
• Intern
• Trainee
• Summer Work Travel

This program is formally administered with the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

The U.S. Department of State

• Creates program regulations and ensures sponsors, participants, and schools are compliant with the program rules
• Communicates with sponsors to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the participants
• Approves program placements, extensions, and provides sponsors with DS-2019 forms for participants seeking J-1 visas

Greenheart Exchange’s Role as Visa Sponsor:

• Greenheart Exchange is your J-1 visa sponsor while you are in the U.S.
• Greenheart Exchange approves, places, and monitors international teachers in U.S. schools with help from our overseas partners
• We provide 24/7 program support to all teachers on our program in order to ensure health, safety, and well-being
• We work with host schools to guide you through school interviews, visa interviews, and arrival logistics to the U.S.

Fees (as of January 2024 – note: program fees change from year to year and are determined at the time the service is provided) Greenheart’s Program fees on the Teach USA programs are variable and depend upon program type, program length, and whether you are a direct applicant to Greenheart or an applicant through one of our contracted partners.

Program Fees:

• Greenheart Program Fees include the following:
  • J-1 Visa Sponsorship (DS-2019 form)
  • Pre-Departure Virtual Orientation
  • Discounted Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) services
  • 24/7 in-country support from Greenheart Exchange
  • Accident and Injury Insurance coverage for the duration of the program upon arrival (J-1 only) 
  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance provided for the full program length (J-1 only) 
  • Placement with an approved and accredited U.S. Host School (Full Program)

Miscellaneous non-refundable fees to anticipate: 

Visa related fees: 

Cancellation Policy:

Teaching salaries and living expenses in the United States Teachers on this BridgeUSA program receive a full-time salary from the host school which enables the participant to pay for living expenses in the U.S. The expenses anticipated include, but are not limited to: housing, food, and leasing or purchasing a car. Teaching salaries and living expenses in the U.S. vary based on a number of factors such as years of teaching experience, location, family size, and lifestyle choices.

*Salary Tax Withholding: while being placed in a USA school you will need to account for three different categories of taxes as well as several possible deductions from your pay:

It is important that you plan carefully for all expenses prior to coming to the U.S.

Examples (for estimation purposes only; actual expenses will vary):

Example 1: Family with 2 small children and 1 stay-at-home parent living in the Phoenix suburbs:

* For a similar family but with two working parents, estimate an additional $1,000-$3,000 for childcare expenses 

Example 2: Single teacher living in Chicago who enjoys nightlife and dining out 2x per week:

Teachers should expect to wait several weeks or more for their first paychecks. Greenheart Exchange recommends teachers bring a minimum of $3,500 with them to cover initial expenses, such as first month’s rent and rental deposits, a car down payment, driver’s license and Social Security application fees, and other initial expenses. 

The BridgeUSA Program fosters global understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. All exchange visitors are expected to return to their home country upon completion of their program in order to share their exchange experiences.

Greenheart Exchange is committed to making sure that our teachers are safe during their time in the U.S. The information on this page will provide you with up-to-date program regulations and expectations. Please contact us directly with any questions.

The Application Period is closed for the 2024-25 Academic Year

Eligibility Evaluations for Academic Year 2025-26:  Opens in early December 2024

Application Deadline for 2025-26:  Closes June 1, 2025

U.S. Arrival Dates:  July – September

U.S. School Year:  August – June

Here’s where to check your eligibility when applications open in November.

Thank you! 

Greenheart Exchange has been a J-1 visa sponsor for many years, and there are advantages to Greenheart being your visa sponsor:

• Experience with cultural exchange programs since 1985
• Hands-on support every step of the way
• 24/7 emergency phone number to reach a staff member at any time
• Pre-departure Webinar before you leave
• We are a non-profit, mission-based organization
• Continued support throughout your time in the USA

We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Exchange teachers and alumni!

Greenheart Global Impact Grants

Greenheart Global Impact Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart teachers to use for community development projects in their host or home country. A Greenheart Global Impact Grant is the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain an impactful, community-focused project abroad or at home. Grant funds could be applied to supporting women’s cooperatives, schools, community centers, or health clinics, for example. Grant winners will be featured on our website, social media, and blog. You can see a past Teach USA grant recipient project here.

Greenheart Global Leaders Conference

Each year, Greenheart offers scholarships to outstanding alumni to attend our annual conference in Washington, DC. Participants get a chance to advocate for cultural exchange in a presentation to the U.S. Department of State. Learn more at Greenheart.org.