Greenheart Exchange’s Teach USA program connects enthusiastic, highly-qualified international teachers with U.S. host schools to promote cultural understanding and public diplomacy.
Our primary goal is to facilitate an exceptional professional exchange program for teachers from all around the world to share their knowledge and experience in the U.S.
Through travel and cultural exchange, Greenheart helps individuals reach their full potential, leading to a more tolerant, peaceful, and environmentally sustainable world.
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:
All Teach USA applicants must:
Applicants NOT working as a teacher at the time of application must:
Greenheart Exchange partners with a third-party entity, offering discounted rates to our applicants. For more information, please contact the Teach USA team.
Teach USA’s Program fees are variable and depend upon program type, program length, and whether you are a direct applicant to Greenheart or an applicant through one of Greenheart’s partners. Additionally, there are several non-refundable fees associated with each step of the application process and other fees that are specific to each applicant. See below for the full list of program pricing and services provided.
Program Fees
Application Processing Fees (non-refundable)
Program Fees include the following:
Program Fees do not include the following:
Additional Expenses
|
Cancellation Period |
Cancellation Fee |
Visa Denial Fee |
|
Cancellation request received at least 28 days before DS 2019 start date |
$500 |
$250 |
|
Cancellation request received 27-1 day(s) before DS 2019 start date |
$1,000 |
$500 |
|
Cancellation request received on or after DS 2019 start date |
Entire program fee |
Entire program fee |
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.
Teachers and host schools are required to notify Greenheart Exchange of the following situations:
All Exchange Visitors are entitled to the same legal protections as U.S. residents and citizens. Please review the following resources regarding rights and protections of participants on the Teacher Exchange Program:
Teachers are required to be on regular payroll and must complete Form W-4 at the start of their program. Teachers are required to pay federal, state, and local (if applicable) income taxes and are exempt from paying FICA and FUTA taxes. Please review additional resources below:
Host schools must provide W-2 forms to teachers in-line with Social Security Administration requirements. Teachers are required to file an individual tax return in-line with Internal Revenue Service requirements. Please review the additional resources below:
Applications Open: January 11, 2021
Application Deadline: June 1st
U.S. Arrival Dates: July – September
U.S. School Year: August – May
It’s simple! Begin by clicking the “Get Started” button. Greenheart Exchange will review your submission and contact you shortly.
Participants are responsible for paying all fees associated with the Teach USA program. However, Greenheart does encourage schools to help pay for program fees if funding is available.
Teach USA teachers earn the same salary and benefits as their American counterparts. This is a requirement for all host schools in the Teach USA program.
Teacher certification for international teachers is different state-by-state. The first step for all teachers is to undergo a Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE). Greenheart Exchange offers a unique discount for our teachers to expedite their FCE and save money in the process!
Greenheart Exchange works with all types of accredited K-12 schools, provided they are supportive of international teachers and cultural exchange.
The U.S. school year typically runs from August to the following June.
Yes! Spouses and children under 21 are eligible for sponsorship on a J-2 visa. Greenheart recommends that your family join you in the U.S. only after you have arrived at your placement, began teaching, and secured housing. Additionally, J-2 children can attend school in the U.S.
Dependents may apply for an I-765 from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work throughout the duration of their stay.
Teachers can stay up to 3 years and may apply for an extension of 2 years for a possible total of 5 years.
Greenheart Exchange has been a J-1 visa sponsor for many years, and there are advantages to Greenheart being your visa sponsor:
We also have some unique offerings to our Greenheart Exchange teachers and alumni!
Greenheart Grants
Greenheart Grants are funds awarded to Greenheart teachers to use for community development projects in their host or home country. A Greenheart 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 August Greenheart offers full-ride scholarships to over 40 alumni to attend our annual conference in Washington, DC. Participants even get a chance to advocate for cultural exchange in a presentation to the US Department of State. You can see more about what GGLC is and what you could do at the conference here.