BridgeUSA J-1 Teacher Exchange Visitor Program 505.577.9754 j1visa@eliprograms.org

BRIDGEUSA · J-1 TEACHER EXCHANGE

NOTICE: Exchange Leaders International (ELI) is currently in the application review phase for U.S. Department of State J-1 Visa Sponsor designation. Program implementation remains subject to final federal approval and designation. Applicants will be informed once we receive official authorization to proceed.

Global educators, American classrooms, one shared future.

Lead. Learn. Grow.

Exchange Leaders International (ELI) bridges the gap between global educators and U.S. K-12 classrooms through the BridgeUSA Teacher Exchange Visitor Program — a program of the U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

I'm a Teacher

I'm a School

Accredited K-12 host schools • Initial 3-year term • Cross-cultural exchange

TEACHER CATEGORY · PURPOSE & INTENT

Teaching that crosses borders — and comes home richer

The Teacher category of the Exchange Visitor Program promotes the exchange of foreign teachers to U.S. host schools and enhances mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries.

1 · Teach full-time in U.S. schools

Qualified foreign teachers teach full-time in accredited public and private U.S. primary and secondary (K-12) schools. Exchange teachers may also teach at the pre-kindergarten level in language immersion programs at accredited schools.

2 · Grow as an educator

Exchange teachers sharpen their professional skills and are required to participate in cross-cultural activities in U.S. schools and communities throughout their program.

3 · Return home and share

Upon completing the program, exchange teachers return home to share their experiences and increased knowledge of the United States — its educational system, culture, and society.

THE PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

An initial 3-year term, focused on what matters

Your journey begins with an initial 3-year term focused on classroom excellence, professional development, and meaningful cultural exchange within your local American community — with the BridgeUSA program allowing teachers to teach in the U.S. for up to five years.

✓ Full-time teaching in accredited K-12 schools

✓ Sponsorship and placement support from ELI

✓ Cross-cultural activities in schools and communities

✓ A return home to share experience and knowledge

TWO PATHWAYS

Choose how your placement comes together

ELI provides two program pathways for exchange teachers.

PATHWAY 1 · Self-Placement (SP)

Teachers arrange their placement directly with an ELI-approved U.S. host school, with sponsorship support provided by ELI.

• You secure your own offer from a host school

• All new host schools must meet ELI's approval requirements

• Accreditation matters — registries such as Cognia are recommended

PATHWAY 2 · Full Placement (FP)

ELI facilitates placements by matching accredited U.S. host schools with qualified, experienced international teachers.

• ELI matches you with an accredited host school

• Built for qualified, experienced international teachers

• Support throughout the placement process

How Self-Placement works

How Full Placement works

For Teachers

Ready to bring your teaching to a U.S. classroom? Review the program, the two pathways, and eligibility — and learn what to do next.

Explore the Teacher Program

For Schools

Interested in hosting an international teacher? ELI can assist you every step of the way. Complete the School Initial Registration form to start the conversation.

Register Your School

The BridgeUSA Teacher Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) is a program of the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

Teacher Category: Purpose and Intent

The Teacher category of the EVP promotes the exchange of foreign teachers to U.S. host schools and enhances mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Exchange teachers sharpen their professional skills and are required to participate in crosscultural activities in U.S. schools and communities. They return home to share their experiences and increased knowledge of the United States and its educational system, culture, and society. Qualified foreign teachers teach full-time in accredited academic public and private U.S. primary and secondary schools (K-12). The Department does not consider K-12 institutions offering predominantly vocational or technical programs academic for purposes of exchange teachers’ placements. Exchange teachers may also teach at the pre-kindergarten level, but only in language immersion programs at accredited schools for at least fifty percent of the school day where regular courses of study are in a language not native to the majority of the student population.

Program Regulations

The BridgeUSA Program promotes global understanding through cultural and educational exchanges. Upon completing your program, all exchange visitors must return to their home country to share their experiences. At Exchange Leaders International, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We are dedicated to supporting you throughout your stay in the U.S. It is essential for you to understand and follow the Exchange Visitor Program regulations, U.S. laws, and your sponsor's rules. Staying in regular communication with your sponsor will ensure you remain informed about any changes that could impact your J-1 visa status. Below are some key federal regulation requirements and where to find more information.

Resources to Review

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

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