OVERVIEW

Exchange Leaders International (ELI) offers J1 visa sponsorship through the BridgeUSA Teacher J1 Visa program, which provides enthusiastic and skilled international teachers with opportunities to teach in and connect with U.S. host schools. The goal of the program is to foster cultural exchange and strengthen mutual understanding between U.S. and international educators. Through BridgeUSA Teacher program, teachers are placed in accredited K-12 host schools for a duration of 1 to 3 years, teaching various subjects while advancing their professional skills and participating in cultural activities within their schools and communities.

Exchange Leaders International provides two (2) program pathways:

1. Self-Placement (SP): Teachers arrange their placements directly with an ELI-approved U.S. host school, with sponsorship support provided by ELI.

Host School Approval Best Practices: If you have an official offer or Letter of Intent, ensure your host school promptly completes the host school application, as all new host schools must meet ELI's approval requirements. To identify an eligible and accredited host school in the U.S., using registries like Cognia is recommended. Note that not all schools labeled as "recognized by the state" meet the required accreditation standards. Confirm that your host school complies with ELI’s guidelines before signing an employment offer. If your prospective host school is not yet approved, they must submit a School Inquiry Form for consideration.

2. Full Placement (FP): ELI facilitates placements by matching accredited U.S. host schools with qualified, experienced international teachers.

ELIGIBILITY

ELI applicants of the BridgeUSA Teacher Program must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Possess the qualifications necessary to teach at primary or secondary schools in their country of citizenship.
Hold a degree equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor's degree in Education or the subject area they intend to teach.
Have at least two years of teaching or related professional experience.
Meet the teaching eligibility requirements of the U.S. state where they will teach, including passing any mandatory criminal background checks.
Exhibit good character and a strong reputation.
Commit to serving as a full-time classroom teacher in an accredited primary (including pre-kindergarten) or secondary school in the U.S.
Demonstrate English proficiency, which will be evaluated during an interview assessing their verbal and comprehension skills.
Be employed as a teacher at the time of their application.

For those not currently teaching at the time of application, the additional requirements are:

Fulfill the qualifications to teach at primary or secondary school levels (including pre-kindergarten) in their home country.
Have at least two years of full-time teaching experience within the past eight years.
Have earned an advanced degree (in Education or their subject area) within 12 months of submitting their program application.
Complete a Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) before their interview with a host school. For further details, contact the ELI BridgeUSA Teacher Program team.

PROGRAM FEES

When participating in the Exchange Visitor Program, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the financial aspects involved before accepting a position and arriving in the U.S. ELI Teachers are expected to act responsibly with their finances during their stay, which includes being aware of all fees, costs, taxes, insurance, payroll deductions, living expenses, and any additional expenses related to family members joining them under J-2 dependent visa status.

Before accepting a teaching position in the U.S., you will receive a Confirmation of Appointment Letter from your host school, which will specify your gross annual salary in U.S. dollars. It is advisable to use the provided information to plan and prepare your finances prior to your arrival in the U.S. Many teachers choose to bring some money with them to cover initial relocation expenses, especially since the first paycheck may not be received until the end of the first month of work. Additionally, it's important to estimate your net or "take-home" pay using the information provided, as it will help you make informed decisions when budgeting and allocating resources for housing, transportation, and other everyday living expenses. By understanding these financial aspects and planning ahead, you can ensure a smoother transition and better manage your finances during your participation in the Exchange Visitor Program as an ELI Teacher.

J1 Program Fee - YEAR 1 ($2,300)

Including 12 months of insurance, total cost ranges from $3,000 - $3,900

J1 Annual Renewal Fee

YEAR 2 and YEAR 3 ($1,900)

YEAR 4 and YEAR 5 ($1,600)

Including 12 months of insurance, total cost ranges from $2,600 - $3,000

J2 Dependent Fee ($450)

J2 Dependent Renewal Fee ($450

Including 12 months of insurance coverage, the total cost ranges from $1,150 to $1,500

ELI 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 Exchange Leaders International

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

MISCELLANEOUS NON-REFUNDABLE FEES

OTHER VISA-RELATED FEES

CANCELLATION POLICY

REFUND POLICY

Exchange Leaders International (ELI) issues refund payments exclusively to parties that have paid a fee directly to ELI, unless an alternative agreement is made between ELI, the payer(s), and the applicant(s). If a fee has been paid to ELI by multiple parties and a full or partial refund is due, the total refund amount will be divided proportionally based on each party’s contribution to the original fee payment. For refunds requested via wire transfer, $50 USD will be deducted from the refund amount to cover transaction costs incurred by ELI.

ELI shall determine the availability of refunds in all cases on an individual basis.

If ELI has not received full payment of the complete program cost (and any applicable late, site visit and/or expedite fee) at the time of the withdrawal or rejection of an application, the full payment minus any applicable refund must be paid immediately to ELI by the applicant.

ANTICIPATED LIVING EXPENSES

Teachers participating in the BridgeUSA program receive a full-time salary from their host schools. This salary is designed to cover the essential living expenses incurred while residing in the United States. These expenses may include housing, food, and transportation, such as leasing or buying a car. Salaries and living costs in the U.S. can vary widely depending on factors like teaching experience, geographic location, the size of one’s family, and individual lifestyle preferences. It is important that you plan carefully for all expenses prior to coming to the U.S.A.

SAMPLE EXPENSE SCENARIOS

Examples provided are for illustrative purposes only. Actual costs may differ.

Scenario 1: Teacher with no dependents

BEFORE TRAVEL TO THE USA

ELI sponsorship fee - $2,300

SEVIS fee - $220

Embassy Fee/DS 160 Fee - $205

Insurance - $900

TOTAL: $3,625

WHEN IN THE USA

Rent - $1000

Phone - $80

Utilities - $100

Cable/Internet - $40

Transportation (bus/train monthly pass) - $80

Groceries - $350 (month)

Personal Needs (meals out, travel, entertainment, etc) - $300

TOTAL: $1,950

Scenario 2: Teacher with 2 dependents

BEFORE TRAVEL TO THE USA:

ELI sponsorship fee - $2,300

J2 Dependent Fee - $450 (x2)

SEVIS fee - $220

Embassy Fee/DS 160 Fee - $205 (x3)

J1 Insurance - $900

J2 insurance (spouse) - $900

J2 insurance coverage (child) - $600

WHEN IN THE USA:

Rent - $1200

Phone - $110

Utilities - $150 Cable/Internet - $40 Transportation (bus/train monthly pass) - $120

Groceries - $500 (month)

Personal Needs (meals out, travel, entertainment, etc) - $500

TOTAL: $6,435

TOTAL: $2,620

MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE GUIDELINES

The U.S. Department of State mandates all J-1 Exchange Visitors and J-2 dependents (spouses and children under the age of 21) to maintain health insurance coverage that meets specific requirements throughout the duration of their program. Failure to comply with this requirement is considered a violation of J-1/J-2 status and may result in program termination in accordance with immigration regulations.

Required Health Insurance Coverage - The health insurance coverage must meet the minimum criteria established by the U.S. Department of State. To meet the J-1 visa requirements set by the Department of State, you (and any accompanying family members) must secure accident and sickness insurance with the following coverage levels:

Medical Benefits: $100,000 per accident or illness.

Deductible: Deductible limit should not exceed $500 per accident or illness.

Medical Evacuation: $50,000 to cover expenses associated with medical evacuation back to your home county.

Repatriation of Remains: $25,000 to cover the repatriation of remains to the home country.

Most host schools provide a standard health insurance plan for J-1 teachers that typically satisfies these requirements except for the repatriation and medical evacuation components. To fulfill these requirements, you may choose to purchase supplemental coverage through ELI’s insurance company partner (Envisage) or another independent insurance company.

It is important for J-1 teachers to know that healthcare costs can be quite expensive in the U.S., so it is crucial to have proper insurance coverage. In case of emergency or unexpected medical needs, having adequate insurance can save a lot of financial burden. Moreover, J-1 teachers should also be aware of the different types of healthcare providers available in the U.S.