We believe that every student should be able to study with the best teacher. ACCESS team is dedicated to identify the most passionate and qualified teachers in India interested in participating in a J1 Cultural-Exchange Visa program to teach in the K12 schools in United States of America. This opportunity is available for each teacher for a period of five years.
USA K12 Student’s Benefit: Teachers from India are highly skilled in teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. There is a significant shortage of STEM teachers in the United States of America.
ACCESS Career strengthens “Curiosity” in the student, as it is the fundamental driver that is triggered by each individual student’s Intrinsic career Interest. Outcome is to identify a student’s inherent interest (which may be discouraged by the norms of our society), designed to make the “dreams come true” confidence in each student.
India Student’s Benefit: By connecting Indian teachers via our “ACCESS INTERNATIONAL TEACHER PLACEMENT” program, we are not only connecting highly quality teachers to students in India, but we are also strengthening the K12 education system in India, when these teachers return to India after receiving, learning and getting certified in best in class teaching strategies in the United States.
Teacher’s Benefit: Our teacher’s dream to teach in Americanschools is made possible by Acclaim Global Education (AGE) by connecting them to the opportunities to work in truly world class education institutes in USA and brining that significant knowledge back to the Indian students on the teachers return to India upon completion of the J1 Teacher Program period.
Our Experience: Acclaim Global Education (AGE) has successfully placed FIFTY highly experienced teachersunder cultural exchange educators to the United States of America over past 5 years. The largest batch of teachers from Andhra Pradesh (26) to leave in one group were placed in Texas. This was made possible by our partnership with the Andhra Pradesh state government organization APNRT.
How does it work?
AGE (India) and Star Tech Group (USA) in collaboration with Alliance Aboard Group (AAG) authorized for placement of International teachers in USA via their “Cultural Exchange Program”. This program connects experienced Indian teachers with the opportunities in USA to learn and teach in the USA educational environment via the “Cultural Exchange” program with full-time placements for up to three years to teach in the United States with an additional option of two more years of extension up to a maximum of five years. Participants in the “Cultural Exchange” program gain exposure to American teaching methods while bringing aInternational cultural perspective and viewpoints into K12 classrooms in the United States of America.
Eligibility Requirements:
1. Teacher applicant should have a Master’s Degree in Mathematics or Science or English to qualify.
2. Should beB.Ed or M.Ed Certified.
3. Minimum of 5 years’ Experience in Teaching (Primary ,Secondary and High School Experience).
4. Complete English proficiency test TOFEL (only Texas state)
5. Have fluent verbal and written skills (communication skills).
6. Should be comfortable handling technology.
7. Have the ability to connect to students and high level of inter-personal skills.
8. Educational certificates evaluation with Recognised Foreign Credential Evaluation Agency.
9. Candidate passport with a minimum of 2 years due date to renewal.
10. Teacher applicant must be teaching at the time of application.
11. Continuous Teaching Experience with a minimum of 2 years.
12. International teaching experience is a big plus that helps in the selection process.
Type of employment
1. Visa Type: J1 Visa (Called Cultural Exchange Visa) with a three year plus two work visa.
2. Green Card WILL NOT BE PROCESSED by the School District.
3. Cost of Immigration Paperwork: Candidate responsibility.
4. Teacher Certification Requirement: Up to 12 months after arriving in USA as per State education Dept.
Interview Process:
1. Candidates should attend 1st Round of interview on zoom with Acclaim Global Education (AGE).
2. Those who clear the first round, have a 2ndRound interview with Expert Panel of Star Tech Group.
3. After clearing the 2ndround successfully, we will share the teacher’s resume with AAGfor Review. AAG will conduct aPre-Screen Live Audio/Video interview.
4. Short-listedapplicants will have a Live Audio/Video interview with the School District representative where the teaching positions are available.
5. School district HR department will inform AGE team confirming job offer.
6. AGE will coordinate candidate Visa Paperwork with J1 Sponsor and School District.
7. After the Immigration paperwork is completed, Candidate will be scheduled to go to the USA Consulate for Visa interview.
8. Candidate should arrive in USA with enough cash to support themselves for 60 days, before pay checks are issued.
9. Teacher Certification Requirement: Within 12 months from the date of arriving in USA, candidate should complete the Teacher Certification Program as per therespective state foreign educator policy.
10. Selected candidate AGE will conduct 10 Days Orientation program with AGE.
Salary
Salaries range between $39,000 to $70,000 per school year depending on the State education pay schedule of the school with consideration to qualifications of the teacher and years of work experience in India. J-1 teachers are paid same salary as other American teachers in school. All teachers are subject to Federal, State, andLocal Income Taxes and Withholding.
| FEE TYPE | Amount | Refund Details | Payment Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| J1 Sponsor Fee | $3500 | $200 Non-Refundable | After received Offer letter |
| Program Fee | $2500 | $200 Non-Refundable | After Visa approval |
Job-related expenses teachers might incur upon program start
| TYPE OF FEE | RANGE (USD) | TO CONSIDER |
|---|---|---|
| State Certification/Licensure | Estimated range of $70 - $170 |
Amount depends on the state; please check your state's Department of Education website |
| State Licensure Exams | Estimated range of $60-$250 | Costs of state licensure exams vary greatly depending on state and subject matter and may not be required in all states |
| Criminal Background Check | $60 - $160 | Varies by location |
Fees to be paid to Alliance Abroad for changes or additions to your program
| TYPE OF FEE | RANGE (USD) | TO CONSIDER |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Renewal Fee | $1,000 | Paid to Alliance Abroad in the spring of each year for the following school year. |
| Transfer Fee | $500 | Due if approved to change host school placements after arrival |
| Extension Fee for 4th, 5th year | $367 | Paid directly to the U.S. Department of State |
| J-2 Dependent Fee | $500 | Per dependent. Must be spouse or child under 21 years of age. |
| Initial Insurance for J-2 Dependent | $270 | Dependent insurance for the first 90 days J-2 is in country. Dependent will need to be added to teacher’s insurance policy following the initial 90 days. |
Fees teachers may incur prior to arrival in the United States
| TYPE OF FEE | RANGE (USD) | TO CONSIDER |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Exchange Full Placement First Time Program Fee | $4,300 | AAG provides your teach placement |
| Teacher Exchange Self Placement First Time Program Fee | $3,300 | You secure your own teach placement |
| Teacher Exchange with Overseas Agency First Time Program Fee | $3,500-$11,000 | Program Fee if you decide to apply through a local agency. Costs vary by partner and depend on what items the teacher includes in partner services* |
| Foreign Credential Evaluation | $200 - $400 | Amount depends on number of transcripts evaluated and service provider chosen by teacher. |
| SEVIS Fee | $220 | Paid to the Department of Homeland Security |
| Visa Appointment Fee | $160 | Paid to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your Home Country |
| International Flights | $800 - $2,000 | Varies greatly depending on port of departure and entryy |
| Initial Expense Fund | $3,000 | Please bring funds to cover your first month(s) of expenses prior to receiving a paycheck. This amount does not include housing costs. |
We've summarized and grouped the amounts below for you to be fully informed, but please be aware that these are based on averages and might be subject to change due to several variables.
*Teachers are not required to enroll through a third-party agency to participate. For a list of our current overseas partner agencies, please click here.
| TYPE OF FEE | RANGE (USD) | TO CONSIDER |
|---|---|---|
| TSchool Insurance | May opt-in per school policy | We encourage teachers to enroll in school plans, which are more comprehensive than emergency coverage. Cost varies greatly depending on which school plan you choose and whether you have family joining you. Teachers should budget a minimum of $150-$300/month for school’s insurance policy. |
| Optional Insurance (If necessary) | $29.90-$49.90/month | Teachers may opt to pay monthly for AAG recommended plan that meets program regulations. http://dianins.com/scholar-plan |
| TFederal and State Income Tax | Average of 10 - 15% of gross pay | Not all states have a state income tax. We recommend checking here: Paycheck Calculator |
| FICA, FUTA | Average 8% of Salary | Teachers on the J-1 visa program are typically subject to FICA and FUCA taxes after the first two tax calendar years in the US. In most cases, these payments will begin January 1 of your second year on program. Please note that a teacher will need to begin paying these taxes right away if the teacher was in the US previously on an F, J, M, or Q visa. |
| Retirement Benefits | 0-8.25% | Your host school may allow or require participation in their investment program for retirement. Please check your job offer and speak with your school principal during the interview about these details. |
| Union Fees (if applicable) | Average annual cost of $400 | Your offer letter will include whether or not union membership and thus dues are required as well as confirm the cost. |
Average cost of living expenses
| TYPE OF FEE | RANGE (USD) | TO CONSIDER |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | $800 - $2,500 per month | Factors include city, house or apartment, # of bedrooms, # of people sharing accommodation |
| Transportation | $250 - $500 | Factors include bus or car transportation, gas, car payment |
| Food & Groceries | $750 - $1,000 | Based on grocery budget |
| Childcare (Age 0 - 5) | Avg. $700 per month | Full-time daycare can be very expensive. It can vary greatly depending on location,https://www.epi.org/child-care-costs-in-the-united-states/#/TX |
| After school care (Age 5 - 12) | Avg. $174 - $261 per week | Some schools offer after care for students at school until 6 pm. According to Care.com’s 2022 Cost of Care Survey, parents paid part-time, after-school sitters an average of $261 per week for one child. After-school sitters made an average of $17.40 per hour. https://www.care.com/c/how-much-to-charge-after-school-child-care/ |
| Utilities | Avg. of $400 per month for house | May be less if in an apartment. Includes electricity, air-conditioning, trash, water, etc. Please note that some cities require cash deposits for utilities in the absence of a credit file. |
| Cable and/or Internet | Avg. of $70 - $100 per month | Depends on the plan you select. |
| Phone | Avg. of $60 - $100 per month | There are many plan options to suit your needs and budget. |
| Entertainment | AAvg. of $200 per month | Depends on what you like to do in your free time- sports tickets, events, movies, etc. |
The J1 Intern & Trainee program allows Hospitality & Culinary university students or recent graduates to temporarily travel and live in the U.S while learning the latest industry trends and best practices from some of the most prominent hotel chains and branded Travel and tourism corporations. Experience the American hospitality culture. Put into practice your knowledge and talents while improving your skills training with some of the hospitality and culinary leaders of the world.
Hospitality is the art of making people feel welcome and showing people that you care but goes way further. It requires being authentic and genuine and professional. It’s connecting with people and earning their trust while you do your very best to create a perfect environment, a memorable meal, a wonderful experience. The secret to great hospitality is not available in any book, it needs practice, and its master by observing and doing! Our programs offer some of the best opportunities to learn and practice the art of hospitality with some of the best-known companies in the US.
AAG is an officially designated U.S. Department of State sponsors for the Exchange Visitor Intern and Trainee Programs. That means we understand the visa process and the requirements involved in receiving approval
We’re partnered with some of the best and biggest corporations in the US who are looking for international talent to train and watch grow. Some of the types of businesses that are hiring now:
There are many opportunities and positions available with all types of qualified businesses – we can find something that is a perfect match for your own unique skillset and experience.
Position secured before arriving in the U.S. so you know exactly where you are going and start earning right away.
We help you with your resume and interview preparation so you make a great first impression and land the right job.
We work with you in advance to prepare you for your adventure in the U.S. and provide you with an orientation about what to expect.
Guidance on visa requirements and travel medical insurance.
We work with your employer to ensure the training plan is a unique experience and highlights all the skills and methodologies you will learn while on the program.
24/7 emergency support from our U.S. based support teams
Help with obtaining needed tax file number and referral for tax support through Sprintax
• 1st round of Interview: Will be via zoom with AGE representative in India
• 2nd round of Interview: Will be via zoom with Star Care Technology management, USA
• 3rd round of Interview: J1 IT Sponsor Pre-Screen interviews (off-line video call or live interview).
• 4th round of Interview: With the Host Company where the applicates position is available.
• Once the fourth round of interview is done successfully, the Host Company will inform the J1 Company, which updates AGE and applicant is updated by AGE team member.