J-1 Teacher Exchange Program
Thinking about teaching in the United States?
Here’s what the J-1 Teacher Exchange Program actually involves, and how Talinta can help.
What This Program Is
The J-1 Teacher Exchange Program is a U.S. Department of State cultural exchange program.
It allows qualified educators to teach full-time in accredited U.S. K-12 schools for up to three years, with the possibility of extension for a fourth and fifth year, subject to your sponsor’s and host school’s approval.
It is a cultural exchange, not an immigration pathway.
Talinta is not a U.S. Department of State–designated sponsor. We work with designated sponsors, who determine your eligibility, approve your host school, and issue your DS-2019.
Who We’re Looking For
We recruit qualified educators across all K-12 subject areas, and focus on special education, mathematics, science, and ESL or bilingual education — the areas where U.S. schools face the most persistent shortages.
Special Education
Mathematics
Science
ESL/Bilingual Education
Eligibility Requirements
Baseline requirements set by the U.S. Department of State.
- DegreeBachelor’s equivalent or higher in education or the subject you’ll teach.
- ExperienceAt least two years of full-time lead teaching (32+ hours a week) within the past eight years.
- Current statusTeaching in your home country now, or finished an advanced degree in the past 12 months.
- LicenseQualified to teach in your home country, and able to meet your U.S. state’s standards.
- EnglishStrong enough to lead a U.S. classroom and work with parents and administrators.
- CharacterVerified by your sponsor through references and a background check.
Meet these requirements? Screening is free, and you’ll get a written determination of where your credentials stand before anything is owed.
Start a free screeningHow the Process Works
1Free screening
Submit your background and credentials; we assess your eligibility at no cost.
2Written determination and fees
You’ll know exactly what you qualify for and what it costs before you pay anything.
Need a credential evaluation? TEC (formerly SpanTran) built a Talinta application — right report type, discounted rate, no commission to us. Open it →
3Matching
We work to connect you with host school districts and coordinate applications and interviews.
4Job offer
Once a district extends an offer, we help you move into visa sponsorship.
5Sponsor and visa process
Your designated sponsor issues your DS-2019; you complete the U.S. Embassy interview.
6Pre-departure preparation
Orientation on housing, community, and what to expect, so you arrive prepared.
7Arrival and first year
We stay in touch with regular check-ins through your first academic year.
How We Can Help You
Three ways we help, before and after you arrive.
Get hired
We connect you with school districts and help you prepare a strong application, so you go in with the best chance of being hired.
Support after you arrive
Regular check-ins through your first school year, plus opportunities for professional development.
If a placement isn’t working
Your sponsor is your first call. We help you prepare, and help you find a new school if a move is approved.
Partnership
Travel Support for Talinta Teachers
We’ve partnered with Goofy Getaways to help with travel: your program arrival and departure, return trips home, and leisure travel along the way.
See Travel SupportTalinta does not receive commissions from visa sponsors, government agencies, credential evaluators, licensing authorities, insurers, or initial and final program-travel bookings. Optional leisure-travel services are separate from the J-1 program. Talinta may receive disclosed referral compensation from qualifying leisure bookings made through an independent travel partner.
Ready to Start?
Reach out and tell us a bit about your background. We’ll walk you through eligibility and next steps.