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J-1 Teacher Exchange Program

J-1 TEACHER EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Bringing Global Teaching Talent to U.S. Classrooms

The J-1 Teacher Exchange Program gives eligible international educators the opportunity to teach in qualifying U.S. K–12 schools while participating in cultural and educational exchange.

EdEx helps schools explore qualified teacher candidates and provides support through candidate selection, interviews, placement, and applicable program steps.

OVERVIEW

What Is the J-1 Teacher Exchange Program?

The J-1 Teacher Exchange Program is designed to support educational and cultural exchange by allowing eligible international teachers to work in qualifying U.S. schools for a temporary period.

For schools, the program can provide access to experienced international educators while introducing students and school communities to new perspectives, cultures, and teaching experiences.

BENEFITS FOR SCHOOLS

Why Schools Consider International Teachers

The J-1 Teacher Exchange Program lets qualified international teachers work in accredited U.S. K–12 schools while sharing their culture with students and the wider school community. EdEx supports schools through candidate selection, interviews and placement.

Fill Hard-to-Staff Positions

Expand your candidate pool for vacancies in high-demand subject areas.

Bring Global Perspectives

International educators can add cultural diversity and new perspectives to the classroom.

Experienced Educators

Connect with teachers who have professional classroom experience and subject-area backgrounds.

Cultural Exchange

Create opportunities for students, staff, and families to engage with different cultures and educational experiences.

OUR SUPPORT

How EdEx Supports Schools

EdEx helps schools move through the international teacher placement process with clear communication and practical support.

01

Candidate Access

Connect with qualified international educators across key subject areas.

02

Candidate Selection

Review teacher profiles and identify candidates aligned with your staffing needs.

03

Interview Coordination

EdEx helps organize interviews between schools and selected educators.

04

Program Guidance

Receive guidance on applicable J-1 program steps and requirements.

05

Placement Support

Get support through selection, placement, and onboarding.

06

Ongoing Communication

EdEx continues supporting schools and educators throughout the placement process.

J-1 Program FAQs

The J-1 Teacher Exchange Program is a U.S. Department of State cultural exchange program that allows qualified international educators to teach in eligible U.S. K-12 schools while sharing their culture, experiences, and educational perspectives with students and school communities

EdEx follows a thorough candidate review process before introducing teachers to schools. Candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications, teaching experience, English-language proficiency, subject-area expertise, professional readiness, and overall fit for the position.

EdEx works with schools to understand their staffing needs and identify qualified candidates. Schools review candidate profiles, conduct interviews, and make the final hiring decision. EdEx helps coordinate each step of the process.

Host schools are generally required to be accredited and meet applicable sponsor and program requirements. Eligibility may depend on the school's accreditation status, school type, and other program criteria. Visit our Host School Eligibility page to review the requirements and determine your school's next steps.

The host school serves as the teacher's employer and is responsible for compensation, supervision, and day-to-day employment support in accordance with applicable school policies, sponsor requirements, and program guidelines. The designated visa sponsor oversees the J-1 program, including visa administration, regulatory compliance, and participant monitoring. EdEx supports the placement process by helping schools identify qualified candidates and facilitating coordination among the school, teacher, and sponsor.

Schools provide the teaching position, compensation, and a supportive professional environment for the teacher. Additional responsibilities may vary based on sponsor requirements and program guidelines

Once a candidate is selected, EdEx assists with the next steps of the placement process, including coordination with the sponsoring organization, required documentation, onboarding preparation, and transition planning

EdEx serves as a resource and guide throughout the placement journey. We help schools identify qualified candidates, coordinate interviews, navigate program requirements, assist with onboarding preparation, and support communication throughout the placement process. Our goal is to make hiring international educators as straightforward and efficient as possible.

EdEx works with qualified educators across a variety of grade levels and subject areas, including elementary education, mathematics, science, English language arts, social studies, world languages, special education, arts, and other areas based on school needs.

Contact EdEx to schedule a consultation. We will discuss your staffing needs, review program eligibility, and help identify qualified candidates and the best pathway for your school.

SCHOOL STAFFING SUPPORT

Request J-1 Teacher Staffing Information

Tell us about your school’s staffing needs and interest in international educators. An EdEx team member can follow up regarding candidate options, placement steps, and applicable J-1 program requirements.

J-1 SCHOOL INQUIRY

Tell Us About Your Staffing Needs