Inscriptions open for Work & Travel USA
PROGRAM · YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
If you are an advanced student, graduate or teacher, work temporarily in US public schools with a J-1 visa and the DS-2019 form. You can travel with your family and stay up to five years.
DESTINATIONS
Host schools are public preschools, elementary and middle schools in different states, depending on available openings. Frequent destinations include Texas, Illinois, California, Arizona, New York and Wyoming.
OPTIONS
We find your job offer at a host school and handle the process with the sponsor.
If you already have an offer from an accredited US school or are looking for one, Spirit Cultural Exchange supports you through its Independent Placement.
COMMON ROLES
Besides teaching, you share your culture with your students through intercultural exchange activities, such as virtual exchanges with students from your home country.
Book an info meetingBilingual education (English/Spanish)
General education (elementary)
Foreign languages (Spanish, German, French and Mandarin)
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
Special education
And other areas!
WHAT IS INCLUDED
REQUIREMENTS
Students or recent graduates of teacher training programs (4-year degrees). Over 20 years old, advanced English, good references and suitability for an international education setting.
Graduates of a 4-year teacher training program with at least 12 months of work experience as a teacher. Over 20 years old, advanced English and good references.
Teachers qualified in their country of nationality or legal residence and currently teaching when they apply (or with a graduate degree from the last 12 months and at least two years of full-time experience in the last 8). A degree equivalent to a bachelor's in Education or your subject, at least two years of teaching experience and advanced English assessed by the sponsor.
A calling for teaching, adaptability and willingness to settle temporarily in the United States, on your own or with your family.
PROCESS
You choose the Full or Independent option and we advise you on your degree equivalency.
You complete the online application and interview with the sponsor.
You have two or three interviews with schools.
The school offers you the position, with the salary and start date.
You complete the program documents and pay the balance.
The DS-2019 is processed and you apply for the visa, for you and your family if they come along.
You gather the documents to apply for the teaching license in your destination.
You travel, find your accommodation and start the experience.
TESTIMONIALS
“Hay sueños cumplidos. Hay crecimiento. Hay personas maravillosas que aparecieron en el camino.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Early: schools usually interview from January to May for those who want to start the program in July or August, when the school year begins. Visas can be processed until October each year, since the State Department gives priority to those who can start and finish at least one academic year.
Meeting the requirements and standards of the US state where you will teach, and having a good personal record and impeccable conduct.
Yes, in the Exchange Teacher category. Your spouse gets a J-2 visa and can work in the United States, but the permit is processed once there and usually takes a while. Your children under 21 can also apply for the J-2 visa and attend school.
It depends on your category. Intern and Trainee have 6, 12 or 18-month contracts. Exchange Teacher has 1 to 3-year contracts, extendable up to a maximum of 5 years. The school year runs from August to June, and the program is often extended.
It is very important to have enough funds to pay, on arrival, the deposit and the first and last month of rent for a house or apartment. Accommodation usually costs around USD 1,200 a month for a small family.
The United States usually has little or no public transportation, so it is a good idea to bring money to buy a car when you arrive. It lets you get to school if you live far away, although some teachers choose to live closer to the school.
Most schools are willing to cover a large part of the program costs, but flights for you and your family, transfers and finding accommodation are on you, so it is a big investment.
When you arrive in the United States you must complete the process to obtain the license to teach in your destination state. We help you gather the documents you need.
Yes. It is mandatory for everyone who travels and is filed before April each year (the US tax year), with the W-2 form issued by your employer. It is important to do it right and read the information carefully to fill in the form when you arrive in the United States. Interlatina offers the filing as a separate service.
Book your info session to sign up for your new experience.
