Education Starts with You: Teach in America

Transform your teaching career through cultural exchange. TPG Cultural Exchange provides qualified international educators with J-1 visa sponsorship to teach in U.S. K-12 schools for up to 5 years—at no cost to you.

  • Zero sponsorship fees and no third-party recruitment charges
  • Competitive salary equivalent to U.S. educators with similar credentials and experience
  • Comprehensive support from pre-departure through post-arrival and beyond
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Your Journey, Fully Supported Every Step of the Way

No-Cost J-1 Visa Sponsorship

TPG covers all sponsorship costs. We're a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor with 15+ years of experience.

Pre-Departure & Arrival Support

From credential evaluation guidance to post-arrival orientation—we help with housing, banking, and settling in.

Ongoing Professional Development

Free training before arrival and throughout your stay. Evolve your teaching skills with American classroom strategies and experience.

Competitive Compensation Package

Earn $35,000-$85,000 annually based on your qualifications and placement. Salary matches American teacher counterparts.

Family J-2 Visa Processing

Bring your spouse and children under 21 with you. We provide free J-2 visa sponsorship for qualified dependents.

24/7 Support Network

Real people supporting you around the clock. Join a community of international educators across the United States.

Subject Areas We Support Across K-12 Education

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Special Education & ESE

Evolve your experiences. Support students with diverse learning needs in American schools.

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STEM: Math, Science & Technology

Use your universal language. Teach biology, chemistry, physics, or mathematics at elementary through high school.

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Elementary & ESL/ESOL

Shape young minds while sharing your culture. Elementary and English language instruction opportunities are available nationwide.

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Additional Subject Areas

World Languages, English Language Arts, Reading/Literacy, Social Studies, and more. We support diverse teaching backgrounds.

It's really a great experience for the students of both countries to make new friends as well as to share their experiences with each other. As a teacher, I am very proud of becoming a facilitator for young minds to explore.

Sridhar Koneru
TPG Teacher, Greenville, SC

First of all, my Indian students felt so excited to receive a letter/email from an American. Secondly, I learned that exploring different educational systems is an advantage to any teacher, since a teacher can bring out best strategies of what they learned from different sources.

Ravi Surla
TPG Teacher, Fairfield, SC

The TPG team is phenomenal. They are responsive and genuinely support their teachers.

Human Resources Department
Duval County Public Schools

Your Path to Teaching in America: Simple Steps

Step 1: Submit Your Application

Complete our short online application - our recruitment team will screen your profile and get in touch.

Step 2: Vetting

The TPG team will carefully check your documentation and profile, to make sure you’re eligible and ready for your exchange journey to the United States.

Step 3: Interview & Placement

Connect with U.S. school districts seeking teachers in your subject area. Interview via video before accepting a position.

Step 4: Visa Processing & Arrival

We guide you through credential evaluation, certification, and J-1 visa application. Then welcome you to America!

Step 5: Begin Teaching & Cultural Exchange

Start your teaching position with ongoing support. Participate in required cross-cultural activities connecting students globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I qualified to participate in the J-1 teacher program?

You must have the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor's degree in Education (verified by a NACES-approved evaluator), at least 2 years of full-time K-12 teaching experience, currently work as a teacher, and be fluent in English. There is no age limit.

Does TPG charge any fees for visa sponsorship?

No. TPG does not charge any sponsorship fees and does not work with recruiters or third-party agencies who charge fees. However, you are responsible for document costs like credential evaluation ($220-$280), visa application fees ($185), SEVIS fee ($220), and state certification costs.

How long can I teach in the United States?

The J-1 visa is issued for 3 years initially. With your school's support, you can request a 2-year extension for a total of 5 years. At the conclusion, you return home for at least 2 years to complete the cultural exchange.

Can I bring my family with me?

Yes! TPG provides free J-2 visa sponsorship for your spouse and children under 21. You'll need to demonstrate sufficient funds for family support. J-2 dependents require compliant health insurance at your expense (approximately $70-$400 monthly depending on family size and ages).

What salary can I expect as an exchange teacher?

You'll earn the equivalent of a similarly-situated American educator, typically $35,000-$85,000 annually based on your qualifications, experience, and placement district. Remember that U.S. salaries are subject to federal and state taxes (15-35% of salary).

What health insurance is provided?

TPG provides Department of State-compliant health insurance at no cost for J-1 participants. This covers $100,000 medical benefits, $25,000 repatriation of remains, and $50,000 emergency evacuation with a maximum $500 deductible.

When should I apply?

You can apply at any time, but we recommend applying between September and January for the following US school year, which begins in August or September. This timeline allows adequate time for credential evaluation, visa processing, and certification.

What cross-cultural activities are required?

You'll complete two cross-cultural activities annually: one sharing your home country's culture with your school or community, and one connecting U.S. students with students in your home country through virtual exchange or other means.

Begin Your Journey: Apply to Teach in America Today

Join thousands of international educators who have transformed their careers through TPG Cultural Exchange. We're with you every step of the way.