Amity Institute

Building International Friendship and Cultural Understanding Through Teaching Exchange.

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Admissions Requirements

To qualify for our program, applicants must:

  • Have a formal, written offer of employment from an eligible U.S. host school.

  • Hold, at the minimum, a degree equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s Degree in either Education or the academic subject field intended to teach.

  • Be employed as a teacher in his or her home country at the time of application.*

  • Meet the qualifications to teach at the primary, including pre-Kindergarten, or secondary levels in schools in his or her home country.

  • Have at least two years of documented, full-time teaching experience as the lead teacher.  Satisfy the teaching eligibility standards of the U.S. State in which they will teach, including any criminal background checks, additional testing, or supplemental coursework that may be required.

  • Possess a sufficient level of written and verbal English.

  • Agree to come to the United States as a full-time teacher of record in an accredited primary or secondary school.

  • Commit to facilitating cross-cultural activities with U.S. host school and community; and internationally with school abroad.

  • Be of good reputation and character.

*There is one exception to this requirement.  A teacher who is not working in his or her home country at the time of application, but has or will have completed an advanced degree in education or in an academic subject matter that he or she intends to teach within 12 months of his or her application submission date for the program MAY qualify if the meet all other requirements.

Overview:

The goal of the International Teacher Program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through teaching and cultural exchange.  This program offers highly qualified educators the opportunity to play important roles as cultural ambassadors by sharing aspects of their culture with U.S. students, schools, and communities through full-time, paid teaching positions at accredited primary and secondary schools. At the conclusion of their program, International Teachers are expected to return to their home country to share their experience and knowledge of U.S. culture and teaching methodologies with their local community.

The Basics:

  • Participants may stay up to three years, with the possibility to extend, at the request of their host school, for an additional two years (for a maximum of five years).  This program is not intended as a way to immigrate to the U.S.

  • Applicants must find their own teaching position with an eligible U.S. host school before Amity will consider sponsorship.

  • Teachers are employed full-time directly through the Host School.  Therefore, the length of each teaching program is determined by the host school. Salary is determined by host school and varies per site. Teachers must be paid at the same level as their American colleagues with equal education and experience.

  • International Teachers are only permitted to perform work stated in employment contract with host school.  Other work is not permitted.

  • Upon finishing their program, participants must return to their home country to fulfill the exchange, and may not return to the United States on another J1 visa for at least two years.

  • Applicants may request authorization for family members to accompany them to the U.S. (spouse or children under 21 years of age).

Throughout their time in the United States, International Teachers will:

  • Work together with other teachers at the host school.

  • Dress and conduct in a professional manner.

  • Adjust to the host school’s teaching methods and educational philosophy.

  • Diplomatically address inaccuracies and stereotypes expressed about their country and culture.

  • Facilitate cross-cultural exchange activities with their students, school, and community.

Financial Responsibilities of the International Teacher:

Fixed Costs:

  • $200 non-refundable application fee – payable to Amity after your eligibility has been established by our staff.

  • $200 J2 application fee (one time processing fee per immediate family member)

  • $220 SEVIS Fee (State Department fee)

  • Annual Administrative Fee: paid per school year, due after arrival in the United States. This fee may be paid by or shared between the applicant and/or school.

    • The administrative fee fully covers all necessary processing associated with your program and there are no additional fees for regular program maintenance, travel validation signatures needed to reenter the United States, or reissuing a lost DS-2019 form. This fee is subject to review and change as deemed appropriate. Below is the fee schedule (according to the teacher’s program participation year) for the 2022-2023 school year: 
      • Year 1: $1500

      • Year 2: $1000

      • Year 3: $750

      • Year 4: $1000

      • Year 5: $750

  • Amity does not work with third party agencies that require teachers to pay fees to that agency or any individual.

Please note: All required fees paid to Amity are non-refundable. 

Variable Costs:

  • Visa application fee (approximately $160)

  • Health and Evacuation/Repatriation Insurance for duration of the program – currently $97 per month for the teacher through an Amity endorsed insurance policy.  Dependents insurance premium is slightly higher. (This cost will vary if you choose to enroll with a different plan or provider)

  • Housing and transportation costs – the International Teacher must be financially able to support his or her family and will be responsible for their own living and transportation expenses.

  • Personal expense money for the initial costs upon arriving to the U.S. to support you and your family members until you receive your first paycheck.

  • Certification of licensing costs at U.S. host school – Approximately $35-$300, but varies depending on state and terms of licensure.

  • Taxes – Teacher salaries are subject to U.S. federal and state income tax.  The offered salary commonly states the salary amount before taxes are withheld. Federal and State taxes range from  approximately 12-27%. 

  • Fee for Employment Authorization Form I-765 – for J-2 dependents who wish to work in the United States – Filing Fee $410 (paid directly to the U.S. Government).

Living Cost in the United States:

The United States is a very large country. Living costs may vary greatly based on where your school is located, the type of housing you choose, the availability of public transportation, and the number of individuals in your family. Below are some average costs to assist you in budgeting:

  • Housing- You should expect to spend, on average, between $1100 and $1600 per month on rent.

  • Transportation- Transportation costs represent the second largest monthly expenditure for the average American Family. The average American family spends between $850 and $900 per month for transportation.

  • Food costs- The United States Department of Agriculture reports that the average American Family spends approximately $350 per individual each month for food.

It is important to understand that International Teacher wages may not cover all expenses while living in the United States. It is imperative that International Teachers bring additional personal funds to provide financial security and support as needed. For information regarding estimated costs of living in different regions of the United States, visit the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator. 

 

Do you currently have a teaching offer in the United States and want to learn more about your next steps with Amity? Please email your employment offer letter and resume in English to mail@amity.org to learn more.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 


This experience changed my life! Now, I have more dreams and some other goals. I'm so thankful for everything that I've learned. I want to continue growing as a human and as a teacher. The Amity program is one the best things that ever happened to me." - Michelle, 2018-2019 Intern

We have been working with Amity for several years. Learning about different cultures, communities, traditions, music, arts, dances and more, helps our students to see the world as a global place fostering diversity and respect. Having a second adult in the classroom helps our teachers to be able to have more individualized attention to students and work on small groups. Amity has been a wonderful organization to work with, reliable and accessible, bringing highly qualified young people to work in our school."- Maria Buceta Miller, Amity School Coordinator, John Stanford International School

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Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor 🇺🇲 (BridgeUSA)
International friendship+cultural understanding through teaching exchange 🌍
Admissions is now open!

Amity Institute
Congratulations to Leo, Intern at Lake Elmo Elemen Congratulations to Leo, Intern at Lake Elmo Elementary School, for being the second winner of Amity’s Emily Stowell Scholarship! 

Your school community is very thankful and appreciative of all the work you have done this year, all of your efforts did not go unnoticed. Thank you to your school for nominating you and congratulations on behalf of the entire Amity team!! 🥳

#j1 #bridgeusa
Congratulations to Carlota, Intern at La Academia, Congratulations to Carlota, Intern at La Academia, for being one of Amity’s Emily Stowell Memorial Scholarship winners! 

All of your hard work this year surely did not go unnoticed. Thank you to your school for nominating you and congratulations on behalf of the entire Amity team!! 🥳

#j1 #bridgeusa
Congratulations to Lisandro for winning third plac Congratulations to Lisandro for winning third place in Volunteerism! 

“The goal of Free Cycles is to help Western Montana transition to a sustainable transportation system while simultaneously setting a strong example for other places. Free Cycles provides bicycles, parts, tools, work space, and help for a healthy community. Our programs focus on re-purposing unused bicycles to reduce pollution and increase freedom, empowerment and social change.

Volunteering in free cycle has made me more aware of natural phenomena are becoming more extreme, and humanity must act as soon as possible. I am happy to contribute a little to social and environmental change’s around the world.” 🇸🇻

#j1 #bridgeusa
Congratulations to Igancio for winning second plac Congratulations to Igancio for winning second place in volunteerism! 

“The context of this picture is on Christmas days.  Last year my host family started to do a fundraiser for the kids in the salvation army with the goal to give them money to buy new toys for the families that can't buy toys. They did again this year too. We cooked cupcakes and we prepared a spot in front of our house to sell it. We also asked our neighbors for help and we got down to work. We spend all afternoon and night until really late selling the cup cakes and trying to earn as much as possible. I was so enthusiastic to help with this idea. I wear a Saint Claus costume and make the fundraiser more special. We published the fundraiser on Facebook and in other social media. A lot of people came, some with small kids and they also took pictures with me and asked for their presents. Other ones only wanted to give us money and they didn't buy any cupcakes or come and also help a few minutes talking with us and making a better environment. For me was a really special moment, I never lived anything similar and probably was one of my best experiences here. Also a couple of days  before the TV comes to our house to talk with the kids and with my host mum. The experience was amazing. I really want to share with you. I put down the link to the video made for the Dakota New and the picture that I attached is me wear the custome of santa and my hot brother Lucas.” 🇪🇸

#j1 #bridgeusa
Congratulations to Lorena for winning first place Congratulations to Lorena for winning first place in Volunteerism! 

“During the inclussion week we had different activities, the week was finished with a Polar plunge were you jump and donate for the life skills program. My host-sister Lillian who is 10 years old and I jumped to colaborate in this project.” 🇪🇸

#j1 #Bridgeusa
Congratulations to Laurie for winning third place Congratulations to Laurie for winning third place in the Host Family category! 

“This photo shows all the members of my first host family: Lea and Thomas, their wonderful twins Conrad and Vanessa, and baby Evelyn. I spent the Thanksgiving holiday with them, which was a first-time event for me. For the occasion, we went to Memphis, Tennessee, to join other family members. It was a great trip, combining cultural discovery and sharing time with an incredible family. Knowing that we weren't going to spend the Christmas holidays together, they still wanted to mark the occasion and give me matching pajamas. I was very touched by this because it was a family tradition and they had already had these pyjamas for several years. By making this gesture, they showed me how much I was integrated and loved as a true member of their wonderful family.” 🇫🇷

#j1 #bridgeusa
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