The J-1 Teacher Program is a 1-3 year J-1 Teacher visa with optional 2-year extension program to promote interaction between U.S. and foreign teachers, to enhance mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries. These exchanges allow foreign teachers to better understand U.S. culture, society, and teaching practices and enhance their U.S. students’ knowledge of foreign cultures, customs, and methods of teaching and learning.

While the participants on J-1 Teacher Program are placed in full-time positions, they will be expected to take advantage of various cultural exchange opportunities, which is the primary purpose of the Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Programs. Zoped Internships work with the host schools to identify meaningful cross-cultural activity options in their host community. Host schools will encourage their staff to socially interact with their J-1 teachers.

Program Goals

An important goal of this program is that participants will return to their home countries and share their experiences with their peers. The J-1 Teacher Program provides participants and their host schools the opportunity to engage in a valuable professional and cultural exchange program.

The following objectives will also be met through participation on the program:

• Provide international teachers the opportunity to develop their skills with hands-on application in their field; and
• Provide unique professional and cultural exchange experiences for program participants, students, and host communities.