EXCHANGE TEACHER QUESTIONS
Click on the links below to learn more about each topic.
Do I qualify?
How do I become an applicant?
Where in the US will I be placed? What type of school will
it be?
How does the teaching licensure/certification system work in
the US?
What will my responsibilities be in a US school?
How will I find housing? Who will pay for it?
What are my financial responsibilities?
What should I know about US Schools?
How long will I be able to work at a US school as an Exchange
Teacher?
Can I stay for more than three years?
Can my spouse and children come with me to the US?
Do I qualify? (back to top)
To qualify as an Amity Exchange Teacher, candidates must meet all of the requirements below.1. University degree with teacher training
2. Certified to teach in home country
3. Three years teaching experience at primary or secondary level (student ages 5-18)
4. High level of written & verbal English fluency
How do I become an applicant? (back to top)
- Complete online application form and allow Amity to assess your qualifications .
- If qualified, Amity will forward you additional materials to begin the application process.
- Interview with an Amity Screening Officer or Amity representative.
- Complete Amity application, submit to Amity for review and document evaluation.
Where in the US will I be placed? What type of school will it be? (back to top)
Exchange Teachers are placed throughout the US in rural, suburban or urban areas. Participating schools include public, private and charter schools, as well as religious and foreign language immersion schools. Exchange Teachers can only work at a primary or secondary level. There are no college or university positions for Exchange Teachers.How does the teaching licensure/certification system work in the US? (back to top)
US schools often have a mandatory system of licensure or certification to make sure their teachers are fully qualified. For teachers to become licensed or certified, they are expected to do individual development work in addition to their classes and other school duties.If they receive an assignment, Exchange Teachers will have to comply with the teacher certification process in the state they are placed. Teachers may be asked to take a basic skills test where math aptitude, reading comprehension, and analytical ability will be tested. They also may have to take additional classes in teaching methodology, psychology, basic skills or a variety of other subjects.
What will my responsibilities be in a US school? (back to top)
- Teach as full time faculty member at a primary or secondary school.
- Share language, culture and knowledge with students, colleagues and community.
- Fulfill all state licensure/certification requirements including classes, tests and/or additional assessment measures.
- Coordinate extracurricular student activities (sports, student clubs, newspaper, festivals).
- Assist students with additional academic needs (tutoring, discussion groups).
How will I find housing? Who will pay for it? (back to top)
The Exchange Teacher and school work together to coordinate suitable housing. Many times, Exchange Teachers stay temporarily with a Host Faculty Roommate for the first few weeks after arrival. Host Faculty Roommates offer room and board in exchange for a small stipend. The Exchange Teacher is responsible for paying for his/her own housing.
What are my financial responsibilities? (back to top)
- $50 application fee
- $220 document evaluation fee
- Travel expenses to and from the United States
- SEVIS Fee – Participants must enter their information into SEVIS database before applying for visa
- Visa application costs (varies by country)
- Health Insurance and evacuation/repatriation costs
- Personal expense money for the initial costs upon arriving to the US, prior to receiving your first paycheck
- Certification or licensure costs at US school
- Some applicants are required to pay the Amity Administrative fee or share the fee with the Host School. The Administrative fee is broken down into monthly payments, due after the teacher has entered the US and has begun working. Administrative fee structures can be found in the ET Bulletin.
What should I know about US Schools? (back to top)
US schools are generally divided into the following age groups:
- Elementary - 5-11 years of age
- Middle/Jr. High - 12-14 years of age
- Senior High - 15-18 years of age
US schools are geared to prepare students for participation in American society.
How long will I be able to work at a US school as an Exchange Teacher? (back to top)
Amity teachers can be placed from one to three years at a US school. Generally, schools issue one year renewable contracts and annually assess a teacher’s professional performance.
No assignment can exceed three calendar years.
Can I stay for more than three years? (back to top)
No. After the maximum three year assignment, all Amity Exchange Teachers must return home to share what they have learned in their home country.
Can my spouse and children come with me to the US? (back to top)
Yes, after one employment year. Once the Exchange Teacher has received
confirmation that the school will hire him/her for another year, Amity may
sponsor a spouse and dependent children under 21 years of age. Amity requests
that Exchange Teachers enter the US independently to acclimate themselves
to their jobs and communities. After the probationary period, the Exchange
Teacher may request sponsorship for his/her dependents.