TEACHER HOST SCHOOL QUESTIONS
Please click on a topic below to read its corresponding questions.
How does the Exchange Teacher become licensed or credentialed?
As certification procedures differ from state to state, Amity works closely with human resource administrators regarding licensure and certification. If a Teacher Applicant is being considered for a position, Amity can have his/her transcript evaluated by a credentialing evaluation service. During the interview process, school should make clear to the Teacher Applicant what will be expected of him/her regarding certification.
Are Exchange Teachers allowed to bring their families to the US?
Exchange Teacher may request sponsorship for their families only after they have been in the US for one school year. Amity may sponsor a spouse and dependent children under 21. Amity requests that Exchange Teachers enter the US by themselves to acclimate themselves to their jobs and communities. Only a legal spouse and/or minor children under 21 years of age are eligible for J-2 sponsorship by Amity Institute. The US consulate retains the right to grant or deny a J-2 visa.
The sponsored spouse can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with INS upon arrival. It can take from three to six months to receive the EAD, during which time the spouse is not allowed to work.
Is the school required to hire a teacher for three years?
No. The school is not obligated to hire a teacher for three years. Both the school and the Exchange Teacher should sign a contract that is comparable to contracts offered to US educators. Often schools will offer a one year contract renewable for three years.
How does the interview take place?
Most interviews take place over the phone. Often schools will bring in several administrators and/or teachers to conduct a group interview. Schools may also email a candidate.
How does an Exchange Teacher find housing? Who pays for it?
Amity and the school assist the Exchange Teacher in locating affordable housing or a temporary host family. Amity has only one central location and places teachers throughout the US. Amity requests that a representative from the school is at the airport to greet the teacher when they arrive and escort them to the teacher’s residence. The Exchange Teacher is responsible for paying for his/her own housing.
Will an Exchange Teacher need insurance coverage?
Yes, Exchange Teachers may have the option of using the school’s medical/health insurance plan. Amity also offers a health provider for medical/health and evacuation/repatriation insurance, if the school can not provide these benefits. Often, Exchange Teachers will opt for the school’s medical/health insurance and use the Amity provider for Evacuation/Repatriation coverage.
Are Exchange Teachers subject to taxes?
During the first two years of the visa, Exchange Teachers are not subject to FICA or Medicare. During the third year of the visa, Exchange Teachers will be subject to both FICA and Medicare. Exchange Teachers are required to file state and federal taxes each year.
Three Year Visa Requirement (back to top)
Can the teacher stay for more than three years?
No. The mission of the Amity Institute and the Exchange Visitor Visa is for the participants to come the US to share their culture and knowledge and then return to their home country to educate their colleagues and students about US culture and customs. Amity does not support visa waivers or transfers to other work visas.