Global Teach Exchange Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide a gateway to cross-cultural experiences, professional growth, and lasting connections between school communities globally.
Our Vision
Our vision is to provide excellent customer service characterized by prompt attention and compassionate care to teachers while efficiently and professionally assisting schools, first in Indiana, and then around the country.
Host Schools
International Exchange teachers bring a wealth of cultural and educational diversity to students and staff. Hiring an international teacher can help prepare students for the global economy by exposing them to different cultures and ways of thinking. Teachers with experience in different education systems can also bring new approaches to teaching and learning.
The Exchange Visitor Program allows qualified teachers from around the world to come to the United States for 3-5 years to educate students and be exposed to the culture in the U.S. This is a non-immigrant program and all exchange visitors are expected to return to their home country upon completion of the program in order to share their exchange experiences. The purpose of the program is to provide a gateway to cross-cultural experiences, professional growth, and lasting connections between school communities globally.
New to our program? Click this button to access our New School form to partner with us!
Candidate & Pre-Arrival
Current Teachers in the US
Extension & Post Program
Cost of Sponsoring an Exchange Visitor Teacher
- We charge a one-time fee of $500 to register a new school or district. The registration does not expire and does not change with the number of teachers hosted.
- The annual visa sponsorship charge for a teacher is $1600, with an additional $600 annual charge per dependent. Schools are required to pay the annual visa sponsorship fees for the teacher at minimum; some schools also decide to pay for the visa fees for the teacher’s dependents as well.
- Be aware of the insurance requirements for all exchange visitors (teachers and dependents). Please review this information to see if the insurance offered by your school/district provides the minimum coverage. The teachers can choose to purchase the insurance from a third party, but it is helpful for them to understand the options and costs.
FAQ
Can you sponsor a teacher at our school?
Sagamore can place teachers in a public, charter, or private school. The State Department requires that schools be accredited and be performing at a level that meets state standards. We prioritize placing teachers in Indiana and Michigan but will consider placements in other states depending on availability. To get started scroll back up to the top of this page and click the “New School Form”. In that form you can indicate the teaching positions you have open. We will send you resumes of prescreened candidates. Let us know when you find the right candidate!
Does our school have to pay the visa fees for the teacher and the teacher’s family?
International Teachers spend a lot of money to move to the U.S. to teach, therefore, we require that schools pay the annual visa fees for teachers and strongly encourage schools to pay the dependent visa fees as well.
What jobs at our school can an exchange visitor teacher do?
Teachers must be employed full time (32 hours a week minimum) as a teacher of record, leading a classroom. Teachers can also work in extra-curriculars at the school, such as coaching sports, leading clubs, and afterschool tutoring.
How long can a teacher stay with us?
The initial term of the visa is three years. Extensions for up to two additional years may be granted by the State Department (teachers must apply for the extension and include a letter of support from the principal).
Does a school have to continue the teacher’s employment if they are not happy with performance?
No, a school is not required to continue employment if performance is poor. However, most schools are very happy with their exchange teachers and we are available to help work through any issues that arise.
What is the role of the sponsor and what is the role of the school?
As the sponsor, Sagamore will ensure that candidates are pre-screened and qualified for the program. We will issue the necessary paperwork and guide the candidate through the process. While the teacher is in the country we monitor their health, safety, and welfare. We ensure that they remain eligible to participate in the program. The school interviews and selects candidates they think will be the best fit for their school. The school assists the teacher in getting settled in the U.S.
Where can I read more about this program?
Learn more here: https://j1visa.state.gov/programs/teacher!
Sagamore is proud of our partnership with the Indiana Department of Education’s Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program.
We currently sponsor 55 teachers who are teaching in Indiana DLI schools.
“Our guidelines and requirements for selecting immersion teachers all but eliminate local candidates. It is rare in central Indiana to come across a native Spanish-speaking licensed elementary teacher. Never has there been enough to fulfill our need. It is only through the Exchange Visitor Program and our partnership with the Spanish Ministry of Education that we are able to secure the number of highly qualified teachers to provide this unique educational program.”
Indiana Elementary School Principal
