Visa Help, Teaching Tips, and Money Advice for International Educators
gemma@teach-usa.net 
Everything works for good for those who love the Lord. And I believe that with all my heart. No matter the circumstances, challenges, problems, or issues along the way. I hold onto God’s message – everything works for good. It’s all good! Even if what I see looks negative, bad, unfair, … Read more
No matter how impossible, unattainable, or unimaginable something may seem – if it’s meant to be, it will be. Trusting God’s timing also means trusting all the setbacks, issues, and challenges that may come your way. Who knows? It may be God’s way of preparing you to achieve your heart’s desires. Trust … Read more
He was one of Teach-USA’s Batch 1, who decided not to extend his J1 visa for two more years. The J1 visa program is good for a maximum of five years. After three years, you can request an extension for two more years. He didn’t request for an extension. During his J1 program, he … Read more
“If it’s for you, you don’t need to force it to happen.”. Before I started in TeachUSA agency, I was offered an H1B in a school district in South Carolina but weeks later, they cancelled it for some reasons, it was so heartbreaking. I am certain, it was God who led … Read more
Context: My TeachUSA journey began last September 2022. Through the guidance of ma’am Gemma Defeo Hilotin and ma’am LeZah A Alignam, I processed all documents needed (like FCE, reference letters and the like) prior to sending out applications to schools para #LagingHanda. I figured it would be much easy this way so that … Read more
“EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED” I started entertaining the thought of applying for the USA as a J1 teacher with the vision in mind of providing myself and my family a future with better options. Though I am no stranger of how difficult it would take as I have witnessed friends and colleagues took longer period to … Read more
“My Teach-USA Journey” I started fulfilling my American dream last June of 2022. I was hesitant at first to pursue this dream because I know how hard it is to go to the US, let alone getting a job there. The pandemic really made living in the Philippines more difficult. The cost of living … Read more
Info from: Celeste/Thanks! “I just want to share some REAL LIFE embassy interview experiences of J1 Teachers after their 2-yr rule (212e requirement): Teacher’s Real Story #1: A teacher lacked 2 weeks because she left the country for a vacation in Thailand. The consul returned her passport and told her, “See you next … Read more
BECAUSE OF ITS DUAL INTENT, the H-1B visa is still the golden opportunity for anyone to access permanent residency in the U.S. The road to securing the visa could be rough and tough. It takes work. It is the road less traveled. Not EVERYONE will get in, that’s the TRUTH. But you will never … Read more
Nothing is guaranteed in your US applications. Even if you apply for jobs, it is not guaranteed that you will be chosen for interviews. Even if you get to be interviewed, it is not guaranteed that you will be chosen and given a job offer. Even if you have your visa … Read more
A famous Henry Ford quote, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right,” emphasizes how much attitude determines success or failure. If being successful or winning matters to you, then do what you must do, wherever you are, with whatever you have. If not, that’s OK too! … Read more
Reality bites. Let’s fully understand the situation: Competition: Remember, you are not the only one vying for the position. You compete with all the other teachers (be it coming from an agency or independent, and not just Filipinos but teachers from all over the world) plus US citizens or residents! So, if you get … Read more
Do not underestimate the power of 100% mental preparation. One day soon, the seeds you plant will take root and grow! Keep on doing the best you can. Do not stop. You will only get better and wiser in the process. Keep the faith!
Questions: Can your family apply for J2 visas when you apply for your J1 visa? Yes, but it depends on the sponsor too. Also, The US embassy will decide whether you will get approval. Is it best to bring your family at once? It depends on your priorities. Is the J2 process easy? Yes. … Read more
If you dream of teaching in the US to help your family, Believe in prayer that you have already received it. And it will be yours! And as you pray and believe, align your thoughts, words, and actions to the fulfillment of your dream. To align means to be conscious – of your … Read more
The other day, a Kindergarten teacher called me out because as her class was transitioning to another location, I smiled and said to one of her students, “Hi, Juana!” She exclaimed in my face, never to do that again, that If I want to greet her class, it has to be everybody in the line … Read more
Answer: No. Although if you have one, you earn about $10,000 more annually than those with Bachelor’s degree. — All states require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Education to become a certified teacher. Additionally, some states may require teachers to obtain a Master of Arts in Teaching or Masters in Education degree within … Read more
Expectations vs Reality – that’s how I want to sum up my J1 teacher journey in the US! Expectations Before I went to the US, I did not think that teaching in the US would be so difficult. Why? Hindi naman ako bobo, a foreign principal hired me, that means qualified ako, right? … Read more
Dreams will remain dreams unless one builds things around the purpose of turning that dream into a reality. In my quest to fulfill my dreams, I relied on faith, hard work, and constant motivation from my family. I drew inspiration from my family and from the comfort of knowing that, win or lose, … Read more
Believe it to See it! It is for real but still I can’t believe that it is. Parang panaginip pa rin kahit totoo na! It wasn’t easy. Ang dami kong takot na dinaanan. The only strength I hold onto is God’s promise that wherever He brings me to, He will get … Read more