Visa Help, Teaching Tips, and Money Advice for International Educators
gemma@teach-usa.net 
Often, we rush and put in all the effort for a goal or a dream. Ahh, let me stop and put “I” instead of “we.”‘ I always act on impulse. I remember rushing to one of the agency offices in Mandaluyong (some 18 years ago!) because they were hiring teachers for the … Read more
“I am Jairoh Taracina, also known as “Mr. Jay” at my current school. I currently serve as a high school mathematics teacher in Missouri USA. Despite being a small town, this place is very safe and peaceful. In addition, I teach college subject to my students at Missouri College, where I am a college … Read more
No one wants to get sick. But if you are or was sick and you have medical bills to pay please know that there are options to pay your medical bills. Can medical bills be made in payments? Yes. Please work with your provider and ask about payment plans for your medical bills. You … Read more
Meet Evance “I have been looking for an opportunity to become a global teacher because I know becoming a global teacher will a enable me to grow, learn, share ideas and knowledge of academic and cultural values with other United states teachers, students and the American community as a whole and to also learn … Read more
When I was deciding what to take in college, teaching was the furthest thing on my mind. My mother was a teacher and I saw how busy she was even when she arrived home from school. I would watch my older sister, who worked in the bank, go out at night and meet up with … Read more
No matter how strong — or weak — we think we are, no matter what we think we can or cannot do in this life… No matter how we act on our dreams to the best of our abilities… If it’s not time yet. It’s not time yet. But keep on doing … Read more
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!
