Length of Stay Commitment
How long is the VIF Program?
VIF is a three-year program designed to provide schools and teachers with significant international experience and professional development. VIF encourages teachers to plan to participate for the full three-years of the program because it has been our experience that both teachers and school districts report their greatest satisfaction with the exchange experience in a teacher's second and third year after the teacher has successfully adjusted to the new classroom and community.
How long must I be available to come to the U.S. in order to participate?
You should intend to come to the U.S. for at least two school years. Prospective applicants who are not committed to teaching in the U.S. for at least two years, or who have work or personal obligations that would prevent them from doing so, should not apply to the VIF Program.
Why does the VIF Program require a minimum commitment of two school years for participation?
VIF places participants in full-time teaching positions where they serve as the teacher of record at a U.S public or private school. Unlike other exchange programs where teachers “swap” positions with a U.S. counterpart or enter into job-sharing or teaching assistant programs, VIF teachers take on full responsibility for students as does any other newly hired teacher. For an international teacher, settling into life in the U.S. and a new school position requires significant commitment and time, including that of the school administration and VIF Support staff. The adjustment period will vary in length depending on the similarities and differences the teacher encounters, requiring time to learn, to adapt and most importantly, to build trust with new students and colleagues.
What are the school district’s expectations about the length of stay?
Schools participating in the VIF Program expect international teachers to remain in their positions for the full extent of the J-1 Visa Program, currently set at three years. Recognizing that frequent turnover in teaching staff can hamper student progress and that international hires typically require an adjustment period, schools are unwilling to host VIF teachers who are able to stay for one year only. Accordingly, VIF has set two school years as a minimum commitment for program participation.
Will I be guaranteed employment for at least two years?
Your continued employment as an exchange teacher is largely your responsibility and will be dependent upon your ability to teach successfully in the classroom in accordance with the requirements of your teaching position at the host school district and/or as assessed by VIF personnel. While we cannot guarantee employment for a specific period, we will work hard to provide you support and the opportunity to adjust quickly to your new community and succeed in the classroom.
The terms of program participation, including the terms for departures prior to completion of three years of program participation due to resignations, terminations, contract non-renewals or other extenuating circumstances, are addressed in more detail in the VIF Educator Agreement that is provided to all participants before they begin the program.
How long does it take to adjust to life as a teacher in the U.S.?
Most VIF teachers refer to their first year as “challenging” due to the number of changes they encounter: a new country and culture, a new school system, new teaching colleagues, a new home, new food, new friends etc. Cultural adaptation requires a significant adjustment period as one moves through the various phases. Typically, it takes at least six months to arrive at the final phase where one begins to adapt to the new culture and “fit in”. Therefore, while the first year is primarily one of adjustment and personal challenge, it is the second year that provides true program benefits as participants settle in and begin to make significant contributions. This is also the year where personal growth occurs. Participants begin to feel they have accomplished something of significance, gaining self confidence and new perspective on the nature of teaching itself. VIF staff provides support throughout the stay – online, via phone or email, and in person, primarily through school visits. Participants will also have access to professional and social events with other VIF teachers and staff.