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VIF teachers receive benefits tailored to meet the
needs of exchange teachers, including:
- Visa sponsorship and state teaching certification
- Round-trip travel for initial-term teachers
- Interest-free relocation loan
- Bank account
- Local Advisor Support Program
- Health, life and disability insurance
- Optional dental and professional liability insurance
- 24-hour emergency support
Visa sponsorship and education certification
Officially designated by the U.S. government as an Exchange Program Sponsor, VIF sponsors participants' cultural-exchange visas. VIF also assists our teachers in obtaining education certification in their host state.
Health, life and disability insurance
The U.S. Department of State requires that all J-1 participants and any J-2 dependents carry health and accident insurance. VIF offers a competitive health benefits program to support the health and welfare of eligible teachers and their J-2 dependents. VIF pays the majority of the monthly premium costs and teachers only pay a portion of that cost. VIF provides life and long-term disability insurance at no cost to participants. Also, teachers may choose to purchase dental and professional liability insurance at a reasonable cost.
Round-trip travel
First year VIF participants receive either an airline ticket or a driving stipend for travel to and from the U.S.
Interest-free relocation loan and a bank account
To help new VIF teachers cover initial costs, such as apartment deposits, VIF provides an interest-free loan with a monthly repayment plan. This is also an option for returning teachers. Separately, VIF provides assistance with establishment of a bank account for each new Program participant.
Local Advisor support program
Local Advisors are successful second- or third-year VIF teachers who help first-year participants adjust to new schools and surroundings. Local Advisors arrange temporary housing for the teachers they advise. Local Advisors also recommend permanent housing options and can arrange social gatherings to help new teachers meet people.
24-hour emergency support
During daytime hours, teachers may call or e-mail VIF teacher support staff. VIF teacher support specialists visit schools and teachers regularly. For after-hours emergencies, a VIF staff member is available on the emergency hotline — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
VIF understands that teachers need preparation before arriving in the U.S., so we provide participants with two introductions: 1) Pre-Departure Orientation before you leave for the United States and 2) Arrival Orientation upon arrival.
During these informative sessions, led by former VIF teachers and VIF staff, you will receive information about visas, travel, teaching in the United States and school culture, driving in the U.S. and more. You'll also be able to connect with teachers just like you!
VIF can help you grow in your teaching career. You'll have the opportunity to share your best practices with fellow teachers in the U.S and will return to your home country with knowledge that will make you an even stronger teacher.
- Master's Degree Program and Professional Development
VIF has partnerships with well-known U.S. colleges and universities to help exchange teachers earn master's degrees while teaching in the U.S. Teachers can also attend free professional development conferences sponsored by VIF - especially designed to assist first-year teachers.
- Cultural Ambassador Program
VIF's Cultural Ambassador Program prepares teachers to be cultural ambassadors by providing contests and workshops focused on incorporating culture into the clasroom. Beyond supporting teachers to lead cultural exchange activities, teachers are recognized and rewarded for sharing their culture with their school and community. Each year top cultural ambassadors are selected to present and attend professional development workshops.
- VIF Educator Community Web site
From the moment you are accepted into the program, you become part of the VIF Educator Community. This membership allows you to get the most up-to-date Program information and connect with other VIF teachers. Offerings include: online instructional support, a lesson plan database, classifieds to help you find housing and roommate information, a directory listing all teachers, message boards and more.
Please note: VIF periodically revises and enhances its services and benefits - therefore, those listed above are subject to change without prior notice.
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