Benefits and Services
VIF sets itself apart from other international-recruitment organizations in providing comprehensive support services to ensure that you have a rewarding experience. These services include a relocation package, an orientation program and mentoring, and career services to assist you as your further your international teaching career after your three-year stay.
Officially designated by the U.S. government as an Exchange Program Sponsor, VIF sponsors teachers' cultural-exchange visas. VIF will also assist you in obtaining education certification in their host state.
What benefits will I receive?
You will receive benefits tailored to meet the needs of exchange teachers, including:
Visa sponsorship and education certification »
Officially designated by the U.S. government as an Exchange Program Sponsor, VIF sponsors teachers' cultural-exchange visas. VIF will also assist you 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 your health and welfare and your J-2 dependents. VIF pays the majority of the monthly premium costs, and you pay only a portion of that cost. VIF provides life and long-term disability insurance at no cost to you. Also, teachers may choose to purchase dental and professional liability insurance at a reasonable cost.
Travel to the U.S. »
In your first year with VIF, you'll receive either an airline ticket or a driving stipend for travel to the U.S.
Interest-free relocation loan and a bank account »
When you arrive in the U.S., VIF provides an interest-free loan with a monthly repayment plan. This loan will help you cover initial costs, such as apartment deposits. The interest-free loan is also an option for returning teachers. Separately, VIF helps you set up a bank account when you first arrive in the U.S.
Local Advisor support program »
Local Advisors are successful second- or third-year VIF teachers who help you adjust to new schools and surroundings when you first arrive in the United States. Local Advisors help you arrange temporary housing. They also recommend permanent housing options and can arrange social gatherings to help you meet new people.
24-hour emergency support »
During daytime hours, you 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.
Visa sponsorship and education certification »
Officially designated by the U.S. government as an Exchange Program Sponsor, VIF sponsors teachers' cultural-exchange visas. VIF will also assist you 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 your health and welfare and your J-2 dependents. VIF pays the majority of the monthly premium costs, and you pay only a portion of that cost. VIF provides life and long-term disability insurance at no cost to you. Also, teachers may choose to purchase dental and professional liability insurance at a reasonable cost.
Travel to the U.S. »
In your first year with VIF, you'll receive either an airline ticket or a driving stipend for travel to the U.S.
Interest-free relocation loan and a bank account »
When you arrive in the U.S., VIF provides an interest-free loan with a monthly repayment plan. This loan will help you cover initial costs, such as apartment deposits. The interest-free loan is also an option for returning teachers. Separately, VIF helps you set up a bank account when you first arrive in the U.S.
Local Advisor support program »
Local Advisors are successful second- or third-year VIF teachers who help you adjust to new schools and surroundings when you first arrive in the United States. Local Advisors help you arrange temporary housing. They also recommend permanent housing options and can arrange social gatherings to help you meet new people.
24-hour emergency support »
During daytime hours, you 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.
How will VIF help prepare me for the VIF experience?
Before you arrive in the United States, you'll be assigned a VIF Teacher Support Advisor. This person will be your main connection to VIF for answering questions and providing information. Before you come to the United States, you'll go through a pre-departure orientation, either in person or online, depending on your country. When you arrive in the U.S., you'll attend an orientation, where you'll meet other new teachers from around the world and learn about what it's like living and working in the United States.
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.
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.
Are there opportunities for professional development?
Absolutely! VIF can help you grow in your teaching career. You'll have the opportunity to share your expertise and best practices with fellow teachers in the U.S., and you 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, so that you can earn your master's degree while teaching in the U.S. Teachers can also attend free professional development conferences sponsored by VIF. These conferences are specially designed to assist first-year teachers.
Cultural Ambassador Program »
VIF's Cultural Ambassador Program provides you with tools focused on incorporating culture into the clasroom. You'll be recognized and rewarded for sharing your culture with your 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. You'll get the most up-to-date Program information, and you can connect with other VIF teachers. Offerings include online instructional support, a lesson plan database, classified ads 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.